1. Will solar increase our home value?
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for every one dollar you save on an annual basis from your utility bill, your home value rises by up to $20 per watt. Meaning that if you save $50 per month ($600/yr) on your electric bill due to solar, your property value would increase in value by $12,000. Keep in mind that the amount of value added to your home will vary from market to market as real estate appraisers better understand how to take in consideration how much value a solar system adds to your home.
2. So, if it increases my home value, will it increase my property taxes!?
In most cases NO. You need to check with your local property tax office to ensure that will not.
3. Do I “have” to be connected to the grid?
The most cost effective solutions will have to be connected to the grid. If you are interested in a “stand-alone” system with batteries to store excess power that your system generates during the day, then you have calculate that cost into your potential savings. Battery backup systems are still cost prohibited.
4. How do you determine how big of a system we need to install?
There are many factors that decide this:
- How much can be placed in direct sun on your roof?
- What is your monthly average of electrical usage?
- What type of returns on your investment are you looking for?
5. What is better: Solar Lease or Solar Ownership?
It depends, we found that most clients in Texas, Arizona, and Utah benefits most from incentives and benefits of ownership.
6. Does my home need to meet any special requirements to install a solar system?
Every home that goes solar needs to be surveyed by one of our trained professionals. During that inspection, they will look at your roof, the electrical system in your home, the frame of your home and lastly how much sun you get on your roof. Most homes will qualify as long they get enough sun. However, sometimes we discover small problems but we will always strive to deliver a solution so you can still enjoy the benefits of going solar at your home.
7. I don’t plan on being in my home for 20 years, why would I add solar?
Regardless of how long you’ll be in your home it always makes sense to go solar for many reasons. Financially, you will be saving money the first month you go solar and every month you are in the home. You’ll also be able to sell your home for more as a result because it is a more energy efficient home. Lastly you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by not using the dirty energy that the utility companies currently provide. An affect that will not only be felt by you but by your children and grandchildren.
8. Is solar a viable option in cold climates?
Yes! As long as the sun shines, then your climate is a viable place for you to go solar!
9. Can my HOA or neighbors prevent me from installing a solar system?
Typically no. Most states have laws protecting homeowners from their HOA declining them from installing a PV solar system. However it is rare in states that don’t have these laws for an HOA to decline your home from going solar.
10. How long is the process?
In most cases, installed within 2 months. Most of the delays are from permits and local utilities wanting to ensure everything is just right. The actual install is only 2-4 days in which home owners are not usually required to be there during any of the steps. We work with you the whole time to communicate the steps.
11. Will the electric company pay me for surplus power I feed into the grid?
In most cases – yes, some utility companies will pay their customers for the extra power that is produced from the panels but it is dependent upon their company policies. To find out what the policy of your utility company is please contact your solar consultant or your account administrator.
12. What happens if there is no sun that day?
Your panels will take full advantage of a sunny day but don’t worry if the sun is not shining as bright as you would like. Even when there is a little cloud cover, or even a lot of cloud cover your solar panels will still be producing some power. The great news is that you never have to worry about your home having electricity. Your home is always connected to the grid in case you need a little more power or if you have too much power being generated.