Why should I switch to solar?
Historically homeowners have been forced to rent their power from a utility company. Could you imagine being forced to rent an apartment forever without having the option to buy? Horrible, right? The exact same thing has happened with power; homeowners have been renting energy from their utility company which is money going down the drain, every single month.
What is the solar panel installation process?
The process of going solar is quite complex, and that’s why it’s important for you to be partnered with an organization that understands solar fulfillment. We break it down into 7 simple steps.
- Solar Agreement
- Site Survey
- System Design and Layout
- Permits and Approvals
- Installation
- City Inspection
- Permission to operate
What is the warranty on the solar system?
When discussing the warranty of a solar system it is broken into a few different types.
- Workmanship warranty (This covers the installation) Ranges from 10yrs to 25yrs
- Panel Warranty (This is dependent on the manufacture of the panels, most are 25yr warranties.)
- Production/ Performance Warranty (This will vary upon the manufacture of the solar panels. Some offer up to a 30yr performance warranty.)
- Inverter Warranty (Most inverters offer a warranty of 10yrs to 25yrs. There are options to buy an extended warranty if needed. )
What is the Solar Tax Credit?
Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also referred to as “Solar Tax Credit”. The tax credit allows for you to deduct up to 26% for the years 2021-2022 of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. Some cities and states offer additional incentives.
What are the different ways to get solar system?
There are 4 ways to get solar. Loans, PPA, Lease, or Cash
- PPA is short for Power Purchase Agreement. A customer who signs up for a PPA agrees to pay for the production of the solar system monthly. (No tax credit)
- Lease- Customers pay a fixed amount monthly for the expected amount of production of their solar system will produce in a year. (No tax credit)
- Financed- You can finances the system anywhere from 5yr up to 25yrs. The interest rate is as low as 1.5% (Eligible for a tax credit)
- Cash– You can pay cash for a system and own your energy at any time. (Eligible for a tax credit)
Will solar panels increase the value of my home?
Just like adding a swimming pool, installing solar can increase the value of your home. A study in 2019 states that, on average, solar panels on a home sell for 4.1% more than homes without.
(Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/ )
What is net metering?
Net metering basically takes the consumption energy produced by solar, which is stored in “the grid”, and measures the amount of energy your home pulled from “the grid” in the month. You will either have a credit for your panels producing more or you will owe for the difference in energy you used.
Do the panels work when the power is out?
No. For the safety of the workers fixing the power lines our system automatically shuts down during a power outage.
Will solar panels work on a cloudy or overcast day?
Yes, solar will work under cloudy and overcast conditions. However, your solar production may be affected.
How many watts per hour do solar panels produce?
There are many factors that will affect the production energy your solar system produces. Weather, location, shade, season, tilt, panel efficiency etc.
What type of inverters do you use?
We typically install microinverters. Our preferred inverter is Solar Edge.
How much is solar going to cost?
The cost of switching to solar is going to vary with each home owner. There are many circumstances that will affect your cost of going solar. We make a custom quote for each customer to accommodate for their situation.
Will I still receive a bill?
Yes, by going solar you are still going to be connected to the grid and with that comes a connection fee. Additionally, it is a good thing to be connected to the grid as it supports your ability to get energy when the sun isn’t shining.
Can I go off the grid with solar?
Going “off grid” is completely possible with solar. Most people chose not to go off grid because the expense, unreliability and technology limitations associated with such process. More than 99% of solar systems in the US are tied to the grid.
What kind of maintenance is involved?
Your system will require very little maintenance. In some areas you may be required to clean leaves, snow, or debris off the panels. Some utilities require that you turn off your system once a year to ensure the safety mechanism is working.
Should I replace my roof first?
Since most solar panels are warrantied for 25yrs or more it might be worth considering the age of your current roof. Most places will remove the panels to replace the roof if needed.
Does hail damage solar panels?
It is extremely unlikely to have hail damage the panel. It would take a powerful storm to hit the panels at the right angle to damage the panel. If you were to have a panel damaged due to a storm, your homeowners insurance should cover them.