Commonly Asked Questions

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on
your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the
future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in
your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental
and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions which
contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur
dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much
electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. It is
generally found on the first page.

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4. What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system
owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you
only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can
generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state – so make sure to do
your homework ahead of time.
 

5. How does solar impact my property values?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than
homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own,
rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going
solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

6. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into
direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating
current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter
to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in
your house or send it back to the electric grid.
 

7. Do Solar Panels Require a lot of maintenance?

Solar panels do not have any moving parts like your car does. This means that
there is very minimal maintenance needed while they are producing power. The
Hubble Space Telescope has been running on solar panels for decades without
any issues. Annual rinsing with water to remove dust or debris.

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8. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on
sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when
the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high
electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you
live in a cloudy city.
 

9. What happens if there is snow on solar panels?

Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow
they can’t produce electricity. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause
structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle
the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.
 

10. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the
grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing
all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you
produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy
system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is
unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
 

11. Do I have electricity when the power goes out?

If you have a "grid tied" solar system with NO battery system - when the rest of
the neighborhood loses power during an outage, so will you. If you would like to
maintain power during an outage then you have to have both a battery storage
and solar combination system.

12. Will my electrical devices be safe from Solar Electricity?

Yes, there is no need to worry about your source of energy coming from the
sun. You will not notice a difference. And when it turns night out you will not
notice the switch back to the grid either. The power voltage and quality remain
the same.

13. Can I tell my Utility provider to cancel my service?

Though they have been over charging you for decades, the utility grid still plays
an important role and you will still need them. The good news is that you will not
have to pay for their service though. Your power will still come from the grid
during the night so its important to keep your service active with them even with
a battery storage system during maximum load needs. Refer to "net metering"
above for more info.

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14. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off
the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you
can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a
solar panel system that matches your energy use.
 

15. Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of
a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid.
However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a
blackout when paired with a battery.

16. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no
maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases,
you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does
happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty
terms depend on the company.
 

What are my solar financing options?

17. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most
significant is the 26 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows
you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of your solar energy system from your
taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and
utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives.
 

18. What are my solar financing options?

There are four primary solar financing options: you can purchase your system
in cash, take out a solar loan to buy your system, sign a solar lease/power
purchase agreement (PPA) or include in a refi or new mortgage.

19. Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?

The decision to buy or lease your solar energy system depends on your
reasons for going solar. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns
of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better decision
for you. However, if you prioritize an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce
your energy bills and help the environment, you should consider a solar lease.
 

20. Why did my loan increase after month 18 of my loan?

Loan providers entice the buyer with low interest rates, but that rate increases
if the full value of the 26% tax credit is applied to the solar loan before the 18th
month of the loan. If you do not apply this entire value, the loan re-amortizes
and your monthly payment will increase proportionally.

21. Difference between secured & unsecured solar loans?

The primary difference between secured and unsecured solar loans is that
secured solar loans require that you promise an asset, usually your home, as
collateral for the money that you borrow. Unsecured solar loans do not, but
their interest rates are generally higher to compensate for the increased risk
taken on by the lender. 
 

22. Why Refi or New Mortgage Financing is the best option.

Most loans include hidden dealer fees that add substantial costs to each
system. By incorporating your solar system into a refi or new
mortgage you eliminate these costs and amortize the system over 30 years,
thereby reducing your monthly costs of the system and saving monthly over
the lifespan of your system over your electric bill.
 

23. Can I afford to go solar?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. $0-
down solar financing options, including both solar loans and solar leases, make
it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills
by going solar. 

24. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar
panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are
workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. 

25. What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you
use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Take
a look at your past electricity bills and compare offers from licensed, prescreened
solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs.
 

26. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove
and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs
maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar
installation. 
 

27. How long will my solar power system last?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow,
wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to
be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate
electricity for 25 to 35 years.
 

28. What happens if I sell my solar house?

If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium:
studies have shown that solar increases property values. However, if you lease
your system, that is not the case. You will need to either buy out your lease
before you sell your home, or work with your leasing company to transfer the
lease agreement to the home’s new owner.
 

How do I evaluate solar quotes?

29. How do I choose a solar installer?

There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing an installer.
Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience,
and can provide references. Meet with your solar installer in person before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.
 

30. How do I compare solar quotes?

If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, comparing them can be
difficult. Not all solar installers use the same underlying assumptions and metrics
when they provide equipment and financing options to homeowners.,
 

31. What are the different types of solar panels?

While every solar panel brand and product has unique specifications, but are
very similar in look, style and performance. 

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32. What are the different types of power inverters?

Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current
(DC) to alternating current (AC) power. There are three types of inverters: string/
centralized inverters, micro-inverters, and power optimizers. 

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33. What happens during the solar power installation process?

The first step to going solar is to receive a proposal and installation quote. This
quote will include a variety of equipment choices & financing options. When you
find one you’re happy with, your installer will conduct a site visit to assess your
property. Once you sign a LOI, your installer will file the paperwork necessary to
have your system approved. The actual installation process takes 30-60 days but
the install itself takes a day or two to complete.

 

34. Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?

If you are interested in receiving detailed information about how much energy
your solar panel system is producing, ask your installer about solar monitoring
system options. In all cases, we will include ways to track your system’s
performance.
 

35. Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage,
are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. Luckily, batteries are not necessary
for most solar homeowners. As long as you are connected to the grid, your
system does not need a battery: excess power goes back into the grid, and you
can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can
generate.

36. What is the difference between mono-crystalline & poly-crystalline
Solar Panels?

All solar panels are made up of silicon solar cells. Those cells are made from silicon
crystals. The silicon is made when a silicon ‘seed’ is placed in a vat of molten silicon.  The difference between mono-crystalline vs. poly-crystalline is how that silicon is used when making the panels.

Mono-crystalline Solar Panels;
Higher Efficiency Rates
These panels are able to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency. They capture more energy, and with more dependability. This is because they’re made from a single, high quality crystal silicon.

More Space Efficient
Since mono-crystalline panels can capture more energy, you don’t need to
install as many. Your solar array can get a great rate of energy capture without
needing as much roof space.

A Longer Lifespan
Because of the way they’re made, mono-crystalline panels last significantly
longer. They’re a lot more durable and robust due to the higher quality
manufacturing process. They’ll keep making energy for you, and they’ll do it for decades.

Higher Cost
Although mono-crystalline panels have a lot of great benefits, they do come with one downside. Like many high-quality products out there, these panels come with a higher price. They work better and last longer, but that also makes them a bit more expensive. So now we’ve talked a bit about why mono-crystalline panels are so great. But what perks are there to choosing polycrystalline panels?

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Polycrystalline Solar Panels;
Less Costly
Poly panels come with a smaller price tag. But that’s because they’re produced at a cheaper cost. They don’t have to follow the more stringent manufacturing process, which makes them easier to produce. The silicone required is usually a lower grade as well, making the process less expensive.

Lower Quality
The downside to the lower cost is that they’re not as high in quality.
Polycrystalline panels produce less energy due to how they’re produced. And
since they aren’t as efficient, they require a larger amount of space. Shorter
lifespans are also something to consider.

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