Solar FAQ

Solar FAQfotex2020-04-01T17:18:59-07:00
What types of power inverters are offered?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

Power inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced from your panels to alternating current (AC) power. There are three different types of inverters: microinverters, string/centralized inverters, and power optimizers. At Sunlight Solar, we offer a variety of inverters by manufacturers with the best reputation and warranty. Contact us to receive a free quote and see what solar inverters are best for your home. 

What will happen if snow gets on my solar panels?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

If your solar panels are covered in snow, then they will not be able to convert sunshine into power, which means they will not be able to produce electricity. Don’t worry, most panels are strategically designed to be slanted, so even if snow does get on them, it will likely slide off. Typically snow is not heavy enough to damage your panels, and if it doesn’t slide off, they are very easy to clean.

Is there a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

If you are interested in receiving a detailed report on how much energy your solar panel system is producing, ask your installer about solar monitoring options. In most cases, we will provide you daily performance report for free.

What size should my solar energy system be?fotex2020-04-01T16:21:54-07:00

We’ll size the system based off of your monthly average KW consumption.

How do solar panels work?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Solar panels work by absorbing the sun’s energy throughout the day and then converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. Typically, homes and businesses use alternating current (AC) electricity, so the solar panels’ DC electricity goes through an inverter and is converted to AC electricity. From there, one of two things happens, you either use the electricity or it is sent back to the electric grid. 

What are the environmental benefits of going solar?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

There are so many environmental and health benefits of going solar! It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which also contributes to climate change. It helps reduce air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which is said to cause health problems. 

If I have solar panels, will I still have to pay an electric bill?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are entirely off the grid, then you will still receive a utility bill. Fortunately, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use, you can dramatically reduce your bill to as much as $0 per month. 

What are my solar financing options?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

You have three solar financing options available to you. You can either buy your solar panels in cash, take out a loan to purchase them, or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA). 

What is the solar power installation process like?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

The first step in the installation process is to receive your free quote from us. We will provide you with a variety of solar system choices, financing options, show you our previous work and company testimonials. Once you accept our quote, we will submit the paperwork needed for your solar system to be approved. The actual installation will then take a day or two to complete. 

How can I find out how much I pay for electricity?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

You can easily find out how much you spend on electricity every month by looking at your utility electric bill. It will not only show you how much you pay but how much electricity you actually spend per month.

What types of solar panels are offered?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

We offer a variety of solar systems that are made by manufacturers with the best reputation and warranties. At Sunlight Solar, we make sure to protect your financial investment. Contact us to receive a free quote and see what solar panels are best for your home. 

Does solar impact my property value?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Yes! Statistically, many homes sell for more than homes without solar panels. However, it is important to note that your property value only increases if you own your solar panel system, as opposed to if you lease it. If you’re debating on either getting a solar panel system or renovating your kitchen, then we suggest you invest with the solar panel system, as it increases your property value more than a kitchen remodel does. 

Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

It depends on why you are going solar. But if you want to maximize your financial returns for purchasing a solar system, then buying your system is probably the best option for you. But if you want an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce how much you spend on utility bills, then a solar lease will probably be best for you. 

Can I afford to go solar?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill, then you can afford to go solar. There are $0 down solar financing options, which make it easy for people to go solar. 

Should I need to replace my roof before installing my solar system?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Solar systems typically last for 25 to 35 years, and it can cost quite a bit to remove and re-install them. If you don’t know whether your roof will need to be replaced in the near future, don’t worry, one of our professionals will be able to determine whether you need to replace your roof before going solar. 

How long will my solar system last?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

Typically, solar systems can generate electricity for 25 to 35 years. They are very durable and can withstand various weather conditions, such as snow, wind, and hail. 

Can my solar panels generate power when there is no sun?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Solar panels depend on sunlight in order to generate power. That means when it is cloudy outside, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy. At night, however, they will not produce energy. Even if you live in a city where it is continuously cloudy, we still recommend you invest in solar panels because of its benefits both financially and environmentally. 

How much will maintenance cost for my solar panel system?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Your solar panel system will require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years they will generate power for. They are made of durable tempered glass, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning them. 

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Roofs with little to no shade are perfect for solar panels. If your roof does not have enough space to install solar panels, in many cases, solar panels can be installed around your property. 

Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

There are solar systems that include solar batteries and are very popular. Fortunately, batteries are not necessary for all solar homeowners.

Secured solar loans vs. unsecured solar loansfotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

The main difference between these two loans is that secured solar loans require you to put something down as collateral, usually your home. On the other hand, unsecured solar loans do not. To learn more about your financing options, contact Sunlight Solar, we offer rates as low as 2.99%

What is net metering?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Utility companies use a system called “net metering,” which allows them to credit homeowners who have solar energy systems. Essentially, with net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels generate. However, this differs from state to state, so make sure to inform yourself on net metering in California.

How should I choose the right solar installer?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

You should first confirm that they are certified, licensed, and insured. Ask to see pictures of previous solar panel project and look at testimonials or reviews. All Sunlight Solar installers are pre-screened to provide you with quality work and outstanding customer service, so your experience is above and beyond what you expected.  

Are there any solar energy rebates or incentives?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Depending where you live, solar rebates and incentives vary. Some states offer additional tax credits aside from the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC). Certain utility companies also offer cash rebates and other incentives. 

How can I financially benefit from solar energy?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

By having solar panels, you can have more money in your wallet and save on your electricity bills every month. Not to mention, you can also protect yourself from rising electricity rates in the future. Of course, how much money you save depends on utility rates, but regardless of where you live, going solar is a smart investment. 

During a blackout, will my solar panels work?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

If you are still on the grid, your solar panels will shut off during a blackout. This is to prevent any injuries to people such as emergency responders and utility repair workers from the solar panels sending power back to the grid. There are inverters you can purchase and connect to a battery so that you can have backup power during a blackout. 

Is it possible to go off grid with solar panels?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:43-07:00

Yes, you can go off grid with a solar system that has battery storage, although it is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners. When solar panels are installed on your property, they are typically connected to the grid. This allows you to receive energy from the grid when your solar panels are not producing sufficient power. The power that you do not end up using then gets sent back to the grid. 

What happens to my solar panels if I sell my house?fotex2020-04-01T15:58:45-07:00

If you own your solar system, then your home will sell at a higher value as solar panels are shown to increase your property value. However, if you are leasing your system, then you will need to either buy out your lease before you sell your home, or you will need to work out an agreement with your leasing company to transfer the contract to your home’s buyers.