Sustainable solar house with thumbnail of smartphone solar app and its offerings

Solar FAQ

Whether you have questions about the basics of switching to solar power or why Simply Solar stands above other solar installation companies, we have answers! Find the explanation to many of your queries about solar energy and Simply Solar in our FAQ. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, please contact us—we’re happy to talk with you!
Get Started

Going Solar, The Basics

Is going solar environmentally friendly?

When you decide to install solar power, there is a positive indirect effect on the environment. Solar energy is a renewable resource that replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources.

According to a case study done by the Centre of Renewable Energy Sources and the Technical University of Crete’s Department of Environmental Engineering, solar energy technologies provide obvious environmental advantages in comparison to other conventional energy sources. Some of these advantages include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the prevention of toxic gas emissions, the ability to reclaim degraded and unused land, a reduction of required transmission lines of the electricity grids, and the improved quality of water resources.

While sometimes it may be difficult to see the direct environmental impacts of going solar, if you step back and look at the big picture, solar energy is a powerful way we can support our planet. Our current energy resources are finite. Making the switch to solar energy means you can collect and utilize a natural resource with unlimited potential without doing extra damage to the planet.

Contact us

What does it mean to be “energy independent?”

The Cost Of Going Solar

How does your solar system pay for itself over time?

When you make the switch to solar, there is a “solar panel payback period.” This period is the amount of time it’ll take you to completely pay off your solar power system through what you save on your electricity bill. You can determine this by calculating the cost of your installation, minus any tax credits, incentives, or rebates. Then subtract your monthly energy bill savings until your total solar panel installation cost is covered.

Contact us

What is the “Solar Investment Tax Credit?”

Does going Solar Increase my property value?

How much does a solar system cost?

Can I sell back my Excess energy to the grid?

How do I compare Solar Energy Bids?

Is going solar in California a smart financial decision?

Installing Solar Power

What can I expect during a Simply Solar Installation?

A typical solar installation with the Simply Solar team is a two day process. On day 1, your crew arrives and checks in with you. Your solar consultant will do a walkthrough with you and go through each step of the installation process. This gives you time to ask any questions and gives you a clear picture of what will be going on in your space during the next few days. When you give the green light, it is time for the equipment to be offloaded and the team to get to work! While the panel installation is happening on your roof, the electrical work is being done concurrently on the ground.

 

When the sun rises on day 2, it is time for the team to finish up any work that needs to be done, including the DC conduit connection to the roof inverter. In layman’s terms, all electrical connections will be checked to ensure that when it’s time to flip the switch to “on,” you’ll be able to celebrate a fully functioning solar panel system. It’s a quick, simple process when handled by the experts at Simply Solar!

Contact us

How do I prepare for my solar energy consultation?

What solar permits do I need? How long do they take to clear?

What could cause delays when installing my solar system?

What is Simply Solar's One Time Remove and Replace?

Solar Battery Storage

What does a solar battery do? Why do I need it?

Popularity of solar batteries has been on the rise over the last few years. What do they actually do? To put it simply, a solar battery stores excess energy. This means you store the power you collect instead of selling it back to the grid.

Why would you want to store the energy instead of selling it back? For one, it’s a step of being closer to energy independence, since some utilities charge “time of use” rates. These rates fluctuate, so when electricity demand is higher, you end up paying more for certain utilities. A battery can help you avoid this spike in price.

The most appealing impact of a solar battery is they can ensure you have backup power when the power goes down. PSPS shutoff? County-wide black out? Not for you! Your home or business will keep the lights on while everyone else’s power goes out.

Keep in mind that solar batteries still have limits. Your solar consultant will give you the full explanation of how much battery backup you will need.

Contact us

How much solar battery storage do I need?

Can I add a solar battery if I already have a pre-existing solar system?

What’s the difference between AC and DC Battery?

Living With Solar Power

Will my solar still work if it is not sunny out?

Yes, photovoltaic panels will work with either direct or indirect sunlight. Even in small doses, your panels collect the sun’s rays when it is foggycloudy, and even when the sky is full of ash during wildfires. 

This is also where NEM (Net Energy Metering) comes to the rescue. Excess solar energy generated by your panels during max sunlight hours will offset the cost of energy you pull from the grid when you need it at night or other times when your system isn’t operating at full capacity. It’s just another bonus to staying connected to the grid.

Contact us

How do I best protect my solar system from disasters such as earthquakes, thunderstorms, and fires?

What are some reasons my energy usage increases? How do I avoid these increases?

How Solar Works

How do Solar Cells work in a solar panel?

Solar panels use the photons produced by sunlight to generate direct current (DC) electricity. Most panels are created with a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, and a glass casing. Photons hit the panel and are absorbed by the panel’s semiconducting material. When the light hits the panel, it energizes the solar cells, shaking electrons free. The electrons start to move, and this movement is what generates DC electricity.

The DC electricity flows to the solar system inverter, where it’s converted to the type of electricity that is needed to power your home: alternating current (AC) electricity. And if you don’t want to sacrifice the appearance of your roof with solar panels, the same conversion happens in sleek solar tiles/solar shingles

For a more detailed explanation of how solar panels work, accompanied by handy visuals, head over to our blog post on the topic. 

Contact us

How long does a solar panel last?

Where do you place your solar panels?

Choose Simply Solar

Why choose Simply Solar when there are so many commercial solar companies vying for your business?
  • Experience:  With over 20 years in the industry, we have what it takes to build a solar system that will exceed your expectations.
  • Products and Partners:  With industry-leading products, which we choose for their durability and outstanding performance, you can be sure that your solar panel system will last for many decades.
  • Expertise:  Commercial solar companies hire out inexperienced contractors. Not Simply Solar! We handle the full site analysis, system engineering, permitting, installation, activation, monitoring, and maintenance of your solar system.
Get Started
Smiling woman sitting at a computer wearing headphones with attached microphone
crossarrow-right