What is the energy payback for a solar system?
The energy required to manufacture a solar power system is typically returned in less than five years of operation.

Does the square footage in my home tell you what size solar electric system I need?
The answer is usually no. While there is a relationship between the size of your home and your heating and cooling energy costs, this is not the case for solar electricity.  Lifestyle and types of appliances can significantly influence your electricity consumption more than the square footage.  The average New Mexico home consumes about 600 kilowatt-hours per month of electricity. If you have refrigerated air conditioning in your home, multiple refrigerators or freezers, or an excess of phantom loads, your energy bill will be significantly higher than the average.

How long will my system last?
PV modules typically have a manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees power production for 25 years. However, many experts expect PV panels to continue to work well for 30, 40, 50 years or longer. In fact, more than 90% of the PV panels in use since the 1960s and 1970s are still producing power!

Is there any maintenance required?
Generally the answer is no.  However if you want to increase the output, then there are several things you can do: clean the modules with water and a soft rag if there is extended periods of dry weather; and wipe snow off the panels after a snow storm.  If you have a pole-top tracking system, then this needs to be greased once a year. That’s about it.