Frequently Asked Questions
Installing something new without having doubts is rare! We know you have certain questions about solar energy and our installations and we are here to help you!
Go Solar But, Why?
- Benefits Of Going Solar
You save money on your power bills and protect yourself against future increases in electricity costs when you put up a solar energy system on your home. The amount of money you can save depends on utility rates and solar incentives in your region, but going solar is always a wise decision.
- Go Green!
Solar energy, like other forms of renewable energy, has several environmental and health advantages. Solar power lowers carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming, as well as air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter that can cause health issues.
The easiest way to calculate how much you spend on energy (as well as how much power you consume each month) is to look at your utility bill. After knowing how much you spend, we then know how many solar panels you need.
Net metering is a billing system for solar panel systems that utilizes the electric grid to store surplus energy generated by the system. Under net metering, you are credited with the power your solar panels generate but don't consume.
When your solar panels generate insufficient energy on a hazy or rainy day when the grid is feeding your home power, you will lose credits. As a solar customer, you will only be charged for the "net" energy use on your bill. Net metering is one of the oldest policies in the solar industry.
Studies have shown that houses with solar power installations sell for significantly more than those without them. However, your property's value will only rise if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system in most regions of the country. Solar energy systems generally increase house values more than a kitchen renovation in most areas of the country.
Solar Panel System: How Does It Work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The electricity is then converted from direct current (DC) to usable alternating current (AC) using an inverter after passing through the DC power. You can either keep using the power in your home or send it back to the grid at that point.
The amount of electricity your solar energy system generates is determined by the amount of sunshine. As a result, when the weather is overcast, your solar panels will generate somewhat less power, and there will be no electricity at night. Solar is a great option, even if you live in a foggy city, because of its financial benefits and low power costs.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so if your solar panels are covered in snow they won't generate any. The weight of snow is insufficient to cause structural problems with your panels, and since most panels are inclined at an angle, the snow will slide off. If snow builds up on your roof, it's simple to clear away.
You will be connected to the grid after you install solar panels on your property. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system isn't producing enough power, and send power back to the grid when it is. It is feasible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost considerably more and is not required by most homeowners.
Even if your solar energy system has battery storage and you are entirely off the grid, you will still get a utility bill. However, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use, you may significantly lower your bill or even eliminate the debt
When your solar panel system is linked to the power grid, it will turn off in the event of a blackout. This is so emergency workers and utility repair people won't be harmed when your panels send power back to the grid. However, you can buy inverters that provide backup power in the case of a blackout when connected to a battery.
Solar power systems are composed of sturdy tempered glass that requires little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years they will produce electricity. In most situations, you won't need to clean your solar panels very often. Most equipment manufacturers offer warranties, although the terms may differ depending on the firm.
What Are My Options In Terms Of Solar Finance?
Depending on where you live, solar rebates and incentives may differ. The most important is the 26 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. In some cases, states provide additional tax credits, and cities or utilities may give cash rebates or other subsidies.
There are three ways to finance your solar system: buy it in cash, take out a solar loan to pay for it, or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA).
Your motives for going solar will determine whether you buy or lease your solar energy system. Buying the equipment is usually a better option for you if you want to get the most out of your solar energy system. However, if you want a simple, no-maintenance way to cut your energy expenditures while also helping the environment, consider a solar lease.
Solar loans and solar leases are two separate types of agreements that may help you save money on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint. Both options help you save money on your power bills while also being good for the environment, but each type of contract has its own set of restrictions.
The major distinction between secured and unsecured solar loans is that secured solar loans necessitate that you put your house as collateral for the loan. Unsecured solar loans are not the same as secured ones, but their interest rates are generally higher to compensate for the greater risk undertaken by the lender.
Many different institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, specialty financing companies, manufacturers, and credit unions. To choose the best solar loan for you, compare options from a few different financing providers.
Going solar is a no-brainer if you have the financial means. Solar energy is becoming more and more affordable, thanks to low-cost financing options like solar loans and leases. By going solar, homeowners with excellent credit may save money on their power bills by cutting back on electricity use.
Solar panels are excellent for roofs that get a lot of suns and have plenty of space to install solar panel technology. However, if your home does not possess the finest solar roof, you may be required to undergo rounds.
The capacity of your solar energy system is determined by the amount of power you use each month, as well as the weather in your area. Look at your prior electricity bills and compare quotations from certified, pre-screened solar installers to those from unlicensed companies to determine the best system size for your needs.
If your roof must be replaced, it might be tough to remove and reattach solar energy systems. They can endure 25 to 35 years and are pricey to replace. Get any necessary work on your roof done before or as soon as possible after putting in solar panels.
Solar panels are extremely durable, even in the presence of snow, wind, and hail. Although various components within your solar power system will need to be replaced at various times, it should continue to operate for 25 to 35 years.
Solar energy systems leased have a higher resale value: there has been evidence that having solar panels on your property improves its value. If you install your solar power system, this is not the case. If you are selling your home and don't want to buy out your lease, you may work with your leasing business to have the contract transferred to the new owner.
How Can I Evaluate Solar Quotes?
When it comes to choosing a solar installer, there are some guidelines that everyone should follow. Verify that they are licensed, certified, and insured; have expertise relevant to your needs, and can provide references.
If you're comparing multiple quotes from different solar installers, it might be tough to compare them. When it comes to equipment and financing alternatives for homeowners, not all solar installers use the same assumptions and metrics.
Power inverters transform direct current (DC) produced by your panels into alternating current (AC) power. Inverters are divided into three categories: string/centralized, microinverters, and power optimizers.
The first step in going solar is to contact Ethos Energy and obtain and compare several installation quotations. These quotes will include a range of equipment alternatives, financing alternatives, and solar company evaluations.
When you have chosen the contractor that you wish to work with, your installer will come to your property for a site visit. Your installer will submit all of the paperwork necessary to have your system approved after you accept an offer from Ethos Energy. The actual installation takes between one and two days.
If you want to learn more about how much energy your solar panel system generates, speak with your installer about solar monitoring systems. Solar lease arrangements frequently include free services to monitor the performance of your system. If you own your system, you may be required to pay for one on your own.
Solar batteries, also known as solar-plus-storage systems, are becoming more popular. They may be pricey, though batteries are not required for most solar homeowners. Your system does not require a battery as long as it is connected to the electric grid: excess electricity goes back into the power grid, and you can draw on the grid if you want more power than your panels can produce.
What Is Shared Solar?
You get a piece of the energy produced by a large solar panel system located somewhere else in your region when you invest in a community solar project. A community solar project, unlike a home solar panel system, isn't installed on your roof. Community solar and rooftop solar both result in net savings on your power bill, but each has advantages. Compare them to decide which is best for you.
Choose whether you'd want to own your share or join a subscription-based program first. Ownership entails making an upfront investment in tove money down the road, while subscription-based programs offer savings over a specific time period. When choosing between community solar alternatives, be sure to consider a number of subscription possibilities. The location of a project and how quickly it will start saving you money are two more things to think about.
You may keep your share of the community solar project as long as your new residence is in the same service area. If you leave the service area, you'll have to sell your stake (if you own it), transfer a subscription to another account, or possibly pay an early cancellation charge (if you pick a subscription-based plan). The terms of termination vary by project and provider.
Even if you can't put solar panels on your roof, community solar allows you to invest in solar power for your house or company, saving money. When you join a community solar project, you are saving money by not having to pay for electricity at commercial rates.
For example, in one month, you consume 1,000 kWh at home and your community solar share provides 800 kWh in credits. The remaining 200 kWh are subtracted from your electricity bill and billed to you by your utility. You pay your community solar provider directly for the cost of your share or subscription.
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