FAQ

Solar Energy Basics

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

What is renewable energy?

The United States currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. In contrast, renewable energy resources – such as wind and solar energy – are constantly replenished and will never run out.

What maintenance is required for a solar system?

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. They are very durable and should last around 25-30 years with no maintenance. The only maintenance you should need to perform is to wash them clean of dirt and dust two to four times a year, which you can easily do with a garden hose.

Why is renewable energy important?

Renewable energy is important because of the benefits it provides.

Some of the key benefits are:

  • Renewable energy benefits the Environment
  • Supports Jobs and the economy
  • Energy security knowing your guaranteed power

Renewable energy systems also save you money versus utility-provided power, especially in future years as utility power costs rises.

Calculating Solar

How do you calculate estimated system cost?

The pricing of solar systems costs vary considerably. We do not build cookie cutter systems for every home. We build a custom system based on each homeowners usage and needs. We carefully analyze your current utility bills and based on them, we design a system that will produce the same amount you are currently consuming. We encourage you to contact our energy specialist, who can assess your specific needs.

How does solar impact my property values?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

How much does it cost to go solar and put on my home?

Nothing! Besides purchasing the electricity our panels generate, there are absolutely NO out-of-pocket costs to homeowners. We are simply providing cheaper electricity. You are not buying any equipment or leasing any equipment. Going Solar is a utility company that uses solar panels to sell you cheaper electrical power for your home, that’s it.

What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

What if I live in a Condominium or have a Homeowner’s Association?

If you are amongst the first in your community to install a grid-connected renewable energy system you and your installer can speed the process along by working closely and cooperatively with your local building officials to help educate them about the technology and its characteristics.

Don’t worry! We Contact your Homeowners’ Association in our behalf, and obtain the proper architecture request forms and obtain approvals, so you don’t have to lift a finger!

What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

A law, extended by the legislature in December 2015 that allows a taxpayer to claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditure for a solar system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States that is owned and used as a residence by the taxpayer.

Expenditures with respect to the equipment are treated as made when the installation is completed.

Eligible expenditure include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home. Put simply this means that generally the entire value of your quote from a solar company to install solar panels is eligible for the tax credit.