Products & Services FAQ

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about renewable energy and our products and services. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please email us at .

General Questions

Do I have a good site for using renewable energy?

Here are some general guidelines for site requirements.

For a solar electric system, you need clear, unobstructed access to the sun. Make sure that buildings, trees or other vegetation do not shade your site. The system does not necessarily need to be on your roof — it can also be mounted on the ground.

For a wind energy system, you need land in a windy area. The ideal locations for a wind turbine are 20’ above any surrounding object within a 250-foot radius. This generally means your property should be at least 1/2 acre or larger in size. Wind turbines can be installed as a single unit or as a “farm” to generate even more power.

To find out which type of renewable energy system is best for your site, contact Mythos Solar Energy.

How much does a solar electric system cost?

The total cost of purchasing and installing a solar PV system is dependent upon the size of your facility, available incentives and the site conditions (solar exposure, weather systems, roof construction etc.). Mythos Solar Energy’s evaluation of your project will result in a financially sound proposal that reduces your energy use while ensuring fiscal feasibility.

Why should I consider buying a solar system?

These are some of the most common reasons for considering a solar system:

• You can reduce or eliminate the amount of electricity you purchase from your utility company.
• You will lock in at today’s rates and avoid future price increases, a kind of “power insurance”.
• Solar energy is silent, produces no emissions and uses no fuel (other than sunlight).
• You’ll be helping your community by reducing the electricity demand, and you’ll provide additional electricity for the grid when you generate more than you use.
• Companies are using solar to enhance their corporate image.

Are incentives available for PV systems?

To encourage the development of the solar industry, many states, regions and utilities have special programs available. You can check for state and federal incentives at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) at www.dsireusa.org.

Are there any tax benefits to having a solar electric system?

Yes. Solar Energy Industries Association (www.SEIA.org) has been working with the IRS to obtain formal guidance on these issues. Visit the Association’s Web site to learn more about the New Federal Solar Tax Credits. For the most accurate information for your particular situation, consult your tax advisor.

How does a solar electric system generate a constant cash flow?

A solar electric system eliminates or reduces your monthly power bill. An investment in this system guarantees a 9% — 10% rate of return after taxes.

How will the solar system survive extreme weather conditions?

Mythos Solar Energy sells solar panels that are tested and UL rated to withstand 125mph winds, as well as the impact of 1" hailstones. Racking designs are engineered to exceed the local wind and snow requirements. Roof or ground systems are mounted using anodized aluminum parts to prevent corrosion. All solar panels come with a 25-year power output warranty. (Because all panels experience some minor long-term declines in power output, power warranties are usually expressed in terms of the panel’s ability to put out a percentage of its original rated output over time. For example, a panel may be warranted to provide at least 90% of its rated output for 10 years, and 80% for 20 years. This type of power warranty is very common. Your chances of significant power decline are fairly small, and most manufacturers offer prompt replacement.)

Where can I install my solar system?

A solar system can be installed on your roof, on the ground, on a boat or RV and even as a pole-side or pole-top mount, depending on your situation. Contact the Mythos Solar Energy design team for consultation on the best placement for your solar system.

What happens if the price of oil continues to rise?

By converting to solar now, you lock in your energy cost and insure yourself against inevitable future price increases in oil, a kind of “power insurance”.

Why does Mythos use NABCEP-certified installers?

We use installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) because they are proven, qualified professionals.

NABCEP has developed eligibility requirements that include a variety of experience and training options, such as four years of experience installing PV, an electrical apprenticeship or electrical contractor experience. Candidates who meet these prerequisites are required to complete an application, sign a code of ethics, submit the required documents and fees and then take a complex written exam. Successful completion of this process allows a practitioner to display the NABCEP credentials.

The goal of NABCEP certification is to increase the safety and reliability of PV installations throughout the United States. By doing so, customer satisfaction in PV systems should increase, and greater numbers of PV systems will be installed.

What warranties come with the solar electric system?

The following warranties vary with your solar electric system:

• Solar panels — up to 25-year manufacturer’s warranty for power output
• Inverters — up to 10-year warranty
• Installation — 5-year NABCEP installer’s warranty
• Mounting equipment — up to 10 years

A PV system that is well designed, installed and maintained can operate for more than 25 years. The basic PV module (an interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 25 years.

How can I check on my solar system to make sure it’s working correctly at all times?

Mythos Solar Energy can provide you with a real-time configurable monitoring system to verify whether your system is up and running. It will also inform you as to how much electricity you are producing. If you have any system issues, automated alerts can be set up to notify us, and we’ll work with you to resolve them quickly and efficiently. Call Mythos Solar Energy to learn even more about the benefits that this monitoring system can provide for your solar system.

What happens to a solar electric system when the utility power goes out?

Solar electric systems must shut down when the utility power drops below or above a pre-set voltage range. To have backup power in case of an emergency, you can install a battery backup system, like the GridPoint appliance. If you have power outage issues, you should also consider adding a backup generator with your solar system. At Mythos Solar Energy, we can help you better understand your options and the benefits of these applications.

How does a solar electric system affect my property value?

According to the National Appraisal Institute (Appraisal Journal, October 1999), a home’s value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. This means that your solar electric power system adds more value to your home than it costs you.

What happens on a cloudy day or night?

Your solar electric system will not produce electricity without direct or diffused sunlight. At nighttime or on cloudy days, your home will draw electricity from the utility grid or from batteries charged during the day. You build up credits on sunny days and draw from these credits at night and on cloudy days.

What are the major components of a solar electric system?

Many components make up a complete solar electric power system, but the four main items are: photovoltaic panels, charge controller(s), batteries and inverter(s). The solar modules are physically mounted on a mount structure, and the DC power they produce is wired through a charge controller before it goes on to the battery bank, where it is stored. An inverter changes DC to AC power for home consumption.

For an off-grid (stand-alone) system, a charge regulator or controller and batteries are required.

How much power do I use?

To match the size of a solar electric system to your electricity needs and budget, find out how much power you use by looking at your utility bill or calling your electric utility. It is best to get the past 12 months of electric usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) and then consult us at Mythos Solar Energy.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a simplified method of metering the energy consumed and produced at a home or business that has its own renewable energy generator, such as a solar system. Under net metering, excess electricity produced by the solar system will spin the existing home or business electricity meter backwards, effectively banking the electricity until the customer needs it. This provides the customer with full retail value for all the electricity produced.

What do the terms “grid-tie”, “on-grid”, “grid-connected”, “grid-interactive” and “off-grid” mean?

“Grid-tie”, “on-grid”, “grid-connected” and “grid-interactive” all refer to systems that are connected to the utility electrical grid. These types of PV systems operate in parallel with your local utility service, providing a supplemental source of clean, renewable energy. Direct current (DC) power from the solar modules is fed to an inverter that converts this energy to utility-grade alternating current (AC). This energy is then fed into a building’s load center, helping offset incoming utility power.

“Off-grid” refers to systems that are not connected to the utility electrical grid. This type of PV system is designed as the primary power source for remote locations without utility service. These systems always have deep-cycle storage batteries to store the electricity produced.

How many years does a solar PV system last?

A PV system that is properly designed, installed and maintained can operate for more than 25 years. The basic PV module (an interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 25 years.

GridPoint FAQ

Where can I buy a GridPoint appliance?

Mythos Solar Energy is an authorized national distributor for GridPoint appliances. To purchase a GridPoint appliance, contact us at (800) 773-6931 or email .

Do GridPoint appliances work with solar thermal panels?

No. There are two types of solar panels: solar thermal and solar electric (called photovoltaic or PV) panels. Thermal panels heat water, while PV panels generate electricity. GridPoint appliances work with electricity and thus do not work with solar thermal panels.

What will I be able to power with my GridPoint?

GridPoint appliances are designed to power “critical loads” in the event of a utility power outage. You and your GridPoint installer can decide what the appropriate critical loads are for your needs.

How long will my backup power last?

Your available power is defined by these factors:

Amount of battery storage capacity in the GridPoint appliance.
GridPoint appliances currently come with 10 kilowatt-hours of backup storage capacity. You will need to decide which storage capacity you need when you purchase your system.

Amount of energy being drawn out of the batteries.
Like a bucket of water being drained from the bottom and filled from the top, your batteries will be able to support your critical loads as long as they have energy stored — or “water in the bucket”. With the GridPoint Connect™ appliance, the power you use during an outage is the drain on the batteries, while your renewable energy source is the spigot replenishing your batteries’ available energy. The larger your initial battery capacity, the greater your initial supply of energy.

Where should I store the appliance?

GridPoint appliances are designed for clean, quiet operation inside the home — an advantage over traditional generators that are noisy, need to be stored outside and can be disruptive to neighbors. Most of our customers place their GridPoint appliance in a closed garage, basement or utility closet. For maximum efficiency, it should be placed near the load panel.

Can I buy extra battery capacity for my GridPoint?

Yes. GridPoint offers expanded battery accessories, each of which will allow you to increase battery storage from 10 to 50 kilowatt-hours.

How big is a GridPoint?

GridPoint appliances are 26" deep, 24" wide and 52" high — about the size of a small refrigerator. Electrical codes in most states require at least three feet of clear space to the left of the GridPoint so that your installer will have ample room to stand as he or she plugs in your wires. Fully installed with batteries, which make up the bulk of the weight, GridPoint appliances weigh upwards of 1,325 pounds.

Intelligent Remote Power Solution (IRPS) FAQ

Where can I buy IRPS?

Mythos Solar Energy representatives are ready to assist you with your IRPS order. Contact Mythos Solar Energy at or (800) 773-6931.

What will I be able to power with my IRPS?

You will be able to power WiFi or WiMAX transmitters, wireless cameras, surveillance and lighting. If you have an application not listed, contact Mythos Solar Energy for an engineering and development quote.

How long will my backup power last?

Backup power will last three to ten days autonomy, depending on location and configuration.

Can I save money by installing the IRPS?

Yes. In addition to saving money on your power bill, you’ll save on installation costs (avoiding trenching, saving time and eliminating the cost of copper wiring) and on maintenance (avoiding unnecessary checkup trips).

How many IRPS would I need to support a strong WiFi system?

The number required depends on your location and the grid availability.

What maintenance is involved for the IRPS?

Remote monitoring is provided to reduce unscheduled maintenance trips, however, periodic washing of the modules is advised to maximize efficiency. The IRPS should only require periodic module and battery checks.

Is the system monitored?

The system is monitored in real time, 24/7, 365 days a year.

How do I know if something is wrong with one of my units and how would I know which one?

The remote monitoring software will send alerts directing you to the faulty IRPS unit.

How can I determine which sites within a deployment are most cost effective for using the IRPS?

Any site more than 1,000 feet from the utility grid makes economic sense because it avoids the cost of trenching and cabling and limits exposure to rising costs of copper, aluminum and utility power rates.

What are the determining factors for using the IRPS vs. a standard grid-connected installation?

The following are factors to consider when deciding between IRPS and a grid-connected power supply:

• Grid availability
• Cost of utility power
• Environmental impact
• Budget
• Location

How easy is it to install an IRPS?

IRPS is designed to be an easy-to-install, plug and play product. Installation should take approximately one hour per unit, depending on location and configuration.

What are the available IRPS options?

Power and battery capacity:

• 12 VDC + 200 AH
• 24 VDC + 200/400 AH
• 48 VDC + 400/800 AH

Array sizes:

• 80 watts
• 160 watts
• 170 watts
• 208 watts
• 340 watts
• 416 watts
• 680 watts
• 832 watts

What is the warranty for the IRPS?

• Solar modules: 20-25 years manufacturer warranty
• Electrical components: 10 years
• Batteries: 2 years
• Parts and labor: 5 years

What kind of temperatures can the IRPS operate in?

IRPS will operate in conditions from -40°C — + 60°C.

Can the IRPS handle strong winds?

Yes, mounting structure, enclosures and modules are designed to withstand winds up to 125 mph.

What information will the IRPS monitoring software provide?

It provides you with critical performance data, including solar energy production, battery capacity, error alerts and the environmental savings.