Solar Tracker FAQs

Should I buy a solar tracker or put solar panels on my roof?

If you have a location with un-shaded southern exposure and sufficient space, a tracker will give you 35-45% more energy production than solar panels on your roof.

How much yard space do I need for the tracker?

You need approximately a 50 by 50 foot square that has un-shaded southern exposure to the sun.

How far can the tracker be from my house?

The tracker can be installed up to 300 feet from your house without additional cost. It can be installed further away but this will add to the cost as increased trenching and electrical wiring will be required.

How much electricity will the system produce?

This depends on the size of the system installed. In New England, for every single watt solar cell installed on the tracker, approximately 1.4 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy will be produced on an annual basis. [A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power expended for one hour of time. The consumption of electrical energy by homes and small businesses is usually measured in kilowatt-hours and your electric utility charges are based on kilowatt-hours used.]

How long will the tracker system last?

The photovoltaic panels have a 25-year warranty and will most likely continue to produce energy for even longer than 25 years. Please see the AllEarth Renewable's warranty on the AllSun Tracker for complete details.

Why should I put up a tracker now? Isn't PV technology changing daily?

While photovoltaic technology continues to evolve, the PV panels available today will continue to produce energy for at least 25 years.

Do I need batteries?

No, batteries are an unnecessary expense as the AllSun Tracker is designed to work connected to the electrical grid.

Can the AllSun Tracker be installed off the grid?

No, the AllSun Tracker is designed to work only connected to the grid and your electric utility.

Do I need to provide insurance? How will this affect my homeowner's insurance policy?

A solar tracker system is generally considered an external structure, similar to a shed, and covered without additional cost under a homeowner's insurance policy. Coverage limits for external structures vary based on your policy; if you have multiple such structures already you may need additional coverage. As with any major purchase for your property, you should check the terms of your policy and notify your insurance company.

Why can't I mount the solar tracker on my roof like my neighbor's solar panels?

The AllSun Tracker needs a strong foundation to provide stability from added stress of wind loading and standard roofs do not provide that level of support.

Can I use the tracker to heat my home or water?

The AllSun Tracker is a solar electric system that converts the light of the sun into electricity, which can be used for any of your electrical needs. A different type of solar energy system, known as a thermal solar system, uses the sun's heat to make hot water or heat a home directly.

What kind of maintenance is needed?

The tracker is virtually maintenance free although the panels should be wiped down if there is any visible dirt or debris. In most cases, this will be unnecessary, as the rain will wash the panels clean.

Who will provide maintenance and service on the AllSun system?

AllSun Trackers are designed to be virtually maintenance free, but in the unlikely event service is needed, please contact the manufacturer, AllEarth Renewables directly. Depending on your location, either AllEarth Renewables or the certified installer in your region will help you resolve the problem.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a system that allows electric utility customers to generate their own power using renewable energy systems connected to the electric grid. If customers generate more power than used, the electric meter runs backward and the utility provides credit to the customer for the electricity produced at full retail rates. The customer is allowed to keep a credit for up to 12 months from the date of generation. After 12 months, if the credit is unused, it reverts to the utility and the customer receives no compensation. If customers need more power than what is generated by their renewable system, the meter runs forward using electricity from the grid.

Does solar really work in Vermont?

Solar energy in Vermont really works. Vermont may not be the warmest state, but it gets plenty of sunlight to make installing solar equipment a sound investment. The AllSun Tracker even generates some electricity on cloudy days because it can position itself to capture ambient sunlight.

Vermont's solar resource surpasses Germany - which was the largest market for solar photovoltaic installations in 2008. With new federal and state tax credits and other incentive programs available, Vermont has the opportunity to follow Germany's example and become a leader in solar installations in the United States. (Check out the map of solar resources.)

FAQs