Solar fAQ
Here you can find out some of the question we get asked every day, to help you
get a better understanding of the process and what you can get from your solar panels.
Q
What are some indicators that my home is suitable for solar energy?
A
Are you curious about whether your home is solar-ready? We've got you covered! Our team of experts will conduct a comprehensive energy evaluation of your property to determine the feasibility of solar systems. Instead of relying on guesswork, we assess a range of parameters to provide you with accurate and reliable information. So why not give us a call and schedule an appointment at your convenience?
Q
What is the estimated lifespan of solar panels?
A
Are you wondering about the longevity of your solar panels? Well, the good news is that solar panels are designed to last for a long time, with a typical lifespan of around 25 years or more. At our company, we offer a warranty that covers all the components, including the panels and the inverter system, providing you with peace of mind knowing that any system component that malfunctions within the next 25 years will be fixed.
Not only are today's solar systems built to last, but they're also becoming more robust with the latest technological advancements. Our solar panels are of the highest quality, and according to expert tests, some of the newest components we use can outlast their original warranty by five to ten years. So, rest assured that your solar investment will be generating clean energy for years to come.
Not only are today's solar systems built to last, but they're also becoming more robust with the latest technological advancements. Our solar panels are of the highest quality, and according to expert tests, some of the newest components we use can outlast their original warranty by five to ten years. So, rest assured that your solar investment will be generating clean energy for years to come.
Q
What is the estimated duration of installing solar panels?
A
At the appointed time, a squad of experts will grace your doorstep, equipped with all the necessary tools to install your brand-new solar panels. The bulk of the installation process for solar energy systems in NYC occurs in the great outdoors. However, in order to access the electrical panel and establish connections, we may need to enter your abode, but only for a fleeting moment.
Our pride is rooted in the meticulous upkeep of the premises we work in, and we make it a point to clean up after ourselves to ensure that your home remains just as spotless as when we first crossed the threshold.
The duration of the installation procedure? It can take anywhere from a half-day to two whole days, depending on the magnitude of the task at hand. To give you a heads up, we provide accurate time estimates based on the size of the installation, so you'll know precisely what to anticipate.
Our pride is rooted in the meticulous upkeep of the premises we work in, and we make it a point to clean up after ourselves to ensure that your home remains just as spotless as when we first crossed the threshold.
The duration of the installation procedure? It can take anywhere from a half-day to two whole days, depending on the magnitude of the task at hand. To give you a heads up, we provide accurate time estimates based on the size of the installation, so you'll know precisely what to anticipate.
Q
What is the recommended frequency for maintaining my solar panel system?
A
Installing a solar energy system in your humble abode provides you with a dependable and environmentally friendly source of electricity that requires minimal maintenance. The latest solar systems are designed with no moving parts and are almost fault-proof.
Cleaning your solar panels becomes necessary every three to five years. Cleaning your panels will eliminate any dust and debris that may have collected on them, ensuring that they continue to generate electricity at the expected rate as per our original energy analysis.
Under a maintenance agreement, we'll clean and maintain your panels, keeping them in top-notch condition. We'll also inspect them for any damage or faults, which should be impossible to overlook.
When it comes to home improvement projects, installing a solar energy system on your roof is the epitome of low maintenance.
Cleaning your solar panels becomes necessary every three to five years. Cleaning your panels will eliminate any dust and debris that may have collected on them, ensuring that they continue to generate electricity at the expected rate as per our original energy analysis.
Under a maintenance agreement, we'll clean and maintain your panels, keeping them in top-notch condition. We'll also inspect them for any damage or faults, which should be impossible to overlook.
When it comes to home improvement projects, installing a solar energy system on your roof is the epitome of low maintenance.
Q
Will I continue receiving an electricity bill after installing solar panels in NYC?
A
In short, yes. However, you can expect a significantly reduced bill from what you're accustomed to paying.
We conduct a thorough energy analysis to determine how much solar energy you can generate in your home. This will give you an accurate estimate of your monthly production and potential savings before you authorize the installation.
Once your solar panel system is up and running, any excess energy you produce is credited to a "credit bank." This credit can be used to lower your future utility bills. If you generate more energy than you consume in a given month, your only cost will be the standard monthly hookup fee of approximately $12 to $15.
During the months when your energy usage exceeds your production, your credit will be applied to your bill first, leaving you with significantly lower expenses than before you went solar.
We conduct a thorough energy analysis to determine how much solar energy you can generate in your home. This will give you an accurate estimate of your monthly production and potential savings before you authorize the installation.
Once your solar panel system is up and running, any excess energy you produce is credited to a "credit bank." This credit can be used to lower your future utility bills. If you generate more energy than you consume in a given month, your only cost will be the standard monthly hookup fee of approximately $12 to $15.
During the months when your energy usage exceeds your production, your credit will be applied to your bill first, leaving you with significantly lower expenses than before you went solar.
Q
What occurs during a blackout?
A
In the event of a power grid outage, a traditional NYC solar panel system is designed to shut down as a safety precaution. During a blackout, the power grid must be protected from incoming energy sources, which is why your home's solar system stops exporting electricity. This helps to safeguard equipment and linemen who may be working to restore power.
Despite having solar panels, your home will still lose power along with the rest of the grid during a blackout, which although rare, can still happen.
Even without a major blackout, localized power issues can cause problems. If you want to ensure uninterrupted electricity, even during maintenance or brief blackouts, you may want to consider the following scenario.
Despite having solar panels, your home will still lose power along with the rest of the grid during a blackout, which although rare, can still happen.
Even without a major blackout, localized power issues can cause problems. If you want to ensure uninterrupted electricity, even during maintenance or brief blackouts, you may want to consider the following scenario.
Q
Is it possible to live off-grid with the help of smart solar solutions?
A
As a homeowner, you're likely aware of the cost-saving and environmental benefits of installing solar panels. However, the question of whether you can live off-grid with smart solar solutions is a significant one.
Even with smart solar solutions, your home will still be connected to the power grid. Typically, solar panels installed on the rooftops of NYC homes cannot generate sufficient power to meet all their energy needs throughout the year. Currently, it's not possible to install a battery backup that can power a family home for an extended period.
Instead, net metering enables you to accumulate credits on your energy bill during the peak solar output months. These credits can be used to offset the power you draw from the grid during the off-season.
Even with smart solar solutions, your home will still be connected to the power grid. Typically, solar panels installed on the rooftops of NYC homes cannot generate sufficient power to meet all their energy needs throughout the year. Currently, it's not possible to install a battery backup that can power a family home for an extended period.
Instead, net metering enables you to accumulate credits on your energy bill during the peak solar output months. These credits can be used to offset the power you draw from the grid during the off-season.
Q
How do solar panels affect the value of my home in NYC?
A
This isn't just speculation. The real estate industry has conducted numerous studies on this topic. According to recent reports, homes with solar panels sold for an average of 4.1% to 4.5% more across the United States. In NYC, the premium was even higher at 5.4% or more. This premium can be attributed to the exorbitant electricity bills in NYC, which we all know can be quite steep.
When a buyer looks at a home with solar panels, they notice two things: they won't have to pay for the installation of such a system, and they can enjoy lower electricity costs when they generate most or all of their energy from solar.
In other words, your investment in green energy will become a valuable asset that benefits not just you but also potential buyers if you decide to sell your home. Solar panels will be a selling point for your property.
When a buyer looks at a home with solar panels, they notice two things: they won't have to pay for the installation of such a system, and they can enjoy lower electricity costs when they generate most or all of their energy from solar.
In other words, your investment in green energy will become a valuable asset that benefits not just you but also potential buyers if you decide to sell your home. Solar panels will be a selling point for your property.
Q
What does the term "solar net metering" mean?
A
To design a suitable solar solution for your home, we take into account various factors such as the size of the house, available roof space for panels, the roof's slope and location, and any adjacent structures or trees that may cast shadows on the panels throughout the day. We use satellite images, drones, and software to determine how much solar energy a home can generate throughout the year.
However, solar energy production isn't constant. During the winter, productivity is lower due to the sun's lower position in the sky and shorter daylight hours. Conversely, there's an abundance of sunlight and longer days during the summer, but you're likely to consume more power during this period, resulting in using all or most of what you generate.
Net metering provides greater control over the changes in demand and solar panel production.
However, solar energy production isn't constant. During the winter, productivity is lower due to the sun's lower position in the sky and shorter daylight hours. Conversely, there's an abundance of sunlight and longer days during the summer, but you're likely to consume more power during this period, resulting in using all or most of what you generate.
Net metering provides greater control over the changes in demand and solar panel production.
Q
How much do solar panels cost?
A
The cost of a solar panel depends on various factors such as its capacity, technology used in manufacturing it, the model or variant of the solar PV panel, its quality, the manufacturer, and the brand. Typically, the price of a solar panel is determined by these characteristics, as well as similar criteria for the other components of the solar system.
Q
What is the recommended method for cleaning solar panels?
A
The recommended method for cleaning solar panels involves rinsing them with clean water to remove loose debris. Then, gently scrub the surface of the panels using a soft scrubber and soapy water from a bucket or mixing sprayer.
Manufacturers typically suggest cleaning solar panels every six months. There are numerous professional panel cleaners available in the market, or you can opt for automated cleaners that can be programmed to clean the panels as needed. You can also use a garden hose to wash the face of the panels during the early morning or evening. However, you should avoid spraying cold water on hot panels, as this could cause them to crack.
Manufacturers typically suggest cleaning solar panels every six months. There are numerous professional panel cleaners available in the market, or you can opt for automated cleaners that can be programmed to clean the panels as needed. You can also use a garden hose to wash the face of the panels during the early morning or evening. However, you should avoid spraying cold water on hot panels, as this could cause them to crack.
Q
What steps should I take to maintain my solar panel system?
A
Typically, solar panel systems require maintenance at intervals of several years. The rain typically washes away the pollen and dust that settle on your solar panels. However, if your system is situated in the shade of trees, you may need to trim and maintain the branches regularly to avoid damage from falling limbs, reduce shading, and increase yield. In order to keep your solar panels safe and maximize winter energy output, you may need to shovel snow from your roof during extremely snowy winters.
Unless there is heavy snowfall or prolonged freezing temperatures, snow will melt off a tilted system. Homeowners should avoid using metal or other hard surfaces to remove snow from their solar panels and instead opt for a tool specially designed for solar panels.Regenerate response
Unless there is heavy snowfall or prolonged freezing temperatures, snow will melt off a tilted system. Homeowners should avoid using metal or other hard surfaces to remove snow from their solar panels and instead opt for a tool specially designed for solar panels.Regenerate response