How Solar works

Let’s Break Solar Down

With solar technology becoming more affordable and with the government offering generous tax incentives, solar power has never been more accessible to homeowners.

Powered by the Sun

Solar power is the power obtained by harnessing the energy from the sun. It is an abundant, clean, renewable form of energy.

Solar panels capture the sun’s rays which are then converted into usable electricity to power our homes and businesses. It is a cheaper source of energy unlike the traditional forms produced by burning fossil fuels, making it also safer for the environment.

Picture of a house with solar panels

The Technology

Energy particles of different wavelengths come from the sun and combine to form photons of sunlight. When these photons come into contact with a photovoltaic cell, they transfer their energy to electrons, which then become part of a current in an electrical circuit. The flow of electrons generates an electrical current that can be extracted and used externally. Many photovoltaic cells are joined together to generate sufficient voltage. 

The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make

Transitioning to solar is by far one of the best decisions you can make. It is an amazingly simple process to get installed and you will benefit by either reducing or eliminating your electric bill.

FAQ

Your Questions Answered

Got a question? Check out our answers below.  And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, ask us!

What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

A solar energy system increases the value of your home as well as allow for the reduction of or elimination of your electric bill. or eliminating your electric bill. You can also benefit from federal, state, and local tax incentives, and in some cases, you might even qualify for property tax reductions. Installing solar also helps to protect you from future rate increases from your utility company. 

What is net metering? 

Net metering is the system the utility company uses to apply solar credits on the bills of the homeowners for overproduction from their solar system. These credits offset dollar for dollar what the customer would have paid to the utility for energy supplied.

Can I afford to go solar?

If you already pay an electric bill, you can surely afford solar. After a system is customized for your home, the monthly amount paid to either lease it or own it is less than what you currently pay the utility company.

Will solar increase my property value?

A study conducted by Berkeley National Labs for the US Department of Energy examined 200,000 homes across eight states. It found that homes with solar were more attractive to buyers and added up to 20% to the home’s value. 

Does solar generate electricity at night?

The short answer is: No. However with net metering, you will be able to use energy stored on the grid from overproduction in the day to offset what you would draw from the utility company at night.

Will my system still produce electricity if there’s a power outage?

For safety reasons, your system will shut down when there’s a power outage. Excess electricity being sent to the grid during an outage could risk the safety of workers trying to restore power. As soon as the grid's power is restored, everything goes back to normal.

Can you fix my roof or provide other services while installing solar?

Yes, we can repair or replace your roof if needed. We can also relocate your electric panel or perform an electrical panel upgrade, and we can trim or remove privately owned trees (not city trees). 

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power is a clean, renewable resource that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More renewable power means less dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn means cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

How do I know what size solar electric system my home needs?

Each household’s needs are different, so we begin by assessing your electric bill. Once we determine your annual usage, we use satellite imagery to calculate the size of your roof. With this information, we are able to customize a system that will suit your needs. 

Should I buy or lease my solar power system?

Both buying and leasing have benefits and will save you a ton of money. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better option for you. However, if your priority is an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, you could consider a solar lease.

Will I still receive an electric bill from the utility company?

Unless you are fully off the grid, you will receive a basic service charge from the utility company. Typically, the cost varies based on the utility, but it’s usually between $10-$20. The reason for this is because

1. If you are producing more power than you need, the extra power will be stored by the utility company on the grid and the meter keeps track of this.

2. If you need more power than your system generates, the grid will supply you with energy above and beyond what your system produces.

What happens when it’s cloudy?

Solar panels produce power based on the amount of sunlight they receive (they don’t need heat to work). Therefore, on a cloudy day, they produce less power, and no power at night. 

However, when designing your system, we use up-to-date weather and climate information to determine how much sun your solar installation is likely to receive. This means you can relax, knowing that even on cloudy days, your solar system is saving you money. 

How long does it take to install a solar system?

After a consultation, you can expect your system to be installed within the next 45-60 days (other companies often take 90 days or longer). 

On the day of installation, you can expect the work to take 6-10 hours

Is there a warranty?

Every solar system comes with a 25-year which covers parts replacement, shipping and labor, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty allowing you peace of mind.
for roof leaks. If a problem arises, we will arrange to have it taken care of.