Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Get answers related to solar net metering, upfront cost, warranties, moving concerns, maintenance, battery backup, ground mount system, tax credit and much more.
Will I still have an electric bill from my utility company after I go solar?
Yes, most of our customers will still pay a vastly reduced Electricity Bill to their Utility in addition to their monthly loan solar payment. Typically, homeowners consume more electricity than the solar system generates, therefore, you will still owe your utility for that excess consumption. However, if the solar system generates more electricity than you use, you may be eligible for credits from your Utility Provider.
What are the upfront costs?
No Upfront cost at all. Your monthly payment will come after the system is fully installed.
What if my system stops producing like it should?
Our installation partners will handle everything. They will monitor and fix everything from day 1 through 25 years.
What happens to my roof?
Our Installation partners offer a zero-deductible 30-year warranty on panels, inverters, racking and roof leaks with Solar Insure.
What is UCC-1 Financing statement and is it a lien on my house?
The finance or leasing company will secure your solar project through a lien on the solar equipment itself by filing a UCC-1, or Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement, and county fixture filing. The filings are not a lien against your home, so they do not hold any formal position in your home (first, second, or otherwise). You will, however, find a UCC-1 fixture filing on the title of your property. The finance or leasing company file UCC-1 and county fixture filings to protect their rights as the financier of the system. If for whatever reason your mortgage on the real property forecloses on your home, the UCC-1 filing protects their security interest in the system, while preventing your mortgage lender from taking ownership of it.
What happens to a UCC-1 during a refinance?
You'll contact the solar finance or lending company to ask them to lift the UCC-1 and county fixture filing on the Solar Equipment for a limited period provided they will be able to refile upon closing of the mortgage refinancing.
Are warranties included with my solar system?
Yes! our installation partners offer a 10-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year product warranty on the panels and inverters. Additionally, a zero-deductible 30-year warranty on panels, inverters, racking and roof leaks with Solar Insure.
What happens if I move?
Congratulations on the move! You will make arrangements with your realtor, broker, title company, escrow agent, trusts, holdings co, etc to ensure the successful handoff to the new homeowners. They will love it just the way you love it.
You have two options:
1) Pay off the remaining balance
In the vast majority of cases homeowners choose to pay off any remaining balance through the sale of their home.
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2) Transfer the loan
However, if the new homeowner wishes to assume the remaining payments, he/she must apply to qualify. If the new homeowner is approved, then he/she assumes full responsibility of the loan. In very rare circumstances, if he/she is not approved, then you must pay off the remaining balance of the solar system.
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How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels have a lifespan of approximately 25-30 years. And typically, they come with warranties to match. Solar panels manufacturer might provide a warranty to guarantee that peak power output won’t fall below 85 percent for 25 years.
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
Solar panels are incredibly durable and require little to no maintenance. The only thing they need is a periodic light cleaning to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren't obstructing the sun's rays. The only time you may need more extensive maintenance is during periods of heavy snowfall, or if your panels' energy output starts to decrease.
What if something goes wrong with my system?
In the event that something does go wrong, your solar PV system components have very long warranties that would cover replacement of parts. You can reach out to your installer at anytime for guidance and help on what steps to take.
How does the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Work?
The ITC in 2021 is a 26% federal tax credit for solar systems on residential properties. As the owner of the solar energy system, you may be eligible to apply the credit as a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the federal income taxes that you owe in the year that your solar system was installed. If the ITC granted for your solar system is greater than your tax liabilities in the year that you purchased your solar energy system, you may be able to apply the remaining ITC in the subsequent year. To determine your eligibility for any federal solar investment tax credit, you should make an independent assessment or consult with your tax advisor. Some states and/or utilities offer additional credits and rebates above the ITC Tax credit.
How do I qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
If you are a wage earner and owe taxes to the federal government, then you may benefit from this credit. Please Consult a tax professional.
How much do I qualify for from the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)?
You may qualify to receive up to 26% of the value of the system. If you don’t have that in tax liability, you can roll it over to subsequent years of taxation to reap the full amount. Please Consult a tax professional.
Is my home right for solar?
Texas is prime state for solar energy installation and production. Ideal homes will possess a large, south facing roof with minimal shading. Pitched and flat roof are 100% qualified for solar production.
How does my solar system work?
The solar panels on your roof capture the sun light. Included with your new solar system are the inverters which converts the sun light from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) form of electricity to power your home. Upon adding a backup battery option, any excess electricity gets stored in the battery until its fully charged. Afterwards any excess electricity being produced gets sent out to the utility grid and you get a credit for it depending on the utility in your area.
How many panels do I need?
Your system size will depends on your electric consumption. This is why we review your full 12 months of usage history to determine the appropriate system size for your home. You may always oversize or undersize your system as desired based on change of electric consumption.
Do solar panels withstand hail storms?
Our top tier solar panels are hail resistant and can withstand hail up to a speed of 150 mph.
What kind of solar equipment do you use?
Our installation partners will use Tier one, black on black, mono-crystalline panels. Additionally, micro invertors are included with our solar systems to promote independent electric production on each panel unlike string inverters. We offer a wide range of batteries to fulfill your desired backup loads.
Do I need a battery backup?
While batteries may minimize the amount of electricity you will be pulling back from the utility grid, they are not necessarily to power your solar system. If however you're looking for the comfort and convenience of having electricity during a power outage, a battery is must.