Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, it is not.   The Federal Government is offering very generous tax incentives but it is not free.

There are some 'bad actors' in the industry who will try to get you into leasing options that many times will cost you more in the end.  That's not to say all leasing options are bad.  Just do your homework and understand the contract you sign if you decide to go that way.

For most homeowners, our recommendation is to buy over leasing for two main reasons.

First is you own your system, your energy independent and once it's paid for, your electric bill will be $0 on the energy you generate.

Secondly, all those federal incentives go to the person buying the system.  If you lease, you are NOT eligible for the generous federal tax incentives.

In general, households that switch to solar power can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on their electricity bills. Once your system is paid off the real savings kicks in.

Your total savings depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity from your local utility company, the cost of installing your system, and how much electricity your household consumes.

After you sign the contract, you can expect your system to go live within 45-90 days. The actual installation usually only takes a day or two but it may take 30-45 days for your utility company to complete the interconnect and turn the system on.

Installing your system is the easy part. It's everything leading up to installation day that can add time to the timeline.

The size and complexity of your system, local permitting, inspections, tree work, roof repairs or replacement, and working with the utility company are a few of the factors that can impact the timeline.

Unfortunately, once our crew completes the installation it will take a few weeks to complete the project.   Part of the installation timeline is the final inspection and interconnecting with your local utility.   That can take 30 days or longer depending on the utility.  Right now everyone is switching to solar and we are seeing delays due to the backlog in some areas.

The three most popular ways to pay for your solar system are:

Cash: You pay for the solar panel system outright.  This is typically the least expensive since you'll be avoiding financing interest changes.

Loan:  If you opt for a loan, you can finance the system through a bank, credit union, or a solar financing company.

Leasing: You can lease a solar panel system from a solar company. This means that you pay a monthly fee to use the system, but you don't own it ....  you also DON'T get the government incentives.

Government incentives help offset the cost of owning a solar system.

Ultimately, the best way to pay for a solar panel system will depend on your individual financial situation, the cost of the system, and the available incentives in your area.   Like any big ticket item, it's always a good idea to consult with a solar company that has multiple financing options and/or your financial advisor to determine the best option for your needs.

No, solar panels are not all the same and the technology keeps getting better.

There are two main types of panels; Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. The two types of panels vary drastically in their efficiency, durability, and cost.

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, continuous crystal structure, making them highly efficient and durable. They're more expensive but they are also more durable and efficient. Efficiency means, you can generate the same amount of electricity eith fewer panels.

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple crystal structures, making them less efficient and less durable. Less durable means, your system will not last as long and won't come with the 30-40 year life expectancy of a monocrystalline panel.

Remember when solar first came out, the panels were beyond ugly? Those were polycrystalline panels. The newer panels are that sexy jet black that look great!

Monocrystalline panels are more expensive but will perform better in low light conditions. Low light means they will generate more power in the morning, afternoon, evenings and on cloudy days. Monocrystalline panels will also withstand extreme temperatures and other environmental factors. This translates into your panels lasting longer and coming with a longer manufactures warranty.

So, when shopping for a system while price does matter, it's not the only thing to base your buying decision on.

Most solar panels don't need cleaning. The design of the roof and racking system provides the proper slope to prevent substantial accumulation of dirt and dust. Mother Nature can do the rest with occasional rainfall.

Recent studies have show that the decrease in production caused by dirty or dusty panels is less than 1%. At that minimal loss the cost of cleaning exceeds the benefits gained from increased energy production.

Yes, it is possible to repair or replace your roof if you have solar panels.

However, it is important to remember that removing and reinstalling your solar system can be a complex and dangerous process.  Leave it to the professionals who are authorized by your equipment manufacturer (and the lender if applicable) so you don't void the warranty.

Most solar panel manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the Product and the Performance of the panels over a period of time.

At a MINIMUM you should look for panels that come with a 25 year warranty.

A typical solar panel warranty includes:

Product warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Performance warranty guarantees that the panels will produce a certain amount of energy over a specified period of time.

A good warranty will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment and that your solar system will perform as expected for many years to come.

Great Question! You'll need to ask your insurance company since there's no set rule on how they handle it.

As with any major home improvement change, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see the impact on your insurance premiums.  They may have specific requirements, they may take into consideration the increased value of your home which in turn may increase your premiums.   If your insurance company assumes your system wasn't installed by a pro, they may see it as a liability and raise your rates.