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Solar FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are all of the answers to some of our most asked questions about solar power.
Solar Basics
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar Panels, with the help of a solar inverter, convert direct currents of energy into usable AC electricity.
Learn more about how solar panels work with this article!
What Should I Know about Residential Solar as a First-time Solar Customer?
Solar power can be complicated, but learn the basics with this article!
What are the Benefits of Going Solar?
Going solar can allow you to save money, help the environment, and gain independence from your utility company.
Learn all about the benefits of solar power; read this article!
What Decisions Should I Avoid Making as a Customer?
The first things to think about when looking into residential solar power are financing options, equipment, and warranties.
Learn the dos and don’ts of home solar; check out this article!
What if I Have an HOA?
As long as you own your home, your meter is located on your property, and your system produces at least 10% of your energy your HOA has to allow you to install your solar system.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is the process of connecting your solar system to the electrical grid through your electric meter. During the day, your solar system produces more energy than you are currently using and you receive credits from your electrical company for the excess energy. During the night, when the panels are not producing, you use up those credits. This allows us to design a system that will continue to offset your power bill through the winter months through credits generated in the summer. Think of it as a piggy bank for your energy.
Can I have a solar system installed if I live in a condo?
You have to own the condo, the meter has to be on your property, and your solar panels need to produce at least 10% of the energy that your home needs. If those conditions are met then your HOA shouldn’t be able to prevent you from installing solar panels on your home.
What types of solar panels are the best for my home?
Everyone’s home is different, but when it comes to solar power they all need solar panels that are powerful, efficient, and durable. Our recommendation is the REC Alpha solar panels.
To learn everything that you need to know about solar panels check out this article!
How long does the process take?
After you officially sign the papers and purchase your solar system it usually takes less than a couple of months until your solar energy system is installed.
What happens if there is a power outage?
Solar panels don’t prevent a power outage as you would still be connected to the power grid. If you had a backup battery that connected to your solar panels, then you would be able to use that energy in the event of a power outage.
What does a backup battery do?
Backup batteries work as storage for the energy that your solar panels produce, and can even improve the efficiency of your panels since the energy doesn’t have to travel as far as the power grid.
Is solar power reliable?
Solar power has been improving for years and has steadily become more efficient and powerful. Solar panels can power an entire home quite easily and have an expected lifetime of 25 years, which can put your mind at ease.
Learn more about the reliability of solar panels and check out this article!
Cost of Solar
How Much Does It Cost To Go Solar?
The price of a solar energy system is different for everyone. We design your system by using factors such as your current energy consumption, tree shading, tax credit eligibility, location in relation to the sun, etcetera. This way we are able to give you an accurate estimate of what your monthly solar payments would be.
To learn more about the cost of solar check out this article!
Get in touch today for a free proposal to see how much solar would cost for you!
How Does the Federal Tax Credit Work?
For homeowners who qualify there is a federal tax credit that would cover 26% of the total cost of a solar energy system.
Learn about solar tax credits, promotions, and incentives available to you by reading this article!
Solar Promotions, Incentives, and Tax Credits
Give us a call to see if you qualify for the tax credit!
What is included in the total cost of my system?
The total cost that you pay includes installation costs, a site survey, materials, and warranties that can give you peace of mind about your system. By materials, we are talking about the solar panels, inverters, mounting brackets, and hardware required for the electrical work. The engineer and permitting fees are also included in the final cost. We want to make the switch to solar power as easy as possible for the customer!
What are my options for financing my solar system?
There are a few different options for financing your solar energy system; a solar loan, cash deal, or a lease. Learn about the ins and outs of solar financing and check out this article!
Are there any state incentives or company promotions?
Yes, it depends on what state you are living in but there are many incentives available throughout the country. Each company has its own incentives such as energy efficiency packages or even cash incentives.
Check out this article and learn more about the incentives available for those going solar!
Will my insurance go up if I install solar panels on my home?
It depends on a couple of factors such as your insurance company, the size of your system, etc. If your homeowners’ insurance does increase because of the solar panels, it should only be by a relatively small amount.
How long until I will see a return on my solar system?
The time it takes for homeowners to see a return on their solar energy system is different for everyone, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has found that the payback period in many areas is less than four years and in others might be around eight years.
After Install
Will I still be connected to/pay my utility company?
Yes. Participating in your utility company’s net metering program significantly reduces the cost of your system by eliminating costly batteries. This means you will still pay your utility company a small connection fee each month, typically ~$4 – $10.
What maintenance is required for my solar system?
There is very little maintenance needed for a solar system. To improve efficiency a system should be cleaned off 2-3 times a year with a hose or leaf blower.
What happens if my system produces more energy than I need?
Net metering allows any excess energy that is produced by your system to go back into the power grid, and then this energy is credited to your account. These credits can then be used on cloudy days.
How long will it take, after my system has been installed, for my utility bills to go down?
It depends on the time of the year, but it could be anywhere from 2-12 months before your system is producing enough energy to offset your solar system.
What should I do if I move before my solar system is paid off?
There are a few options available to you if you move; You could sign over the loan to the new homeowner and the panels would not have to be moved. If you want to take the panels to your new home, they will just have to be uninstalled and reinstalled.
What will happen if I need to get my roof repaired?
Before solar panels can be installed, the roof is inspected to assess the condition. If the roof needs to be repaired or replaced, that is completed before the installation. If the shingles do need to be replaced after the system has already been installed, the system will have to be taken off and then reinstalled.
What warranties are available for my system?
Our solar panels have two warranties. The equipment warranty will guarantee 25 years without failing. The solar panel’s product warranty insurance covers the integrity of the panel itself and protects you against problems such as manufacturing defects, environmental issues, premature wear, and tear, etc. Noble Solar also offers a 10-year workmanship warranty. The solar specialist will go over the warranties with you and address any of your questions as well.
Will my house value go up when I install solar panels?
Although solar panels do not guarantee an increase in your home’s value, Zillow has reported that homes with solar panels are valued up to 4% more than homes without solar in the U.S.
Check out this article to learn how investing in solar panels could increase the value of your home!
Do you have a production guarantee?
While all our products come with a 25-year warranty through the equipment manufacturers, and our panels have a 30-year linear power performance guarantee through Silfab, so Noble Solar does not have a production guarantee since it is already offered.