Frequently Asked Questions

 

What size system do I need for my home?
The size of the system that will be best for you depends on how much power you currently use and how much of it you would like to offset. Some customers have purchased systems that generate 100% of their needs and then some! We even design systems to work as back-ups during utility blackouts.

Most customers generally offset their energy bills by 40-60%. To determine that amount, we ask for information from your energy bills and the different types of energy you use (electricity only, natural gas, etc.). Other factors we consider are your price range and the amount of space where the system is to be installed.

How much will going solar cost?
The cost is different for each system as we design each system to meet a customers energy/value needs.
Factors that positively affect the cost of going solar are:

• System size
• Tax credits*
• Incentives offered by your current utilities*

*Incentives vary by state. Please contact us to discuss which credits and incentives you qualify for!

How will I pay for a system? Are there incentives available?
We usually take three payments, a down payment, another at the start of the installation, and at the completion of the work. We recommend using a local bank or credit union for financing. Detailed lists of local, state, and federal incentives can be found at DSIREusa.org. Additional information about your local utility and city or county governments can be obtained by contacting us. Also, www.energystar.gov provides a guidebook explaining ways to finance money saving projects.

What if I’m already building a new home, and want to add a system later?
We can consult your current contractors to ensure that a system will fit in the future.

What steps do I follow to do to know if solar is the best solution for me?
You can either call us or fill out the solar questionnaire listed above and we can talk about what options are available.
In order to get an accurate quote, we'll need specific information from your electricity bill. It's easiest to discover if solar will fit your lifestyle by having the utility bill

How do I know if solar would work on my property?
Solar systems work best on south facing roofs but can also be mounted to the ground or even walls. We use complex software to determine what your systems average output and cost savings are by your location.

What are the benefits of solar?

• Lower energy bills
• Reduced pollution
• Increase the value of your property

What happens during a blackout?
It depends on if your home is tied to the local utility's grid. The law requires grid-tied systems to shutdown during blackouts for the safety of the maintenance people. Your power will be instantly restored when power from the grid is flowing again.

How well will my system work during cloudy days?
Your system will generate slightly less power than a sunny day. Remember that your system generates power everyday so we give you the average output estimate.

What if I need a new roof or I am building a new house?
This is the best time to invest in a solar system! We can work directly with the other contractors to ensure your solar system is fully integrated and what size systems your new roof/home can support.

Can the solar panels withstand thunderstorms and blizzards?
The solar panels can withstand thunderstorms, blizzards, and the same conditions your home would normally withstand.

How can I tell how my system is performing?
We can provide power meters with the system that are viewable from online or by your circuit box. It counts the amount of kWh your home uses and the solar electricity produced. An example of what a system monitor looks like can be viewed here.

Will I need my homeowners association’s approval?
We recommend contacting your homeowners association about roof or ground installation policies. If your homeowners association requests more information, contact us and we'll give you the appropriate documentation to submit for review.

Will adding a solar system increase the value of my property?
Solar systems increase the value of your property. Because they can generate income as well, they may increase the value greater than the system cost. A professional real estate appraisal is still necessary to determine the value of your home.