Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Answers Here
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.
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. Review EnergySage’s guide to reading your electricity bill to find out exactly what to look for.
What happens if I sell my home?
Most Homeowner’s that go solar end up moving within 3-5 years of purchasing their solar system. There are a few options that you have when you decide to sell your home. Ownership (You Purchased Your Solar System)
- Most homeowners will fix the remaining cost of the solar system into the sale price of their home. This may be an attractive option as the new homeowners will be purchasing a home with no monthly payment for their solar. There is no early pay off penalties and you can recoup your investment immediately at closing!
- Depending on your solar finance choice, there may be an option for the agreement to be transferable and you could transfer over to the new homeowner. The new homeowner would then assume the monthly payments to pay off the remaining balance of the system. They will then enjoy the monthly savings of solar vs the cost of electricity from the utility company!
- You own your solar system and have the option to take the system with you. There would be a labor charge for removing the system and doing any roof repairs necessary. However, if your system is practically close to being paid off, then this might be the most economical way to continue saving long term electricity costs!
Net Metering? What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. For example, if a residential customer has a PV system on their roof, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours.
How does solar impact my property values?
Some experts affirm that installing solar panels would make your house more desirable to potential buyers, ensuring that when you decide to sell, your house would sell faster than others without solar power. Cost of Solar explains, “each additional $1 in energy bill savings (from your solar installation) adds $20 to your home’s total value.” Homeowners can get a more detailed explanation of how much your property’s value will go up using this guide from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Do my solar panels produce when the sun isn’t shining?
Myth: solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy. Short answer: Solar panels do produce electricity in cloudy weather. They don’t produce as much electricity as they do on sunny days, but they have been shown to produce 25% of what they produce on a sunny day, or 10% when it’s very cloudy
How long will my solar power system last?
The typical warranty for solar panels is 25 years. During this period, manufacturers guarantee that panels will operate at or near peak efficiency. Most panels are covered to produce at least 80% of their rated output over the life of the warranty
Can I go off grid with solar panels?
With or without storage, solar panels can still save you money. To go off-the-grid with solar batteries is highly feasible but rarely cost-effective. They are often recommended for remote rural areas and farms where bringing utility power can be expensive and investing in off-grid solar power is way cheaper
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. They are very durable and should last around 25-30 years with no maintenance. The only maintenance you should need to perform is to wash them clean of dirt and dust two to four times a year, which you can easily do with a garden hose
I heard solar is expensive. Can I afford to go solar?
Most homeowners can go solar without spending a penny up-front. The cost of a solar power system varies and depends on a variety of factors. One of the most critical factors is its size. Homes that consume a lot of electricity need a larger system to produce the majority of a home’s power. Solar systems are just one of many options among home improvements that can pay for themselves in the savings in your utility bills.
I have been hearing about tax credits what are they?
The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. Read more about these credits and more incentives here.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Solar panels work best with strong, durable roofing materials, such as composite or asphalt shingle, concrete tile or standing seam metal. For roofing materials such as wood shake and slate tile, or for roofs made of clay with mortar or composite metal/stone coated steel, you can still go solar but you’d want to choose a solar professional who has experience installing solar panels on those types of roofs. Contact us today for a free solar assessment.
Do solar panels work in a blackout?
There are many advantages to installing a grid-connected solar energy system, but having full power to your home or business during a blackout is not one of them. … Even homes with solar may lose power in the event of a grid outage if their system does not include some form of energy storage. Check out our battery line here that offers storage solutions.
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Installing solar panels on your roof allows you to generate your own electricity and pay less to your utility. Your electricity costs after solar will depend on how much electricity your solar panels generate, how much electricity you use, and how much your utility charges for electricity.
Where can I learn about solar companies in my state?
The National Solar Database is SEIA’s comprehensive list of solar companies in the United States. SEIA collects detailed information on companies in the industry to enhance our advocacy efforts, increase transparency for customers, and help solar companies connect with one another. The information collected includes company name, contact name, addresses of each company location, type of business, product or service, and solar employment statistics.
What companies use solar to power their businesses?
Major U.S. businesses are choosing solar at a rapid rate to power their operations. SEIA’s Solar Means Business Report tracks a variety of commercial solar installations, including the top 25 corporate solar users, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies. Target ranks number one in solar. Read about more businesses using solar to power their business.
Do my solar panels produce when the sun isn’t shining?
Myth: solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy. Short answer: Solar panels do produce electricity in cloudy weather. They don’t produce as much electricity as they do on sunny days, but they have been shown to produce 25% of what they produce on a sunny day, or 10% when it’s very cloudy
How do batteries work with solar?
The primary value of batteries today is for backup power. Pairing your solar array with batteries allows you to power your electrical needs even when the utility grid is down. Luckily, power reliability in the United States is high and grid outages happen relatively infrequently. Many home and business owners are taking the storage leap in order to access the backup power value batteries can provide them.
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