frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about solar energy and what to expect.
frequently
asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about solar energy and what to expect.
general questions
Here’s what you need to know about how it works, what to expect, and why it’s one of the fastest-growing energy solutions in the country.
How does solar energy work?
Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. That electricity powers your home or business, and any excess can be sent back to the grid for credit through net metering.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels are built to last 25–30 years or more. Performance gradually decreases over time, but most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% production at the 25-year mark.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy or overcast days, just at a reduced output. California’s climate makes it one of the best states in the country for consistent solar production year-round.
Are solar panels bad for the environment to produce?
The energy used to manufacture a solar panel is typically offset within the first two to three years of operation. After that, it produces clean energy for decades with minimal environmental impact.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
No. Professional installation is designed to protect your roof, not compromise it. Mounting systems are engineered to seal properly, and most installers offer workmanship warranties covering the roof penetrations.
general questions
Here’s what you need to know about how it works, what to expect, and why it’s one of the fastest-growing energy solutions in the country.
How does solar energy work?
Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. That electricity powers your home or business, and any excess can be sent back to the grid for credit through net metering.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels are built to last 25–30 years or more. Performance gradually decreases over time, but most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% production at the 25-year mark.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy or overcast days, just at a reduced output. California’s climate makes it one of the best states in the country for consistent solar production year-round.
Are solar panels bad for the environment to produce?
The energy used to manufacture a solar panel is typically offset within the first two to three years of operation. After that, it produces clean energy for decades with minimal environmental impact.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
No. Professional installation is designed to protect your roof, not compromise it. Mounting systems are engineered to seal properly, and most installers offer workmanship warranties covering the roof penetrations.
Residential Solar questions
Thinking about solar for your home? Get answers to the most common questions homeowners have about installation, savings, and what the process looks like.
How much does a residential solar system cost?
Cost varies based on your energy usage, roof size, and system design. Most homeowners pay significantly less than expected once the 30% federal tax credit and local incentives are factored in. We provide free estimates tailored to your home.
How long does a residential installation take?
The physical installation is typically completed in one to two days. The full timeline from consultation through permitting and activation usually takes a few weeks, and we manage the entire process for you.
Will solar eliminate my electricity bill completely
Most homeowners reduce their bill by 70–90%. Whether you eliminate it entirely depends on your system size, energy consumption, and usage habits. We design systems to get you as close to zero as possible.
What happens if I sell my home?
Solar increases your home’s resale value. Studies show solar-equipped homes sell faster and for more than comparable homes without solar, making it a smart investment whether you stay or sell.
Do I need to replace my roof before going solar?
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s worth replacing before installation to avoid removing and reinstalling panels later. During your consultation, we assess your roof’s condition and advise accordingly.
Residential
Solar questions
Thinking about solar for your home? Get answers to the most common questions homeowners have about installation, savings, and what the process looks like.
How much does a residential solar system cost?
Cost varies based on your energy usage, roof size, and system design. Most homeowners pay significantly less than expected once the 30% federal tax credit and local incentives are factored in. We provide free estimates tailored to your home.
How long does a residential installation take?
The physical installation is typically completed in one to two days. The full timeline from consultation through permitting and activation usually takes a few weeks, and we manage the entire process for you.
Will solar eliminate my electricity bill completely
Most homeowners reduce their bill by 70–90%. Whether you eliminate it entirely depends on your system size, energy consumption, and usage habits. We design systems to get you as close to zero as possible.
What happens if I sell my home?
Solar increases your home’s resale value. Studies show solar-equipped homes sell faster and for more than comparable homes without solar, making it a smart investment whether you stay or sell.
Do I need to replace my roof before going solar?
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s worth replacing before installation to avoid removing and reinstalling panels later. During your consultation, we assess your roof’s condition and advise accordingly.
Commercial Solar questions
Considering solar for your business? Get answers to the most common questions commercial property owners have about system design, ROI, and what the installation process looks like.
How is commercial solar different from residential?
Commercial systems are larger and designed around higher energy demands, different rate structures, and business-specific incentives like accelerated depreciation. The design process accounts for your operational hours, peak usage, and long-term growth.
How long does a commercial installation take?
Timelines vary based on system size and permitting requirements. Most commercial projects take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months from consultation to activation, depending on complexity.
Will going solar disrupt my business operations?
We plan installations to minimize any impact on your day-to-day operations. Most of the work happens on the roof, and we coordinate scheduling around your business needs.
What kind of ROI can a business expect from solar?
Most commercial systems pay for themselves within 3–7 years through energy savings and tax incentives. After that, the energy your system produces goes straight to your bottom line.
Can solar handle the energy demands of a large commercial property?
Yes. Commercial systems are custom-designed to match your energy usage. We assess your consumption, available roof or ground space, and energy goals to build a system that meets your demand.
Commercial
Solar questions
Considering solar for your business? Get answers to the most common questions commercial property owners have about system design, ROI, and what the installation process looks like.
How is commercial solar different from residential?
Commercial systems are larger and designed around higher energy demands, different rate structures, and business-specific incentives like accelerated depreciation. The design process accounts for your operational hours, peak usage, and long-term growth.
How long does a commercial installation take?
Timelines vary based on system size and permitting requirements. Most commercial projects take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months from consultation to activation, depending on complexity.
Will going solar disrupt my business operations?
We plan installations to minimize any impact on your day-to-day operations. Most of the work happens on the roof, and we coordinate scheduling around your business needs.
What kind of ROI can a business expect from solar?
Most commercial systems pay for themselves within 3–7 years through energy savings and tax incentives. After that, the energy your system produces goes straight to your bottom line.
Can solar handle the energy demands of a large commercial property?
Yes. Commercial systems are custom-designed to match your energy usage. We assess your consumption, available roof or ground space, and energy goals to build a system that meets your demand.
Financial & Incentive questions
Have questions about cost? Learn about available tax credits, financing options, and incentive programs that can help make solar more affordable.
What is the federal solar tax credit?
The federal Investment Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost from your federal taxes. It applies to both residential and commercial systems and is one of the most significant incentives available.
Are there financing options available?
Yes. We offer multiple financing paths including $0-down options, solar loans, and lease agreements. During your consultation, we walk through each option so you can choose what works best for your budget.
Do I have to pay for solar upfront?
No. Most homeowners and businesses take advantage of financing that allows them to go solar with little to no money out of pocket, often paying less per month than their current electricity bill.
What is net metering?
Net metering allows you to send excess energy your solar system produces back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill. This helps offset your costs during times when your system isn’t producing, like at night.
Are there additional California-specific incentives?
California offers several programs and local incentives that can reduce your solar costs further beyond the federal tax credit. Available programs vary by utility provider and region, and we help identify every incentive you qualify for during your consultation.
Financial &
Incentive questions
Have questions about cost? Learn about available tax credits, financing options, and incentive programs that can help make solar more affordable.
What is the federal solar tax credit?
The federal Investment Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost from your federal taxes. It applies to both residential and commercial systems and is one of the most significant incentives available.
Are there financing options available?
Yes. We offer multiple financing paths including $0-down options, solar loans, and lease agreements. During your consultation, we walk through each option so you can choose what works best for your budget.
Do I have to pay for solar upfront?
No. Most homeowners and businesses take advantage of financing that allows them to go solar with little to no money out of pocket, often paying less per month than their current electricity bill.
What is net metering?
Net metering allows you to send excess energy your solar system produces back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill. This helps offset your costs during times when your system isn’t producing, like at night.
Are there additional California-specific incentives?
California offers several programs and local incentives that can reduce your solar costs further beyond the federal tax credit. Available programs vary by utility provider and region, and we help identify every incentive you qualify for during your consultation.