Solar FAQS

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• How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

• 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.

• Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night.

• Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.

• What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate.

• 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. We can provide you a free estimate with payback analysis. Going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

• What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live.

• How long will an installation take?

After a sales completed, Engineering Designed is performed and submitted for Local Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for Permit approval prior installation. Our typical residential solar power job takes us about 1-4 days depending on size and type of Roof. After installation is completed AHJ inspection is performed to make sure everything went well. When the solar install is completed an application with your Utility company is needed for interconnection. Commercial jobs will vary based on the system size.

• How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. 

• Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe of the energy charge to $0, but you still need to pay the Customer charge fee for being on grid-tie system.

• What solar energy rebates or incentives are available?

All Solar Installations in Florida have 30 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. For Business the can also take advantage of Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Property Tax Abatement is another incentive given to solar owners.

• Will solar pay for itself?

Many customers feel that the pride and peace of mind of solar ‘pays for itself’ as soon as the system powers on. From a financial point of view, solar will recoup the outright cash investment from 6-8 years. 

• Can I afford to go solar?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. $0-down solar financing options, make it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.