Frequently Asked Questions

The process is divided into 7 steps: Step 1: Savings Report The Solar Savings Report gives you everything you need to know about your solar savings potential. You’ll see how solar works, get a custom panel layout, an estimated yearly production as well as a new estimated bill. You’ll also get a peek at incentives, 25 years savings, and a whole lot more. Step 2: Approval Process We want to make sure you get the right solar experience. After you decide to go solar we’ll help you decide what loan product and payment works for you and your budget. You’ll then fill out a quick application and most approvals come back as soon as we send them out. No need to wait. Step 3: Signatures No one likes reading through and signing thousands of documents for what feels like hours. We’ll quickly walk you through some required installation and loan documentation that will need your signature. Most can be signed electronically and we make this step as painless and seamless as possible. Step 4: Site Survey With documents signed it’s time to get your new system dialed in. Site surveys can often be done by your representative who will take some photos around your home. They’ll capture things like electrical panels, breakers, your roof, and attic. Some cities require an additional site survey, but don’t worry, we’ve got that covered. Your representative will let you know if you need one and get it all set up on a schedule that works for you. Step 5: Final Design and Permit After the site survey a final engineered design, known as a CAD, will be created for your roof. The CAD is designed in accordance with all regulations required by the state and local utility company to make sure we don’t run into any issues or roadblocks. Once the CAD is approved your permitting applications are finished and we’ll submit the final plans. Step 6: Installation Once those permits are received we’re ready to install your new solar system. We’ll work with you to find an installation date that fits your schedule. And here is the best part; most systems are finished in one day! Step 7: Activation Once your new solar system is installed we’ll submit for Permission to Operate, or PTO, with your utility company. The approval of PTO’s varies by utility company, but we work hard to make sure it’s approved as quickly as possible. Once approval comes through you are free to flip the switch and start producing your own power.

The process before installation can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, and can include several steps such as HOA approval, permitting, inspections, and utility approval. The installation itself can be completed in as little as a few hours with large installations taking up to a few days. Most installations take less than a day.

We won’t ask you to swing a hammer, but we do ask that someone over the age of 18 be present for the installation. Your installers will also appreciate it if dogs and other pets are kept clear from their work area so they can focus on providing you the best service possible without distraction.

Solar energy is a completely renewable, reliable and clean energy source, reducing the use of dirty sources that produces harmful emissions affecting our health and environment such as oil, coal and natural gas. Your solar panels will produce energy for you to run everything in your home. Some months your panels will produce more energy than you need. That’s great news, because that energy is sent back to the power grid and you get a credit for the excess. If your panels produce less energy than you need, don’t sweat it. The surplus energy you created is now credit used to reduce or even eliminate what you owe for pulling from the power grid.

The federal government is offering you a 26% income tax credit if you purchase a solar system. It’s pretty simple; if you buy a system for $19,230 you will get a $5,000 tax credit. When taxes come around $5,000 will be eliminated from what you owe. If you don’t owe that much on your taxes we have more good news: that credit can carry over to the next year. This tax credit is set to expire, so it’s time to stop procrastinating.

Because there are no moving parts, solar panels don’t require routine maintenance. In the rare case that a panel becomes defective, most manufacturer's will replace the panel under their warranty.

Roof leaks are extremely rare; however, if there is a roof leak caused by your solar system, our workmanship warranty covers repairs for issues like this at no cost to you.

Most roofing companies are familiar with solar and will work with your installer to schedule the removal of your panels so roof work can begin. Once the new roof is installed, the solar company will again be called out to re-install your solar panels for a minimal fee.

While it is possible to add batteries or additional panels later, it’s typically less expensive to have everything completed at the initial installation because it’s less labor intensive and you won’t need to worry about upgrading your inverter.

Because your system is tied to the electrical grid, it’s designed with an automatic kill switch to ensure no electricity can flow from your panels into the grid, making it safe for electrical workers to troubleshoot and repair utility equipment when the power goes out. If you add backup batteries, you’ll still be able to power essential appliances and lights in your home in the event of a power outage.

There are now apps available that allow you to monitor your system’s production! Ask your consultant for more details.

Potential buyers would rather purchase a home that doesn’t have an electric bill and they’d be willing to pay more for it; that’s common sense. Real estate transaction data has shown that homes with solar typically sell faster and for a higher price than equivalent homes without solar.

If you sell your home before your solar loan is paid off or your PPA contract is over, your lender can help you transfer the balance of the agreement to the new homeowner. Another option is to add the value of the balance of your solar agreement to the asking price of your home and use the proceeds of the transaction to pay the system off.

Almost all insurance companies have solar panel coverage that can easily be added to your policy.

Many utility companies include minimum fees and surcharges on your bill that are not related to your energy consumption. In those areas, these fixed fees will still show up on your utility bill even if your panels produce 100% of the energy you use.