What are the different types of systems you install?
Grid-Tie: is the simplest and most common, but it has no battery backup.
Off-Grid: it has batteries, but no grid to supplement it if extra power is needed.
Hybrid: has both but can also be the most expensive.
What is the lifespan of a solar system?
The average lifespan of a system is around 20-30 years. However, some parts (like the solar panels) can last longer, even 45 years or more. But with a battery system, usually their lifespan is between 18-22 years.
Will hail damage/ destroy my panels?
Solar panels are very resilient to hail. They are rated for 1'' hail up to 115mph winds, but we have seen them hold up to worse. However, there is always a chance of incurring weather related damages and that is why we always recommend having the system insured.
How does solar impact my property's value?
It is difficult to say definitively without knowing the property, but a good rule of thumb is Solar Panels will increase your total property value around 15%, and in Texas they are property tax exempt to boot!
What solar energy rebates/tax credits & incentives are available?
The most common one is the 30% ITC Federal Tax Credit. That 30% represents the percentage of the total cost of the system that you can deduct. For example, 30% of a $15,000 system is$4,500 meaning you can take up to $4,500 as a tax deduction. If you pay taxes at the end of the year or have taxes withheld from you throughout the year, then you would be eligible. There are other details about the ITC credit that might benefit you and talking it over with us or a knowledgeable CPA will help with understanding any other details on the ITC credit.
What if I don't have the tax appetite to take advantage of the solar tax credits?
Not a problem, we have investment partners that buy any unused tax credits. Call us and let one of our solar experts go over that in more detail with a consultation.
Is it costly to have the system insured?
No, it is usually very affordable to insure your system. Depending on your current insurance provider, some homeowner's insurance will roll in the system under the 'Other Structures' clause, while others will charge small fees like $10-15/month. However, you must notify your insurance provider of the installation for it to be insured.
Will my panels produce power if the sun is not shining?
Not when the sun is down, but even on a cloudy day you can still produce up to 50% of your normal production since the solar panels produce off of UV rays, not direct sunlight.
Can I monitor my solar remotely?
Yes, all the systems we install have remote monitoring capabilities if Wi-Fi or Cellular service is present.
What form of warranty do you offer?
We include a 1-year all-inclusive warranty on all of our residential installations, with an option to extend that to a 10-year warranty.
Do you offer financing option?
Yes, we offer 3rd party finance options with $0 down payment and term lengths of anywhere from 5-21+ years.
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
This varies widely depending on your grid provider, size of system, and usage. Usually, for a system that produces 100% and above your average usage you can get close to a small or even negative bill but depending on what rate you can get and what grid fees you might incur, an assumption of 85% reduction of your bill is a good benchmark.
What is net metering?
Net-Metering is a term for when your energy provider will credit you equal value for every kWH you send back as they would charge you for any kWH you use from them. However, as that used to be the norm in Texas the market has shifted due to new regulations and now Net-Metering is becoming more uncommon, and most providers are going to an "avoided-cost rate" structure.
What is Avoided-Cost Rate?
An Avoided-Cost Rate means that for every extra kWH your system produces and sends back to the grid, your service will credit you at their avoided cost rate. That rate differs quite a bit with each service provider, but it usually is 50-70% of their total kWH cost. The rest covers things like demand, power line upkeep, linesmen, and other personnel to keep the grid running well.
Do solar panels work during a blackout?
That depends on the type of system. Basically, if the system does not have batteries, then no the inverters shut down to protect from back feeding a deenergized line and hurting a linesman. If it has batteries, then the system can automatically and seamlessly switch over in a power outage, and you would still have power.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most roofs in Texas are, but the biggest obstacles for installing panels on the roof are shading from trees and the direction the roof is pitched. In Texas, the optimal roof is facing south with around a 22 degree pitch, but anything facing east, south, or west can be suitable if the pitch is not too steep. However, if shading is a problem, then we do offer ground mount options as well.
What size solar system do I need?
The size of the system varies widely and is directly dependent on the kWH usage of the home or business. We determine your system size by analyzing a 12-month history of your kWH usage and designing a system to produce 100-130% of your annual usage. That usually can provide an electric bill relief of 85% and above. If your home or business does not have 12 months of history yet, then we can still determine what size system you would need based off what appliances and equipment will be used.
Will my system need maintenance?
With solar systems not having moving parts the maintenance is usually minimal. The rate of failure after a break-in period of 90-180 days is extremely low. However, depending on the type of system installed and the scale of it, you may opt for our extended warranty.
