What incentives are available?
Home solar panel systems are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Additional state, local and utility incentives exist in many areas, further lowering the net cost of your investment. An expert Solarize America assessor will bring to light all possible rebates and incentives in your area that are available to you.
Tax Credit Eligibility
In order to qualify for the 30% federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, you must meet the following requirements:
Your system must be installed by December 31, 2019.
You must own your home.
You must pay enough taxes to the Federal Government to qualify for the 30% tax credit.
You must own your solar panels.
This last point might seem a bit odd to you but unfortunately many home owners are tricked into leasing their solar panels instead of buying them. In the case of leasing solar panels, the company that owns the solar panels is the one that benefits from the tax credit, not the home owner. For more reasons on why you should buy instead of lease solar panels, check out our resource center.
Can my electric bill be $0?
Some solar systems produce more electricity than is used each month, depending on the size of the system and energy usage. This effectively bringing net electricity costs to $0. However, there is still a minimal connection fee (typically about $100 per year depending on where you live) to remain connected to the electrical grid through the city.
What is the difference between system power output and system energy production?
The AC energy production of a solar array is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). This is measured over periods of months and years to compare with sizing and long-term performance expectations of your solar panels. Solar kWh energy production is also typically given on inverter output displays or remote monitoring sites and applications. This can be compared with a household’s total kWh electricity consumption, as seen on a utility bill. This is best used to get an overall sense of your power production by lessening the impact of days of intense or low sunlight.
The AC power output of your solar array, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), is typically found on inverter output displays or remote monitoring sites. This is an instantaneous measurement, which is determined by the rated DC power output of the solar array, inverter efficiency and system losses, and is proportional to solar radiance on the array. This is best described as a snapshot of your energy output in that instant.
What are the details of the warranty?
When you choose to purchase solar panels, you can rest easy knowing that all our panels come with a 25 year manufacturer warranty.
This means that if on the off chance anything should go wrong with your panels over the next 25 years, you can go straight to the manufacturer to have it replaced or fixed hassle free. As a home owner, this protects your investment significantly longer and more assuredly than any of our competitors thereby making it even easier to go solar.
Make sure you read the fine print with other solar panel providers as most of our competitors’ warranties only insure their work and installation, not the solar materials that they install.
Can my HOA or neighbors prevent me from installing a solar system?
In many cases they cannot stop you from installing solar panels. Many states have solar access laws that provide varying degrees of protection against restrictions that can be imposed on you. Many new regulations are being enacted that require new homes and buildings to be built ready for solar installation. Your expert energy assessor will be able to answer any questions that you have regarding rules and regulations in your area.
Will a solar panel system affect my roof integrity?
With proper design and installation following industry best practices, your roof will maintain all its pre-solar integrity. Solar panels also increase the insulation of your rooftop and can reduce the temperature due to the sun. To be sure, get a report on the status of your roof before and after the installation so you are satisfied with the integrity of any installation.
Is any maintenance needed for my solar PV system? How often should solar panels be cleaned?
With limited maintenance, your solar system will operate at peak performance for many years. Cleaning intervals will vary depending on site-specific factors such as annual rainfall and proximity of factors causing dust or debris on the panels. This includes things like trees or high traffic dirt roads. It is best to consult your solar installer for a recommended cleaning schedule. Cleaning solar panels is as easy as using a garden hose to rinse them off!
How do solar systems fair in extreme weather conditions?
Our solar panels can withstand high wind and snow loads. Durable a built to last, they come with a 25 year manufacturer warranty.