Frequently Asked Questions.
Do Solar Panels save you money?
Yes! Solar Panels save can you money immediately and in the long run. Most Electric Utilities have been raising their prices to the point that for most people it is cheaper to produce their own electricity by purchasing a Solar Panel System. See How!
Do Solar Panels have a warranty?
Yes! Every panel that we use has a 20-year production warranty and a 25-year product warranty. Plus, your home insurance can also cover the panel because they are a permanent upgrade to the house.
Are the Solar Panels free?
No. Although there are a lot of government incentives to make them cheaper you still have to finance them through a Loan or a Lease.
Does installing Solar Panels damage your roof?
No. Modern installation methods and equipment make the attachment to your roof rock solid and leakproof. Plus every installer gives you several years of roof penetration warranty together with their installation warranty.
What is the Tax Credit offered for Solar Panels?
Once the panels are installed you can claim a 30% tax credit on your income taxes. The program is called the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the details of it are the following IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit
How does the Tax Credit work?
A 30%, of your contract amount, credit is applied to your income tax filing. It allows you to 1) receive a refund of that amount on the taxes that you paid during the year, 2) cover a debt owed in your taxes up to that amount, and 3) a combination of the two.
What is better a Lease or a Loan to finance my panels?
If a Lease is an option on your state, most people will benefit more with a Lease than with a Loan. But there is more to it than that, check this article out for a brief overview.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the local permitting government but it could be from 2 to 6 months.
Can you disconnect from the Utility if you get Solar Panels?
You can but it is not common or cost-effective because you would also need batteries which are very expensive. Most solar systems are designed to replace some or all the electricity you use from the Utility but not to take you Off-Grid.
Do I need a Battery with my Solar Panels?
No, in fact, if you are looking to maximize your savings we recommend not getting a battery. Most Utilities already do the job of a battery, that is taking your excess production during the day and giving it back to you when you need it, and the best part is that is completely free. If you are looking to have power for when there is an outage it is more cost effective to get a backup generator.
Can I move my solar system to another property?
The system is designed and installed to be a permanent upgrade to the house. It is technically possible to remove the system but another permit would have to be opened and roof work would have to follow the removal to ensure that everything is still watertight. We do not recommend removing the system.
Will I still be paying an electricity bill with Solar?
The goal of getting a solar system is to replace as much of the electricity that you buy from the utility with that of the panels. However, if there is any difference in what you need for the house and what the panel can provide the Utility will supply it. Because of that, you will always be connected to the grid which has a fixed cost every month, usually around $20 or less, any cost higher than that will be because of the extra electricity that the house needs.
Will the solar system keep working during a power outage?
In most cases no, however, there is a type of micro-inverter that is available in some states that will allow you to have power in a power outage during the day.