Your Solar Energy FAQs, Answered
Why Switch to Solar Now?
The truth is the switch to solar energy is a bright idea for so many reasons. Here are a few of the top reasons from our customers:
- Reduce your electricity bill
- Increase your home’s value
- Regain control over fluctuating energy costs
- Reduce your carbon footprint
In the coming decades, solar is expected to account for more than 50% of all power generated with at least a 10x increase in solar installations anticipated by 2050. Why? The timing is finally right for solar. A few factors driving industry growth include:
- Technology advances have made solar panels more efficient
- Rising electric rates have made solar panels more viable
- Favorable government policies have made solar panels more affordable
- Unique financing options have made solar panels more accessible
Solar Products, Batteries & Equipment
Technology advances have made solar panels more efficient over time. In addition to performance, prices have fallen due to industry growth, increased manufacturing competition, and more efficient production technologies.
Whether its central or micro-inverters, or self-consumption battery backup options for your solar panels, we offer the best-in-class products to meet your needs. Talk to a representative to learn more.
Solar Panel Financing & Payment Options
Solar power is a long-term investment that delivers returns over time. To determine whether the investment is worthwhile for you, our experts review your current electric cost and usage to help you determine your payback period and how much you can save over the life of your solar panels.
The federal government offers a significant tax credit for switching to solar. Other state- and utility-benefits vary by geographic location. But don’t worry, wherever you are, our experts can give you a breakdown of the incentives available to you.
Additional tax benefits exist for commercial properties. Contact us for more information!
We offer a variety of attractive options for every buyer, including upfront cash payment, loan options, and lease/PPA (power purchase agreement). Our experts will guide you on the best option for your situation.
Cash Buyers
Pros
- Max lifetime savings
- No ongoing payments
- Owned asset
- Capture tax credit
Cons
- Full payment up-front
Financing
Pros
- No money up-front
- Predictable payments
- No prepayment penalty
- Owned asset
- Capture tax credit
Cons
- High origination fees
- Interest payments
Leasing/PPA
Pros
- No money up-front
- Predictable payments
- Immediate cost savings
- Option to purchase
- Easy transfer if moving
Cons
- No tax credit
- Not an owned asset
- Slight annual escalator
If you lease the solar power system, it is insured by the provider; notifying your insurer is optional. If you purchase the system, it is recommended that you notify your insurer of the change to your home.
Solar Panel Installation & Maintenance
We use mounting hardware instead of mounting into your roof’s rafters to eliminate deep penetrations into your home’s infrastructure.
The solar panels on your roof connect seamlessly with the main electrical panel or the utility meter box. Your outlets and lights do not change. In fact, you won’t notice any difference as you use power.
This is relatively uncommon, but possible if you have the room. Normally you would do one or the other.
If your solar panels get damaged, start by calling our customer service team at 1-833-394-2442. Most issues will be covered by the equipment warranty, but our team can help you navigate to get it resolved.
At the end of the lease term, you have the option to buy your existing system, sign a new lease for new equipment, or you can choose to buy a new system rather than lease.
You can add more panels at any point in time if your roof has room to accommodate this addition.
How Solar Energy Works
Your solar panel system is covered by a 25-year Production Guarantee. If the system underproduces, you are compensated accordingly. If it overproduces you can sell the excess power back to the utility company, or store it in a solar panel battery bank, but this varies by state. Talk to a sales representative for more details on state-specific requirements.
Solar Power & Home Value
According to real estate data, solar panels increase the appraisal value of a house by 4.1% on average.
According to real estate data, homes with solar tend to sell for more than comparable homes without. If you purchased the system, the new homeowner would simply take over the asset. If you leased the system, you would transfer the lease to the new homeowner, just like you would with a utility bill.
Here’s the truth: That rarely happens. It’s far more likely that solar power will help sell your home. Now more than ever before, buyers are looking for ways to reduce energy spending.
In the unlikely scenario that someone doesn’t want solar panels to power their home, the system would need to be paid off, if it’s not already. Then, the system would need to be removed and utility power restored.
