Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power

The main components of a solar system include solar panels - to capture energy from the sun, an inverter – to convert the energy into a format that will power appliances, and racking – which is used to mount your system. Additionally, based on the design of your system, there may be batteries – to store energy, a charge controller – to control the rate at which the batteries charge, meters, disconnects, and wires. 

Solar panels are typically warrantied for 25 years. That is the anticipated lifespan of a new system; however, other system components may need to be replaced periodically. Batteries are warrantied for 1 to 10 years, depending on the technology, manufacturer, and model. Inverters are warrantied for 10-15 years.  Be sure to check the specific warranties of the solar system products that you choose.

While you can attempt to install a solar system yourself, navigating the technical details, changes and advances in products, working through the permitting, building and electrical codes, registering with the utility provider, understanding and setting up net metering, and the actual physical installation up on a roof, tends to be overwhelming for the average consumer, so most consumers choose to have a professional do it for them.  Pricing for materials and installation vary greatly based on the design of your system.  Our solar specialists will be happy to guide you through the process from initial consultation and pricing all the way through installation and financing your system. 

Your utility company’s net metering policies dictate the terms you agree to when you connect your solar system to your local power grid. Utility companies’ net metering policies vary. The policy will dictate the rates you will be charged, the credits you will receive based on power taken from or brought to the grid, and any other terms specific to the time of use or other variables.   Being knowledgeable about your local utility company’s net metering policy will allow you to determine the level of return and timeframe (with other variables) for return on your solar investment.

Investing in solar is smart for the planet and your budget. Solar systems often pay for themselves by reducing your monthly electric bill. The payback period will vary based on factors like local climate, cost of electricity, and design of your system. Our solar specialists will work with you to design a system that meets your needs and determine the specific payback period for your system.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government is offering a residential clean energy property credit which is a 30-percent credit for certain qualified expenditures made by a taxpayer for a residential energy efficient property. The IRA extended the residential clean energy property credit through 2034, modified the applicable credit percentage rates, and added battery storage technology as an eligible expenditure. The credit applies for property placed in service after December 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2033. The credit percentage rate phases down to 26 percent for properties placed in service in 2033 and 22 percent for properties placed in service in 2034. No credit is available for property placed in service after December 31, 2034.   Many other state and local incentives and rebates cover solar energy, energy-efficient updates, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle chargers.  Be sure to research programs in your areas and discuss these items with your tax preparer. 

We work with several reputable finance companies, including Michigan Saves to offer various financing options to meet our customer's needs. Our solar specialists can discuss these with you in detail.

The solar system required for your home or business depends on your monthly energy use, site factors like shading, sun hours, panel orientation, and any backup or energy storage needs you may have. Our solar specialists use the energy consumption data you provide from your power bills plus satellite imagery of your home combined with software specialized for the solar industry to determine the appropriately sized system for your home.      

Need help selecting products?  Call our solar specialists to review the best options for your home or business. Our solar specialists are updated on the latest and best products in an ever growing and changing industry and aware of any product availability issues caused by supply chain interruptions.  They can discuss all of the options with you!    

Inverters convert the power generated by solar panels into a format that your appliances can use. String inverters allow a group of panels to be plugged into a single inverter. While the benefit is that it is a cost-effective configuration, it may not perform as well if panels are blocked by shade or cloudy weather. Micro-inverters are individual inverters attached to each panel. The advantage is that if one panel's performance is affected, the rest are unaffected.   String inverters with power optimizers offer the benefits of both types.  A central inverter works with power optimizers which are connected to every panel. The central inverter controls each power optimizer individually, maximizing production and lowering costs. Our solar specialists can help you select the best configuration for your home or business.       

Lead acid batteries are less expensive upfront but require regular maintenance and a shorter lifespan.  Lead acid batteries are available as flooded, gel, and AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive upfront but last longer and require no maintenance.  

Homes equipped with solar systems typically sell for 3-5% more than similar homes not equipped with solar.  If you are not sure how long you are going to stay in your home or are concerned that you will not be in your home long enough to recognize a return on your solar investment, be sure to factor in the increase in value of your home when reviewing all of the numbers. 

Solar panels are a significant investment, so it makes sense that the structure beneath them is stable and in good repair.  It is important to be sure your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels. If your home requires a new roof or roof repairs before installing your solar system, we can assist you in finding a reputable contractor. We may be able to assist you in combining the financing of the roof with the financing of your solar system.