Frequently Asked Questions
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity called DC power. The electricity flows to the inverter, which converts DC electricity to AC, the most commonly used form of energy. The AC energy flows from the inverter to the breaker box, which directs the current to any appliance that is using electricity.
Is my home good for solar?
There are three main factors that help determine if you’re a good candidate for solar
How much sunlight does your roof receive? East and West facing roofs are a good option because they receive a lot of sun. Make sure your roof is not obstructed by trees. The more sun your roof receives the more power the panels will produce.
Do you have enough roof space for solar panels? Make sure a chimney, vents and antennas don't take up a lot of your roof real estate, this may prevent us from offsetting your usage 100% and that can result in getting two bills, one for solar and one from your utility company for the power your panels didn’t produce.
Is your roof less than 7 years old? Our installers will guarantee your roof for 10 years, but first a site audit will determine if your roof is in good condition. The installation company will also provide a FREE one time removal in case you do get a roof before the fifth year. After the fifth year, there is a small fee. If your home does need a roof, we are happy to help! We work with preferred roofers that also guarantee their work
What types of panels do you use?
There are two types of solar panels: silicon solar panels (Monocrystalline) and thin-film (Polycrystalline), the difference between the two is how the silicon is processed.
We use S-Energy 310w Monocrystalline Panels on 99% of the installs. They are black on black, absorb more sunlight, look sharp and are made in the USA.
How long do panels last?
Manufacturers guarantee your panels for 25-30 years, most panels will last a lot longer. Although the efficiency of the panels may decrease, in theory, solar panels can last you forever or until their efficiency reaches zero.
What kind of maintenance do the panels need?
The only maintenance you should need to perform on your solar panels is to wash them clean of dirt and dust two to four times a year, you can do this with a waterhose. In California, our rain will take care of this.
How does going solar help you save money?
One of the biggest advantages of installing residential solar is a 26% Federal Tax Credit on the total cost of your system, including your roof if you finance it with your solar.
Your energy provider increases their fees 5-7% every year, with solar you have the same flat rate per kwh and a flat monthly payment.
If you plan to live in your home for 8-10 years, you should definitely consider solar as soon as possible.
Are home solar panels worth the cost?
Generally, YES! There are some factors that determine if a solar system is good for you. It depends on the cost of installing solar panels vs what you pay for electricity and taking any incentives into account. Once you figure out the net cost of your system vs what you currently pay you will have a better picture of the benefits from solar.
If there’s a blackout will my panels still work?
Solar will only work during a blackout if you have a battery backup system. Since you are connected to the grid (your local energy service company) the answer is no your panels will not work.
Are home solar batteries a good idea?
We do sell backup batteries as an add-on, but they are still expensive and unless you have a good reason to purchase one, they are not worth the cost.
If you frequently have power outages and feel that you may want that battery for the 2-3 hours your system is down, we can certainly add it.
Should I wait until solar panels get cheaper?
There is a good chance solar panels will get a little cheaper, however, your solar incentives are expiring and the sooner you go solar, the sooner you start saving money. You always want to save money now, rather than later. Waiting will reduce the value of those future savings by at least the amount of inflation.
What happens if I want to sell my home?
If you purchased your system, your property value increased by a minimum of 4%, therefore, when you sell, you should pay off the loan balance with your proceeds. This also makes your home more appealing to potential buyers.
If you leased your system, contact Sunrun before listing your home. Sunrun has a Service Transfer Department that takes care of everything for you.
