Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy Products And Services

Even better news – there are plenty of incentives to help cover the cost of going solar! From federal tax credits to state and local rebates, the support for renewable energy is substantial and can significantly reduce the overall cost of your system.

Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics

Investing in a solar system is a bit like putting money in a savings account. The return on investment (ROI) or payback period varies depending on several factors, including the system’s cost, the amount of sunshine you get, the price of electricity in your area, and the incentives available. 

On average, solar systems in the U.S. pay for themselves within 7 to 10 years, and can be sooner if the system includes battery storage. Since the solar panels are often warrantied to last 25-30 years, that’s a whole lot of time to generate free electricity and see a return on your investment. As electricity prices rise, your savings can grow every year, making solar a smart and secure investment. 

And remember, it’s not just about dollars and cents – going solar is an investment in our planet’s future. It’s a choice that pays environmental dividends by reducing your carbon footprint and promoting clean energy.

Choosing solar power is one of the most impactful ways you can reduce your environmental footprint. Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Your solar system emits significantly less carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour than a fossil fuel power plant would. That’s a win for you and for the environment!

Certainly! Here are some citations that can provide further reading for interested customers:

1. Solar Energy Basics

U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

2. Costs of Solar Panels**

EnergySage, Solar Panel Costs

**3. Solar Panel Maintenance**

EnergySage, Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Need to Know

**4. Solar Panel Durability and Lifespan**

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Photovoltaic Lifetime Project

**5. Solar Panel Impact on Property Value**

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Selling into the Sun: Price Premium Analysis of a Multi-State Dataset of Solar Homes

**6. Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy**

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Power Equivalency Calculator Methodologies

Please note that these are general citations that cover the topics discussed in your FAQ. For more specific information related to Georgia, you may wish to consult local resources or organizations that specialize in solar energy in the state.

Home solar battery systems on the market today have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. To match the 20 to 30-year lifespan of your solar power system, it is almost certain that you will need to replace your solar battery if you choose to install a battery today.

Keep in mind that there are 5 factors that affect your battery energy storage system’s lifespan:

• The type of solar battery you use

• Where you store your solar battery

• How well you maintain and clean your solar battery

• How often you use your solar battery

• Your solar battery warranty

You can be sure your battery will last a long time by maintaining it with the appropriate care, choosing high-quality components with solid manufacturer guarantees, and putting the battery in a climate-controlled environment.

Solar batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, represent sophisticated technology and that’s reflected in the price. They are designed to reliably store and discharge electricity over many years, all while maintaining efficiency and safety. 

Manufacturing these batteries is an intricate process that requires high-quality materials, including precious metals like lithium and cobalt, which come at a significant cost. 

While solar batteries do require an upfront investment, it’s important to remember that they can provide significant benefits. They allow you to store excess solar energy for use when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during a power outage. This can increase your energy independence and further reduce reliance on the grid. 

Like many emerging technologies, as more people adopt solar batteries and the technology continues to evolve, we can expect prices to decrease over time. Despite their cost, for many homeowners, the advantages of adding a battery to their solar installation outweigh the upfront expense.

Solar systems that are connected to the grid typically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. However, if you have a solar battery storage system or a solar inverter designed for islanding, you can still have power during a blackout. Talk to our team to discuss these options in more detail.

Yes, you can! While this typically requires a larger solar system and battery storage for when the sun isn’t shining, going off-grid can provide greater energy independence and reliability. And it’s a fantastic way to minimize your environmental impact.

While the cost of solar systems can vary depending on size, location, and components, the good news is that prices have been falling for years, making solar energy more accessible than ever! And remember, the cost is an investment – once you’re set up, you’ll be generating your own free electricity.

The savings from going solar are impressive. Depending on your energy usage, the size of your solar system, and local utility rates, a solar system can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill. The higher the rates, the more you save for every kilowatt hour your solar panels generate. A reliable solar professional can extrapolate estimated savings from analyzing several months’ worth of your power bills.

Net metering is a system where solar energy system owners can earn credits for the excess energy their system generates and sends back to the grid. These credits can offset your energy costs when your panels aren’t producing enough electricity, like at night. However, it’s important to note that as of now, net metering isn’t widely available in Georgia. But don’t worry – even without net metering, solar power can significantly reduce your energy bills and make a positive impact on the environment.

While the time frame can vary based on the complexity of your project and the specific design of your system, most residential solar installations can be completed within 1 to 3 days once the work begins on site. Our experienced and professional installation crew will work diligently to ensure a smooth and speedy installation, keeping disruption to a minimum. 

The permitting process varies depending on local regulations. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Rest assured, our team is experienced in navigating these processes and will work closely with local authorities to expedite this as much as possible.

Most types of roofs are suitable for solar panel installation! Whether your roof is flat or sloped, shingled or tiled, we can typically install a solar panel system on it. The important factors to consider are the strength and condition of your roof, and whether it gets enough sunlight. Our team of professionals will inspect your roof and create a custom design for your home.

Solar panels can certainly increase the value of your home. Multiple studies show that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than those without. Prospective buyers in Georgia and elsewhere are increasingly aware of the benefits of solar, including lower energy costs and less environmental impact. While the exact value increase depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the installation, solar panels can make your home more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.

Minimal maintenance, that’s one of the beautiful things about solar panels! Mostly, you’ll need to keep them clean and free from debris. Modern systems often come with digital monitoring, so you can keep track of their output and catch any potential issues early.

While some people choose to install solar panels themselves, we generally recommend using a professional installer. They’ll make sure your system is perfectly sized, properly installed, and safely connected to your home and the grid.

We’ll take care of the majority of the paperwork, including the necessary interconnection agreement with your utility company. This agreement is necessary to connect your solar system to the grid and to allow net metering, where applicable.

While output is reduced on cloudy days, solar panels still produce electricity. At night, your home can use the power grid or stored energy from a battery system. Solar is designed to work with your lifestyle and provide energy when you need it.

Even on rainy or cloudy days, solar panels still produce electricity – just less than on a sunny day. Your system is designed to produce enough electricity to meet your needs over the course of the year, not necessarily every single day.

Solar panels are designed to withstand the elements, including heavy winds and hail. In the event of a particularly severe storm, your homeowner’s insurance should cover any damage, just as it would for your roof.

If your solar panels don’t produce enough electricity to meet your needs, you can still draw power from the grid as you normally would. If you frequently don’t have enough solar power, a battery storage system can help you make the most of the power you do generate.

If you decide to move, you typically have two options: you can leave the system and potentially increase the value of your home or you can take the system with you. However, moving solar panels can be complex and may not always be the most cost-effective option. It’s best to discuss your specific circumstances with our team or a real estate professional.

If your roof needs to be replaced in the near future, it’s best to do it before installing solar panels. If you need to replace your roof after installing solar panels, the panels will need to be removed and reinstalled, which can be an additional cost.