FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOLAR 101
Why should I go solar?
Why should I go solar?
When you have a solar energy system installed on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you will save depends on a few factors such as utility rates, local solar policies, the size of the solar system, and how much sunlight shines on your home. One thing is certain: Going solar is a smart investment.
Why should I go solar?
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
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 electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. For one, going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide which can cause health problems.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Will solar panels produce power when the sun isn't shining?
Will solar panels produce power when the sun isn't shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is directly dependent on sunlight. Solar panels will produce a LOT of energy during the day when there is full sun. They produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. The extra energy that was sent to the utility during the day comes back to the home to keep it powered at night.
Will solar panels produce power when the sun isn't shining?
How long will my solar power system last?
How long will my solar power system last?
Solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding the elements. The various components of your solar power system may need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.
How long will my solar power system last?
SOLAR AND FINANCES
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made out 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 that cover the cost. For the Sunrun leases that we offer, maintenance is 100% included for the entire term of the lease.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Can I afford to go solar?
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. To know how much you'll save, please visit out FREE QUOTE page.
Can I afford to go solar?
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar?
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar?
Possibly. Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. Most customers have very basic grid connection fees from their utility company that range from $5-$20 monthly on average. Some have even cut their utility bill to $0, with a solar panel system that matches their energy use. At certain times of the year the utility company may even owe you money because of the excess energy you have produced.
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar?
Do I need to install batteries with my solar power system?
Do I need to install 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. 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.
Do I need to install batteries with my solar power system?
How much will I save by going solar?
How much will I save by going solar?
Savings can vary. The average person saves around 20% off of their total annual electricity costs. The position of the roof and location of the house are factors that determine whether savings will be higher or lower. Fill out the form on the FREE QUOTE page to get a better idea of how the solar energy system will benefit you.
How much will I save by going solar?
Will I be able to keep track of the electricity my solar system is producing?
Will I be able to keep track of the electricity my solar system is producing?
Yes, in most situations panel performance monitoring systems are complimentary and included automatically.
Will I be able to keep track of the electricity my solar system is producing?
SOLAR OPTIONS
What are my solar financing options?
What are my solar financing options?
1. Purchase your system in cash ( pay up-front with a potentially big tax credit).
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2. Take out a solar loan to buy your system (monthly payment).
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3. Sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA). (No up-front payment and a lower monthly solar bill with the benefits of system maintenance and monitoring).
What are my solar financing options?
Should I buy or lease the solar panel system?
Should I buy or lease the solar panel system?
There are advantages to both options. Both options have extraordinary benefits. Circumstances vary for each home and homeowner. For one, a solar purchase may make more sense. And for another, a lease would be better. Discuss both options with your Solar Energy Advisor so that a system can be tailor-made for your property.
Should I buy or lease the solar panel system?
What size solar energy system should I get?
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. When submitting your information for a FREE QUOTE, be sure to upload your current electricity bill. We will look at your usage history to determine the best system size for your needs.
What size solar energy system should I get?
SOLAR AND YOUR PROPERTY
How does solar impact my property values?
How does solar impact my property values?
Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
How does solar impact my property values?
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
It can be costly to remove and reinstall the solar panels if you need to replace your roof. If your roof is in definite need of maintenance, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. During the site survey, we will be able to tell you whether or not to replace your roof before going solar.
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
Is my home a good candidate for solar panels?
Is my home a good candidate for solar panels?
If you own a single-family home with a roof that is in good condition and has decent access to sunlight, then your home is a good candidate for solar. While a fully exposed roof is ideal, homes in cloudy or partially shaded areas can benefit as well.
Is my home a good candidate for solar panels?
What happens if I sell my solar house?
What happens if I sell my solar house?
The process is easy. If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium. Studies have shown that solar increases property values. If you lease your system, you can transfer the lease agreement to the home's new owner if they want it. Most new homeowners are excited to have a solar system because they understand the savings involved.
What happens if I sell my solar house?
How many solar panels do I need to power my house?
How many solar panels do I need to power my house?
The answer depends on your household energy usage, the space available on your roof, and the directions your roof surfaces face. We will review past utility bills, sunlight patterns, and weather data for your area and create a custom system design for your home that will meet your energy needs. To know the exact answer, fill out the
FREE QUOTE form.
How many solar panels do I need to power my house?
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most roofs are suitable. South-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. When preparing an estimate for your home, an analyst will examine the roof and ultimately a site-survey is performed to ensure that the roof qualifies for solar.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
GOING SOLAR
How do I go solar?
How do I go solar?
1. Get a free quote. We will custom system according to your energy needs. You will see pricing options and projected savings.
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2. An energy advisor will contact you to answer your questions and present our solution. When you decide to proceed, we take care of the rest.
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3. We file the paperwork necessary to have your system approved by the city and utility. Installation is usually 30-90 days from signing and takes about a day to complete.
How do I go solar?
How long does it take to go solar?
How long does it take to go solar?
From order to installation, the average time is typically 1 - 3 months.