How Solar Works

Learn more about the equipment and what goes into a solar installation. Our solar specialists are ready to assist you with any questions you may have. 

 

Racking & Mounting

Installing rooftop solar panels will require racking and mounting equipment, which holds the solar panels stationary on the roof. The racking placement is important because it is essential to ensure that the panels get the maximum amount of sunlight, and ensure they withstand the elements for years to come.

Solar Panels (Modules)

Solar Panels (modules) capture the energy from the sun in the form of Direct Current (DC) power. However, the DC power needs to be converted to Alternating Current (AC) power in order to power your home and appliances. If you can generate enough power from the sun, the result will off set the power you consume from the electric company.

Inverters

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but almost everything in your house uses alternating current (AC) electricity. Inverters are used to convert that DC to AC power to use in your home. There are two types of inverters, microinverters and string inverters.

 

Battery

The excess power generated by the solar panels that does not get used can be stored in a battery in your home. The power stored in the battery can be used at night when the sun goes down and when your solar panels are no longer producing electricity. Having a battery reduces the amount of power you will need from the local electric company even more.

Monitoring

Now you can track your solar energy production from your smartphone. You’ll be able to ensure your system is functioning optimally and view how many kilowatt-hours you are producing every day.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the questions that our clients often ask before moving forward with their solar installation. Review these common questions and contact us if you have any other.

 

Installation

Once you have signed an installation contract and financing has been approve, we submit all the proper permits. The permit process can take up to 60 days to complete, which is common for all solar companies. The process involves communicating with the city and electric company to make sure your installation is done up to code. After all the permits have been approved, we can schedule your installation date. The actual installation of the solar panels can take between 1 – 3 days to complete.

For a standard residential home, a solar quote can be provided to you typically within 24 hours.

For a commercial property, we must first perform a site survey to maximize your solar savings and a quote can be provided within 30 days.

We need your electric bills to determine how much power you generally consume from the electric company. With that information, we can design a solar system on your roof to off-set the amount of power you typically use from the electric company.

If you have solar and there is a loss of power from the electric company and you have a solar battery included in your system, you will continue to have power. Your power will be coming from the battery.

If you have solar and there is a loss of power from the electric company and you don’t have a solar battery included in your system, you will “Not” have power. You will not have power because by law your system will shut down. This happens because your system is connected to the grid and shuts down as a safety feature to protect utility workers while working to restore power.

Yes, the solar panels and inverters have manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years and we have a labor warranty of 10 years from the installation completion date.

Financing

To get solar for your home you DO NOT need to have good credit. We have financing options available that are approved based on the property and not the individual.

Depending on which financing option you choose will determine if it effects your credit score. -Our secured financing options will “NOT” affect your credit score. -Our unsecured financing options will affect the borrower’s credit score.

The cost of a solar system varies depending on many variables associated with each property. To best determine how much your system will cost please schedule an appointment today to speak with our sales specialists.

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Incentives

Each area has different solar incentives depending on the city and/or county. However, the solar federal tax incentive ITC (Investment Tax Credit) is available to everyone and provides a 26% tax credit based on the total solar installation cost.

Net Metering is when the electric company purchase the excess solar energy your solar panels produce at the full retail rate of electricity. This means when your solar energy system produces more electricity than your home needs, the excess power is sent to the power grid.

The electric company will provide you a credit to your electric bill for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar electricity you send to the grid. You can then use that credit to offset any energy you take from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing electricity, this provides even lower overall cost of your electricity bill.