Frequently Asked Questions
PowerMax delivers a perfect balance between sleek rooftop appearance and powerful on-roof performance. Depending upon your system size and local geographic and environmental conditions, your PowerMax system may deliver most or all of your energy requirements. Your trained contractor can help design a system that meets both your energy and aesthetic goals.
PowerMax is available in a wide variety of system sizes in order to meet the needs of most homeowners. A good rule of thumb is approximately 10 watts per square foot or 1kW per 100 square feet. A 3kW household system requires only 300 square feet of roof space.
This will depend primarily on the size of your solar system, your usage, and the cost of electricity per kWh. (For reference, 1kWh runs a 100 watt light bulb continuously for 10 hours.) As electricity rates increase, your savings should increase.
Yes. The average American home uses approximately 900 kWh of electricity per month. If your system generates more than you use, a meter measures the amount put back into the utility company's grid. In some cases, the utility company will pay a set rate payment to the homeowner (typically annually) or issue a credit for future use. Net metering laws vary from state to state; therefore consumers should verify their local utility's policies.
The PowerMax system is designed to be incorporated into all asphalt-shingle roofing. A minimum slope of 4:12 is required.
If you belong to a homeowners' association, consult your covenants for details. Many states prohibit homeowners' associations from restricting solar devices, however you will want to verify your association's specific policies.