How does this work?
There are cheaper solar panels to DIY (Do-it-yourself) online. What’s the difference?
- We use only top quality components so you can expect years of hassle-free service.
- Our Kits come 95% preassembled, so they literally only take minutes to set up.
- Our products come with a wireless monitor so you can watch your energy production from inside your home.
- A tremendous amount of thought and experience went into the design of these systems so they will work efficiently and withstand the harshest environments, including high winds, snow, hail, etc.
- Our kits were created by NABCEP certified Solar Installers who have installed hundreds of solar arrays.
- All our components are UL Listed.
How much will I save?
Individual savings will vary based on geographical location, local utility rates and the amount of direct sun the unit receives. In some areas, one Stealth kit alone can save an average of $5-10 dollars on your monthly electricity bill. In areas like Phoenix or California with expensive tiered summertime electricity rates, it can easily save you a lot more. Each additional Add-On unit will further increase your savings by an equal amount. Also, make sure you have your Plug-n-Play unit in an area that is free of shade, the more shade on the panel, the less money it will save you.
What does it power?
Every Portable unit will provide its maximum amount of power based on the current sun conditions. The power being produced supplements the power you are receiving from the utility, and therefore slows your meter. Anything you plug into your house – toaster oven, computer, microwave, dishwasher, laundry machine, fax – is at least in part, being powered by your Plug-n-Play unit.
Just think of your Plug-n-Play unit as a mini power plant that produces power for you on your side of your electric meter. When your power plant is producing power, it reduces what you need to pull from the Utility’s plant.
Where can it be installed?
It can be installed anywhere there is a flat surface and full sun. Plug-n-Play units can be installed on decks, patios, yards, or on the roof. All you need is enough space and a sunny area.
Does an electrician need to install it?
Nope. You won’t need hired help, hassles or extra costs. All Plug-n-Play units come 99% assembled and only need to be plugged into a dedicated outdoor outlet. If you can assemble a desk from a cheap furniture company without a carpenter, you can use the Plug and Play system – a lot more easily!
How easy is it to install?
Installation really is easy. One person can set up each panel, but it’s easier with two. Our advice is to grab a buddy for initial set-up, as it makes removing the packaging and placement of the panel much easier. Installation is fast, and only requires two 1/2″ wrenches. Even our largest systems can be set up in less than half an hour. That’s a lot faster than a kid’s play kitchen!
How do I know if it’s working?
Once set up is complete and the unit(s) are plugged into the dedicated outdoor outlet, the system requires 5 minutes before power generation will begin. At the end of those 5 minutes, it’s time for the play part of the Plug-n-Play system.
Included in each unit is a wireless meter that is easy to read. The meter has three useful main functions:
- It shows kilowatts generated – this is how you know it’s working.
- It tells you your average dollars saved.
- It displays pounds of Co2 emissions saved.
By checking the kWh (kilowatt) meter regularly, you can identify and play with exact panel angles and directions for optimum energy output, something that is not possible with most traditional solar. The system is easy as 1-2-3 to set-up, but the fun part is plugging it in and then playing with it – so you can optimize your own sunny spots!
Does my electric utility approve of these units?
This depends on your utility. In Arizona, one local utility allows up to 1,000 Watts(AC) to be installed without an inspection or an interconnection agreement. This means you could install four DIY solar units without any hassle from your utility. You will need to check with your local utility to find out their policy on plug-n-play type solar units.
That being said we do have a simple electrical diagram that you can send to your utility should they ask.
Will the Plug-n-Play unit provide power to my house in the event of a power outage?
No. Our Grid-tied units must meet stringent requirements that ensure immediate shut down in the event of a power outage. This is required by the utility to ensure we do not backfeed the power lines while they are trying to repair the lines. This is called “anti-islanding” and is a requirement for all utility interactive solar systems.
Why invest in solar energy?
Even if you don’t own your own home or have a lot of disposable income (like many of us in this economy), you can help contribute to a solution to our energy problems, right now. Some reasons to invest in a Plug and Play Solar kit include:
Clean air: Solar energy technology is one of the few truly clean carbon-free forms of energy available. Using solar can help prevent the release of nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into our environment, for cleaner air now and for future generations of people, not to mention animals, plants and all forms of life on earth.
Reliable grid-tied solar energy: While others complain about high-energy costs, brown-outs and black-outs, solar can provide energy during times of production problems and peak usage. The Plug and Play Solar Kit is portable and can generate clean energy anywhere there’s an outlet and a sunny spot.
Less reliance on foreign energy: While others are contributing to our dangerous reliance on foreign energy sources from unstable regions, you can be setting a standard of taking steps toward clean, self-sustaining energy.