Solar questions, answered honestly

Solar energy allows you to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity in a clean and efficient way to power your home or business. Solar installations boost home value and substantially reduce or eliminate electricity costs.

Net metering is the system the utility company uses to monitor and credit solar energy system owners for the electricity their solar panels produce. This mechanism lets homeowners store surplus energy on the grid for later use.

Owners experience significant electricity-bill reductions based on local utility rates and policies. System ownership also increases home resale value and can speed up sale timelines.

Solar energy reduces greenhouse emissions, produces fewer air pollutants, and lessens your carbon footprint. Even a single residential installation creates measurable environmental impact.

Solar is very affordable! There are tax credits, solar rebates, net-metering programs, and flexible financing options that make it accessible for most homeowners.

Grid-connected systems automatically shut down for safety during an outage. However, there are inverters you can buy that, when paired with a battery, will provide energy in the event of a blackout.

Off-grid capability requires battery storage. The main disadvantage is the substantial cost of the batteries needed to store enough energy.

Solar panels are certified to withstand hail up to 1 inch falling at approximately 50 miles per hour.

Snow temporarily prevents energy production. However, when the sun comes out, your solar panels heat up and shed the snow very quickly, then start collecting sunshine again.

Yes, your solar panels still work on cloudy days, but not as effectively as on sunny days. Expect roughly 25–45% output depending on cloud density.

The solar panels we install carry 25-year manufacturer warranties. Most of the inverter equipment we install is also covered for 25 years; one of the inverter brands we use comes with a 12-year warranty, with the option to purchase a 25-year extension.

Less than most people expect. The major panel manufacturers all offer roughly 25-year warranties, so as an installer we consistently choose whichever quality brand is best and available at the time of your project.

We install SolarEdge and Enphase inverters. The inverter is the workhorse of a solar system — it does the day-to-day work of converting your power — so it’s the component where it pays most to invest in a reliable, well-established manufacturer. Both SolarEdge and Enphase produce their equipment in the United States.

The quote is the fast part — usually the same day, once we have a recent copy of your electric bill, and most homes don’t even need a site visit. From there, the timeline is mostly set by your utility, not us. After you sign, we design the official plans and submit an application to the utility for approval to install. Once they approve, we install — usually just a few days. Then we submit proof of the install to the utility, they review and approve it, and they send a technician to swap in a special solar meter. Only after that meter is in can the system be switched on. How long the whole thing takes varies — most of it is waiting on utility reviews and approvals, which are out of our hands. The good news: we handle every step and keep you updated, so there’s nothing for you to chase.

On average, for a 2,000 sq. ft. home, you can expect to spend between $15,000 and $40,000. Final pricing depends on your monthly energy consumption and system size.

If your roof is between 10 and 15 years old, it’s a good idea to have it assessed prior to installing a solar power system.

The panels must be removed during a roof replacement and reinstalled afterward, which leaves the home grid-dependent temporarily.

No, they will not pay you for the electricity your system produces. Instead, credits apply to future months when your system under-produces.

Solar panels require very little maintenance. Generally you can keep them clean and in top condition with a little rainfall, spraying them off with a hose, or using a leaf blower to clear debris or dust.

The system we install needs to be storage-ready to cost-effectively add a battery later on. Systems that aren’t battery-ready require costlier retrofitting.