If you’ve ever considered making the switch to solar, there are some common questions you might have as you begin your research. With that in mind, we put together a helpful FAQ that you can use to cover some of the basics. These quick answers, coupled with the information available to you from our very own Simply Solar Solar Academy, should help you gain enough solar knowledge to pursue your renewable, affordable energy goals.
How much solar power do I need?
To answer this question, you can start by looking at your current electric bill, and the average amount of energy you’re using or paying for each month. Talk with a solar advisor about your energy needs, and any changes you might be making in the foreseeable future that may affect your energy usage, like a growing family or a large electric appliance. You also may want to explore additional solar power for backup power generation, which a solar advisor can help with.
How long will installation take?
Typically, solar panel installations only take 1-3 days! While smaller homes can be done in a day, larger projects may naturally take more time. Our team of industry leading solar installers will quickly and efficiently install your system, so you can begin generating power as soon as possible! It’s important to note that before the installation process begins, you’ll first spend some time planning and designing your system with a qualified team of expert solar engineers.
What is my potential return on investment?
You will likely see a return on your investment from the first financing payment, which tends to be lower than what you pay for energy before solar. Over the lifetime of your system you will save thousands of dollars on your energy bills. The system usually pays for itself over the course of the first few years, and any savings after that point are pure profit for you. Plus, installing solar increases the value of your property, which also adds value.
Are there available tax incentives?
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a 26% credit on the cost of your solar energy system—if it’s installed in the next two years. This can help bring the cost down of your solar panels by an average of $9,000. Right now is a great time to go solar as well, while NEM-2 is still on the table!
What are the warranties available on labor and parts?
Always check the warranties on solar panels, installation, and solar battery storage. The lifespan of a solar energy system is 25 years, so you’ll want to stick with products that stand up to this test of time. Simply Solar offers industry leading warranties and guarantees that protect the quality and longevity of your system.
Should you go 100% off grid, or maintain a connection?
This is a choice that you and your solar installer can make when you assess your needs and your home’s rooftop or ground capacity. With solar battery storage and the right amount of panels, it’s possible for most homes to go off grid. If you maintain a connection to the electric utility, it may be possible to take advantage of net energy metering, a program that allows you to sell your excess energy back to the grid for credits on your bill. That’s money in your pocket that can reduce your system’s overall costs.
Why is Simply Solar the best Bay Area solar panel company to help with your installation?
Our experience, our customer service, and our dedication to solar education make us leaders in our field, not just among Bay Area solar companies, but across the nation. We are educators and dedicated service providers, making sure that our clients have everything they need to maximize their solar output, tax credits, and other incentives.
Simply Solar’s solar advisors are standing by to answer your questions! Let’s talk solar and start you on your journey to clean, dependable, and affordable energy.
