FREQUENT QUESTIONS

1. What is net metering?

A system in which solar panels or other renewable energy generators are connected to a public-utility power grid and surplus power is transferred onto the grid.  This allows customers to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility.

 

2. What is a grid tied system?
A system that works in conjunction with the power supplied by the electric company. A grid-tied system has a special inverter that can receive power from the grid and/or send grid-quality AC power to the utility grid when there is an excess of energy from the solar system.

 

3. What is the difference between a micro inverter and string inverter?
A micro inverter will take full advantage of each individual panel and its production. A string inverter is responsible for the entire system. If one panel shades then they all shade, if one panel is down the entire system is down. 

 

4. What are the benefits of going solar?
There are many benefits to going solar! Just a couple of benefits are the Federal Tax Credit and protecting yourself from the constant utility price increases.  You will also have monthly savings!

 

5. What is the FTC?
The solar energy tax credit provides a 30% federal income tax credit for solar energy equipment and installation expenditures associated with qualified systems such as solar photovoltaic. The federal tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of federal income tax liability. *Consult with your tax advisor to verify how this will affect your personal taxes.

 

6. What happens when it's cloudy?
The amount of power your system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy.  In Arizona this is a rare instance. 

 

7. Is my roof in good enough condition to install solar?
We conduct a very thorough site survey to ensure that your home qualifies for solar. If your roof has less than a five year life span we would recommend replacing the roof. This is the perfect time to have your roof repaired/replaced which the cost could be rolled into the cost of your loan.

 

8. How is the size of the system determined?

This is determined two ways. 1. By using your most recent utility bill to determine your usage from the past twelve months. 2. Using a database tailored to your home with at least one utility bill. This is based on historical data from your utility company and customers in the vicinity of your service area (The data pulled is 90% accurate). Your system is designed and built based on your needs and past consumption. 

 

9. Will I still have a utility bill?

Yes, your system will remain tied to your utility company's grid through a process called interconnection. This allows you to pull energy when the sun is not shining onto your panels. 

 

10. What does maintenance look like for the panels?

There is little to no maintenance required, the panels and inverters have a lifespan of 25 years. We do offer a maintenance package to clean your panels on a consistent schedule to ensure peak performance.