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We're growing!

Altumaxis Technologies is expanding and hiring.  Browse our current openings.           Altumaxis is hiring

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Solar energy systems

Solar energy systems and solar power solutions for net-zero homes and buildings

Altumaxis installs the highest rated solar energy systems and solar power solutions for off-grid and grid-tie homes and buildings. We help clients get full rebates and incentives.  Welcome to energy independence. 

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Solar Energy FAQs

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells which work when short wavelength electromagnetic radiation from the sun (UV rays, visible light) strikes the cell’s surface. The cells emit electrons in the form of direct current (DC) which is known as the photoelectric effect. This DC current is then converted by the panel’s inverter transforming it into alternating current (AC) at 120 volts. This voltage is what we use in our homes and is also the same that is provided by your utility power company.

Is my house right for a solar energy system?

The main consideration for solar panel installation is the amount of roof space available for solar panels, and the direction the roof of your house faces relative to the sun. South, Southwest, and West facing roofs have the highest solar efficiency, east facing roofs can work, but are less efficient and North facing roofs are not practical.

What if my roof is heavily shaded or too small, can I still get a solar energy system for my residence?

Several options are available for you. One choice is to use ground-mounted solar array.  Other options include a sun tracking solar energy system. Altumaxis will conduct an on-site assessment as part of our free consultation.

I don’t know what size solar system to buy, how do I find out what is right for my home?

There are a few considerations about the size of the system for your home. First there is a space limitation, only so many solar panels can fit on any given surface. Next determine how much energy you use, and how much energy you want to produce.  It is important not to go overboard. We offer systems ranging from 2 kW to large MW commercial systems. The average homes in Austin are 3kW to 6kW.

What requirements, permits, or certifications are required by a company in order to install solar panels, can’t I just install a solar panel on my own home?

To qualify for the rebate programs, one or more of the working members must have a North American Board Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) certification. Altumaxis’ installers are NABCEP certified with years of experience working in the solar installation industry, and licensed master electricians. We have experienced electrical engineers on staff that perform design optimization and solar energy system validation. There are many variables involved to design and install a solar energy system. Our team stays current with their certifications and licenses ensuring all OSHA safety requirements, and municipal code and permitting demands or electrical projects are fully compliant. Altumaxis works hard to ensure each solar energy system is optimized for the appropriate home’s size and energy demands.

Am I allowed to put solar panels on my roof?  Will zoning restrictions or Home Owners Association (HOA) prevent me from installing solar panels on my property?

Zoning restrictions vary depending on your location. There are no zoning issues that affect solar energy system installations for the majority of central Texas. If you are unsure, telephone or email Altumaxis and we will sort it out for you.

In Texas, Home Owners Associations (HOAs) cannot prevent you from installing solar panels on your home. We will present necessary paperwork to your HOA to mitigate their aesthetic concerns.

What happens if the roof of my home is damaged and must be replaced? What happens to my solar installation?

This is a relatively common problem and isn’t a disaster. For the cost of labor alone we will come to your home, remove the panels, and then reinstall the system once the roof is completed. We do charge for this but it only covers our labor costs.

What happens if violent weather or hail damages my solar installation?

Our solar panels are rated for golf-ball sized hail. If your solar installation is damaged or destroyed during a storm, your homeowner’s insurance covers the cost of the system as part of your home.

Does Altumaxis warranty the solar systems once they are installed?

All our solar panels come with a 25 year manufacturer warranty. The inverters have a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty. The overall installation project has a 10 year installer warranty. After the final inspection, your solar energy system installation is treated as a fixed structure by your homeowner’s insurance policy which safeguards your solar installation as if it were part of your home.

How long will it take to get my new solar system installed and running?

The length of time to install a complete system depends on the complexity of the roof and the number of solar panels to be installed. Once all of the permits, designs, and contracts are complete, solar energy systems are typically installed in 3-5days. Altumaxis provides estimated installation times in all customer proposals.

What happens if I generate more power than I use?

Federal law requires that all public utilities credit you for excess electricity fed back into the grid (rates vary by location). We encourage you to get an appropriately sized system for your home that covers the amount of electricity used.

It is not recommended to remove a solar panel system.  Removing certified installed solar energy systems can impact the warranties. Studies by the National Realtor’s Association show that homes values increase and the time to sell is quicker with the addition of solar energy systems! So leaving the solar energy systems with the home actually earns you more money!. http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2011/04/22/solar-panels-can-boost-home%e2%80%99s-resale-value-study-finds/

Does installing solar panels on my home affect how much I pay for my homeowners insurance.

Yes! But rather than making it more expensive to insure, the cost is often less. Many homeowners’ insurance agencies offer incentives for green energy products. Contact your insurer and see if you qualify for rebates on clean energy home improvements. www.altumaxis.com

Does solar power work for commercial buildings?

Yes, solar works very well for commercial buildings. We provide solar power solutions wherever electricity is used. For large scale commercial or utility applications, please contact Altumaxis for more information.

What is the first thing I should do?

Contact Altumaxis!

 

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