FAQ

Light energy from the sun is absorbed into the solar cells, creating direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity gets converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. This can be a central unit (string inverter), or by multiple small units mounted behind the solar panels, up on the roof (microinverters). The AC electricity is fed into your electrical panel and will be used first by electrical loads in your home, and if there is any excess, it will flow out to the grid, and you will receive credits from your electrical utility!

Net metering describes a relationship with your electric utility. You are connected to the grid at all times. When your solar power system is producing power, the power flows into your electrical panel. This power will go first to power any loads that are using power in your home. If the solar system is producing more power than is needed in your home, power will flow out to the grid. If your home is using more power than the solar system is producing (cloudy days or at night), power will flow into your home as required. NSP will install a bidirectional meter that measures when power is flowing in or out. At the end of your billing cycle, NSP will take the 2 reads (consumption and production) and figure out the difference. If you owe them money, you will need to pay the difference. If they owe you money, it will go on your bill as a credit for your next bill. If at your energy reconciliation bill, they still owe you money, they will send you a payment.

No, all our technicians are long term, full time, permanent employees. Subcontractors are typically paid per job and they often don’t have that long range view and attention to detail and quality that our employees have, and that is necessary for installing a system that will continue to operate flawlessly for 25-40 years!

Start with a phone call or email to Pineland Electric. We will manage the whole process for you! Here are the project steps for a typical residential solar installation, with minor variations depending on the project-

We will consult with you about system size, design, components, etc. This will in most cases require at least one on-site visit. Once you are happy with the design and are ready to proceed.

We send a contract for you to print, sign, and send back, and an invoice for the deposit, which you can pay for by Etransfer (or another method)

We prepare the pre-application for Efficiency NS. You will get an email from Efficiency NS with a link to for you to approve and verify the information we have submitted.

We prepare 2 applications for NSP and send them to you. You print them, sign, and send them back. I will submit them to NSP at the appropriate time. You will be CC’d on emails when I submit the forms.

We prepare and submit applications for structural engineering and a building permit.

Wait for all applications come back approved.

Installation and inspections.

We prepare the final application for Efficiency NS. You will get an email from Efficiency NS with a link to for you to approve and verify the information we have submitted.

You will receive your rebate check from Efficiency NS!