Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels and Solar Energy

  • Can you save money with solar?
    • Yes, solar is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy bill. With solar panels, you'll be able to get power at a lower cost than what you're paying for electricity from the utility company. By entering your zip code into our Solar Cost Calculator, you can see how much you can expect to pay for solar panels. (NOTE- I believe a solar calculator is going to be included on the site)
  • Top benefits of installing solar?
    • Cost-effective. Solar is one of the most cost-effective forms of electricity generation today. It's cheaper than fossil fuels in most parts of the country — even without subsidies from the government.
    • Tax savings. You may be eligible for state and federal tax credits when installing solar panels on your property. These incentives can help you recoup some or all of your installation costs by lowering your taxes owed at tax time. The value depends on where you live and how much money you make.
    • Home value increase. Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home by up to $15,000 (or more for larger systems).
    • Sustainability. The sun provides an inexhaustible supply of free energy that doesn't contribute to climate change or pollution — making it an ideal resource for reducing our carbon footprint and helping preserve our environment for future generations.
    • Low maintenance. Solar panels will last between 20 and 30 years, with little to no maintenance required during that period. After they're installed, they require very little upkeep — just keep them clean with regular rainwater runoff!
  • Will you be protected from blackouts and outages?
    • Solar panels are battery-independent, so they will continue to work even if the grid goes down. Solar panels paired with a battery system will work for Time Of Use applications that can be used for day-to-day living and will also work if the grid fails. Each battery system is designed based on your needs should you want a partial or complete home battery backup installation.
  • Why don't more people use batteries?
    • Batteries are expensive. Not all solar energy programs allowed for the option of a battery, and it was too cost-prohibitive to purchase outright. There are incentive programs available to battery systems paired with solar.
  • Will you need to replace your solar panels?
    • Solar panels last decades and can be easily maintained with surface rinsing. However, hail or wind may need to be replaced if they are damaged.
  • Will solar panels damage your roof?
    • No. Solar panels are designed specifically for rooftops, providing more structural integrity all while making them easy to install and remove at any time without causing damage to the roof itself.
  • How much time does the installation process take?
    • The installation time varies depending on your specific situation. Smaller installations can be completed in one day, while larger ones may take several days due to the complexity of the project.
  • What are the best roof conditions for solar panels?
    • Any damaged shingles must be repaired before installing a solar system, as this can reduce efficiency significantly. Also, since solar panels last for decades, you don't want to put them on a roof that will only last two more years. South, West, and East facing roofs are the best locations for solar panels.
  • Can a solar battery power your entire house?
    • With multiple batteries, you may be able to power your entire house. With only one battery, it is considered a partial home backup installation. A partial home backup means we could back up lights and outlets to power the basic critical components. If one wants to back up their whole home, they will need more than one battery to power the larger appliances such as AC, Well Pump, Dryer, Etc.
    • The answer is yes, and it's already happening. Some homeowners are already using solar batteries to cut the cord from their utility companies. If you're considering going off-grid, here are a few things to think about before you leap:
  • Solar batteries are expensive.
    • The payback period is long. It can take several years (or even decades) for an off-grid system to pay for itself with lower electricity bills — if ever — depending on how much sun shines where you live and how much electricity you use each month (especially during peak hours).