Getting Started:

There are 5 basic steps involved in getting a system:

  1. Call Us
  2. Site evaluation and system quote
  3. Initiate the project
  4. System Commissioning
  5. Customer walk through

What size system do you need?

There are three main factors that will determine the way ProSolar designs a system to fit your specific needs. If you can accurately estimate for these, we will be better prepared to evaluate the system needed and give you a quote. The following will help you procure the necessary information and we can get started!

  1. Your electrical usage
  2. Available unshaded space, preferably during peak hours of the day for optimal sunlight.
  3. Your budget with available financing and government benefits.
Your utility bills have your electrical consumption on them, which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the standard measurement for electricity usage and flow. Your utility provider’s website, may also provide this information for you, most have an ‘electric consumption’ graph which will give you your usage in kWh as well.To size a system most accurately, we prefer to have a year’s history of your usage. This information can be obtained by reviewing past bills, directly contacting your utility company or pulling your account history up online. (for a list of utility providers websites, click here.)In the event you just purchased the property and do not have past usage for your residence, we can forecast a general range for future usage using your input plus the previous occupant’s usage history, which can also be obtained from your utility providers website.Need help determining your electrical usage?

Call Us

Give us a call. We are happy to provide a free energy audit. We will discuss your expectations, and explain how we can tailor the size and type of your system to best meet your needs. We will consult with you about the price, what directional orientation will take best advantage of peak sunlight, rebates and incentives possible, what to expect from a solar electric system and address any further questions or concerns you may have.

Site Evaluation, Quote and Installation Info:

If you are interested in pursuing a system further, one of our ProSolar associates will come to your home, take measurements, evaluate your electrical setup, and develop system estimates for you to review. These estimates include a detailed explanation of your potential annual energy savings, payback periods, estimated rebates and grants, net costs and return on investment.

There is no charge for this service, so call us for a consult today!

For more detailed information on factors we consider during the site evaluation, click here.

There are no moving parts in any of our mounting systems. They will not track the sun, nor can they be adjusted for different seasons.Ideal pitch in most of Florida for maximum production benefit is 30 degrees (a 3/12 – 4/12 pitch). Changing the degree of pitch will have minimal effect on electrical production.When we have to tilt the panels on a roof, it can add anywhere between $500.00 and $1,300.00 to the cost of the system, depending on the size of the system.When we do a ground mount, it can add thousands to the cost of the systems, depending on the system size, the trenching required and the solidity of the ground.There are three main types of mounting that we offer:

  1. Pitched Roof Mount (most economical)
  2. Flat Roof Mount
  3. Ground Mount (most expensive)
    1. For pitched roofs:

For South facing roofs, which is the ideal directional orientation for maximum production benefit, we mount the panels flush against the roof for optimum aesthetic.

For East/West facing roofs, we will consider which direction to mount the panels flush on either the East or West facing pitch. This technique sacrifices production by about 20%.

For North facing roof, we will tilt the panels towards the South to maximize production of the system.

    1. For flat roofs:

For flat roofs we typically mount the panels at 10 or 15 degrees, and sometimes as high as 25 or 30 degrees.

We mount the panels at 10 degrees if a lower profile is desired or if there are spatial restraints, as this smaller angle allows us to put the rows closer together because they create a smaller shadow when at a lower profile.

We mount the panels at 25 degrees for maximum production if possible.

Appropriate Mounting Location:

You need space that is unshaded all day during the peak sunlight hours of the day throughout the year for maximum production, and economic and environmental benefit. Solar electric panels are sensitive to shade, but perform with limited efficiency in cloudy weather.Roof features to take into consideration as potentially shading a solar array include: vents, chimneys, skylights, air conditioners, satellite dishes, etc.Trees, even in your neighbors yard, utility poles, large buildings, etc. are other things you may want to consider.

Project Initiation:

When you have accepted the system design and system quote and we have a signed contract, a deposit is collected. ProSolar will procure signed and sealed design and layout plans from structural engineers and electrical drawings, handle all permit applications and coordinate with your utility provider prior to installation. Installation is then scheduled with the homeowner and completed by our in house state certified building contractor. Finally, ProSolar will handle all meetings with inspectors, city and utility, to receive final building certificates and close out the building permit.

Typical Construction Schedule

Construction Schedule

Timeframe

Project Initiation

Day 1

Design, Engineering, Permits, coordination with city and utility provider

Typically 2 to 3 weeks  after project deposit depending on city and utility provider

Installation (usually takes 1-3 days)

Typically 3 to 10 weeks after initial deposit.

Inspection & Commissioning

Typically 5 to 12 weeks  after initial deposit

System Commissioning:

After installation is complete, with all electrical inspections signed off on, ProSolar will test various system components for safe operation and commission the system with your utility company.

Customer Walk Through:

A full walk through of the system is done prior to or after commissioning. Operation guidelines and maintenance are explained to the client. The System Operations Manual is presented along with two duplicate copies of all plans, permits, and additional paperwork that may be needed by all utility, state and federal institutions. An optional maintenance contract will also be offered and all warranty information explained.

For more information on warranties included, click here.