FAQ / Support Center
Home FAQ / Support Center
What are the benefits of having battery storage?
One of the biggest benefits of energy storage systems is that they will help you save on your electricity costs. Back up your home with a battery system and you’ll avoid the fees associated with electricity retailers, create self-sufficiency, and save the electricity you generate.
Installing solar batteries allows you to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and bring it closer to self-sufficiency. This is essential for anyone who wants to “go green” and reduce pollution.
What is the historical inflation rate of energy cost?
Energy Inflation in the United States averaged 4.51 Percent from 1958 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 47.13 Percent in March of 1980 and a record low of -28.09 Percent in July of 2009.
How much value does a solar system add to your home?
Many homeowners, buyers, and appraisers know that the installation of solar panels and solar batteries can increase a property’s market value. In fact, one study confirmed that solar installations increase a home’s resale value by up to $5,911 for each kilowatt of solar panels installed, and another estimated an increase of 4.1% of the home’s value.
Will I see a difference in how my in-home items and appliances run with solar?
Solar power is identical to grid power, so you will not notice any difference in how your things function in your home.
What is net metering?
Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home.
What is the deal with solar tax credits?
The availability of solar tax credits is dependent on the region you live in and the solar product that you invested in.
The federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 26% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2022. Starting in 2023, the value of the tax credit will step down to 22%. After 2023, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
State or utility tax incentives vary depending on the region you reside in. To learn more about policies and incentives in your region, contact one of our expert solar consultants.
What are tiered utility rates?
Tiered utility rates are a structure in which the more electricity you use, the higher your rate gets. You are allowed a certain amount of power (kilowatt hours) in each tier. Once you’ve exceeded the amount in the tier, you move into the next highest tier. The lower tier rates are affordable and the higher tier rates are very expensive.
When we customize your home solar system, we assess your energy needs to determine the number of solar panels you’ll need for your home. You’ll still be connected to the grid in case you need to source any extra energy. The goal with a solar system design will be to keep you in the lower tiers so you are only replacing the most expensive power with solar.
This is all case to case dependent, not all utilities have tiered utility rates. Contact one of our expert solar consultants to learn more about your utility rate structure and how solar can help you avoid paying for power when it is at its most expensive.
Can I afford to go solar?
If you can afford your electricity bill you can afford to go solar! With $0-down solar financing options, it’s made easy for homeowners to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.
How much can I save by going solar?
The exact amount varies for each home based on their location, home size and energy requirements. Most homeowners save thousands by the end of their contract.
Will I still receive an electricity bill if I go solar?
No matter what, even as a solar customer or any other electric utility customer, you’ll always receive an electric bill from your utility company as your still will be grid-tied. However, you can reduce your bill drastically when your solar panel system matches your energy use or with the use of a storage system.
How does leasing a solar system work?
When you lease your solar panels, you make fixed monthly payments for the energy produced but do not own your panels. Customers who choose solar leases get the luxury of solar power without the upfront costs.
How do solar loans work?
A solar loan allows you to pay off your system over time, making it easier for many homeowners to receive the benefits of owning solar panels without having to pay the full cost upfront.
Why should I lease?
We can describe a solar lease in one word. Simplicity. The greatest benefit of a solar lease is that we take care of everything for you. Your solar company will ensure that your equipment is serviced, repaired and maintained at absolutely no cost. A leased system is monitored to ensure that for the entire duration of your lease agreement your system will reach at least 95% efficiency.
A lease agreement has a lower credit requirement as well as flexible payment options.
How does a solar loan work?
A solar loan is a financing agreement through your solar company that lets you go solar with no money down. The bill you pay today will be the same amount you pay your whole term. After your term you’ll be generating your power with the system that is fully paid off and you’ll be generating enough power for your home at absolutely no cost.
How does a solar lease work?
When you lease your solar system you are only paying for the electricity in produces. You don’t have to pay off your system and the cost of your power for the entire lease term is laid out Infront of you from day 1. SunPower will also service, repair and maintain your solar system at no extra charge.
Do solar panels work at night?
Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity–they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery. A home battery or net metering enables your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option.
How do I choose the right solar energy system for my home?
The right solar energy system for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including your current electricity usage, the size and layout of your roof, and your preferred level of energy independence. To tailor a solution for your home, we’ll outline estimated costs, environmental impact, monthly savings, and long-term savings based on system sizes that work with your roof. Should you choose to invest, we’ll design a system to meet your goals and maximize your savings.
Why should I go solar now?
The sooner you go solar, the sooner you benefit! Now is the perfect time to go solar due to the current pricing of solar panel systems and the current tax credits, which will more than likely be reduced with the increase of homes going solar each year.
Can Solar Power My Whole House?
Yes you can! The Solar system ties into your home’s electrical system. The amount of power that can be offset by solar depends on the size and angle of your roof, your budget, and the amount of panels you decide to install.
How do the solar panels work?
A photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system is composed of solar panels, racking for mounting the panels on the roof, electrical wiring, and an inverter. From sunrise to sunset, the solar panels generate direct current electricity (DC) which is sent to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity required for household use. The AC power is delivered directly to your home’s main electrical service panel for use by you and your family.
Will I have a way to monitor my solar panel system?
Yes! Many companies we work with have monitoring that you can use on your smartphone to see exactly how your system is working and what its producing for your house-hold.
Will my solar work in a power outage?
Since your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, this can be avoided with a storage system, which would power your essentials even if there is an outage.
How do I decide how big my system should be?
The beautiful thing about working with an energy consultant is that we base the size of your system on how much energy you currently use and may use in the future to make sure you aren’t over paying or not getting the power you are used to.
What are energy credits?
You receive energy credits from your utility company for power you produce and don’t immediately use. Your energy credits count towards any energy you get from the utility. Most of the energy your panels produce is used right away. This energy does not appear on your utility bill because it never went to the grid. If you have a battery, the energy that it stores also does not appear on your utility bill.
Is my solar system covered under a warranty?
Yes! While the circumstances may vary, most solar companies will guarantee a certain percentage of production for your system. The most common span is 25 years but may vary per company.
What material does my roof need to be in order to get solar installed?
Solar can be installed on almost any kind of roof. They are installed and attached to racking systems. The installer will determine the best type of racking system for your roof.
