FAQ

Installed system pricing is highly site specific. Some of the factors that determine price include: current monthly energy usage, roof size, available sunlight, etc. All PV panels are designed to withstand outside elements – (rain, snow, etc.) requirements to build a PV system have roof requirements – a local installer will be able to assess that for you.

We have a whole section on incentives and rebates. Please visit it to learn more.

No, solar panels can be mounted on a car-port, over a parking lot, or even in a field. But most residential installation are on the roof of a house.

(vs whole process) The actual installation will only take 1-3 days, depending on the size of the system, but the whole process from inquiry to installation can take 3-6 months.

Several factors go into determining what size system you will need. Some of the influencers are: Your current energy usage, the size and orientation of your roof, the rebates available in your area. In general the cost is $8,000 - $10,000 per kilowat (kW). A home with an energy bill of about $150 a month might require a 4kW system, which would cost around $40,000 before rebates an incentives, and about $20,000 after rebates and tax credits.

All PV panels are designed to withstand outside elements: rain, snow, hail, etc. Your local installer will be able to assess your roof with you to determine if it meets the requirements to securely support a solar panel system.

Solar panels generally have a 25 year warranty and are predicted to last about 30 years.

Your installer will be able to help you determine what sort of cleaning your panels will need. Some require none, while others in particularly dusty places may require occasional cleaning.

A net meter can spin forwards and backwards and will record the amount of energy that you generate and put onto the grid and the energy that you pull from the grid at night when the panels are not generating electricity.

Solar panels are most efficient when they are receiving direct sunlight. They may still produce some energy when it's cloudy outside, but they produce the most energy in bright light.

No in most cases standard homeowner's insurance will satisfy the utility companies requirements. Utilities usually require that homeowners who sign up for net-metering sign an interconnection agreement. This agreement is just a standard contract that spells out the basic terms of the relationship you will have with the utility, i.e how you will be credited for the electricity you produce etc.

Yes. Building permits are required for the installation of a solar power system. In addition building, electrical, and plumbing codes will apply. But don't worry, your solar professional will be able to handle all those details for you and will incorporate the permit into the price that they quote you.

At Residential Solar 101 we can save you time and take the hassle out of shopping for solar. We are constantly researching all the happenings in the solar industry and reporting everything that we find in our blog or in the eduction section of the website. We strive to simply any confusing or industry specific terminology so that you can understand how solar works and what you need to be aware of when shopping for a home solar power system. When you are ready to get an estimate we have a simple form for you to fill out so that we can put you in touch with some of the best installers in your local area and get you one step closer to going solar.

In optimal conditions, one square foot of a solar panel will generate 10 watts of power. So if you consider the that the standard system in the US is around 4 kW (or 4000 Watts) you will need approximately may need 400 to 500 square feet of area, depending on how much sun your roof gets and the type of PV module used.

You can finance your home solar power system through a home equity loan. A solar power system is viewed as a home upgrade like a pool or deck, and therefore this method has great tax advantages because you are able to claim the interest payments as a tax deduction.

A home solar power system can be installed on any well-constructed roof. Asphalt shingles are generally the easiest to work with, while slate or tile proves to be the most difficult. If your roof is older and is in need of repair or replacement you should definitely have this work done prior to the installation of the solar power system. Not doing so will lead to the unneccesary future costs associated with removing and reinstalling your solar system. Solar power systems are also available that integrate the solar cells into the roof. These integrated modules can be an attractive option if you need to replace a roof or are building a new home.