Echo FAQs

Q: Does echo require a special kind of solar PV panels?
No. Your solar installer can upgrade a basic PV system to an echo solar system using any kind of basic PV panel, from any manufacturer. [Note: You cannot, however, create an echo solar system using solar products that imitate curved roof tiles.]

Q: What special requirements does my home have to have to accommodate an echo system?
Echo can be installed on any home that can take a basic PV system on the roof. Additionally, space is required to house the Energy Transfer Module (typically in an attic or garage) and, if you use gas or oil to heat your water, there must also be space for an additional hot water tank.

Q: I already have a solar PV system on my roof. Can I upgrade this to an echo solar system?
To upgrade an existing solar PV system to an echo solar system requires removing and then re-attaching the system to your roof. It's more common to upgrade to echo before the basic PV system is installed.

Q: Can echo be installed on any roof pitch? Can it integrate with any roof tile?
Yes!

Q: How is echo installed on my roof?
Unlike basic solar PV systems, underneath every echo solar system is a fire-resistant and waterproof metal foundation that protects your roof. Beyond adding strength and safety to your roof, this metal foundation does not need to be removed during re-roofing. Further, the array is sealed so that pests cannot nest under your solar array and potentially damage the wiring.

Q: How do you heat my water using air?
The air is passed over a simple heat exchanger located in the Energy Transfer Module. Some of the thermal energy in the air is transferred to the water. It works like a car radiator, running in reverse.

Q: Is echo reliable? Is echo warrantied?
Absolutely. The system uses tried and true solar panels and components, proven reliable in tens of thousands of systems and over decades of use. And your system is covered by a complete and comprehensive warranty, which provides all the protection of a basic PV system warranty, and then some.

Q: How much energy does an echo solar system produce?
Echo typically generates much more energy than a basic PV system. For example, if a basic PV system generates 100 units of energy, than that same system upgraded to echo would now generate 300 to 400 units of energy.

Q: If echo generates so much more energy than a basic PV system, why do you say it only generates "twice as much"?
Echo is so efficient that it typically generates more energy than you can use. When we say echo generates "twice as much energy" we are taking into account the amount of energy typically used in a home. For example, imagine it is a hot summer day and your system is generating thermal energy. By 1 pm or 2 pm echo has completely heated the water in the hot water tank. Echo could continue to generate thermal energy and heat the water through the remainder of the day, but there is no place to store the energy - there is no place to put the hot water. In this case, the potential amount of energy generated is more than the amount of energy used. Now imagine the same home with a spa or a swimming pool. The spa provides a place to put all of the energy generated. In this case, the total amount of energy produced equals the total amount of energy used. You can see that the greater your energy needs - the more heating you need - the more energy you will be able to utilize from your system. In summary, when we say echo generates "twice as much energy" we are taking into consideration the amount of energy a homeowner can typically use, not the total amount of energy generated.

Q: How do I know your energy performance estimates are accurate?
Energy performance estimates are based on one of the most widely used and trusted solar simulation tools available, the TRNSYSV16. Originally developed at the Solar Energy Lab at University of Wisconsin, Madison in the late 1970's, TRNSYS has been peer reviewed and cited in over 100 academic articles as the gold standard in accuracy. In fact, TRNSYS is used by some of the most trusted names in energy and is the engine for many solar energy modeling tools including:

• California Energy Commission - PV Calculator
• National Renewable Energy Laboratories - Solar Advisor Model
• Solar Ratings & Certification Corporation (SRCC)

Q: How much does an echo solar system cost?
Your solar installer will determine the final price depending upon the specific requirements for your home. Because echo generates so much more energy than a basic PV system, it typically puts more money in your pocket, especially if your energy needs are high. With the web‐based user interface, you can virtually see the money you’re saving.

Q: What are your financial calculations based on?
The expected energy production of a south facing 2640 watt STC DC PV system and an identically sized (PV) echo solar system in a four column, four row solar array, with a single row of solar thermal modules at the top of the array, estimated across different locations. All financial calculations use 2009 state-by-state average cost of energy data, currently available incentive and solar system pricing information, and include pricing and credit assumptions. "Year 1 net $ savings" represents the first year net cash position for a homeowner after all incentives have been received, and after mortgage payments have been made, in a 30 year, 7% mortgage, after a 10% down-payment, and including the tax savings realized at a 25% marginal tax rate. "Total lifetime $ savings" represents the non-discounted net cash position after 25 years of system operation, after all incentives have been received and after all mortgage payments have been made, in a 30 year, 7% mortgage, after a 10% down-payment, and including the tax savings realized at a 25% marginal tax rate. A 4.5% annual increase in the value of the energy offset has been applied.