SOLAR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Home Solar Electric FAQs
What is Solar Photovoltaic or Solar Electric?
Solar electric or solar photovoltaic (also called PV for short) are panels made of silicon that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity is then added to your homes regular source of power.
The electricity produced by these panels is used to lower or even eliminate your utility bill.
Why should I consider going solar?
People may debate whether the planet needs saving but the fact that solar will save you money is beyond question. Here are some of the top reasons to go solar:
- Great return on your investment.
- Utility rates are climbing every year.
- Increases property value.
- Tax incentives from the government.
- Solar is clean and renewable.
Can be set up to power your home even if the grid is down after a storm.
How much does home solar electric (PV) cost?
A difficult question to answer because the cost of a PV system is largely dependent on how much power you’re wanting to produce and that number is different for everyone. Offsetting a $100 utility bill is much less expensive than offsetting a $400 a month bill for example. Other factors include type of equipment used and what government incentives you qualify for.
What are the government incentives?
2020: Owners of new residential and commercial solar can deduct 26 percent of the cost of the system from their taxes.
2021: Owners of new residential and commercial solar can deduct 22 percent of the cost of the system from their taxes.
2022 onwards: Owners of new residential and commercial solar can deduct 30 percent of the cost of the system from their taxes.
What kind of financing is available?
There are numerous kinds of financing available for solar. Our clients commonly take advantage of term rates that keep their monthly payments the same as their electric bill use to be. Other popular finance options are home equity loans or as a figure of your property taxes.
Give us a call, we would be happy to discuss which finance option best fits your needs.
Will my system work when utility power goes out?
It is common for people to assume that a solar electric system will provide them with power during an outage, however, solar alone is not capable of this. In order for solar to keep functioning during an outage it needs to work in conjunction with a battery backup system.
When solar is partnered with a battery backup system their functionality is similar to a gas generator. A chosen set of critical loads is powered such as lights, refrigerator, smaller ac units, etc. The big difference between a generator and solar with a battery is that a generator requires fuel while solar will start to recharge your battery every morning when the sun comes up.
If I move can I take my solar panels with me?
Yes, but most often homeowners find that the solar increases the home’s value to a point where it pays for itself and they choose to sell the home with the solar.
What is the warranty for home solar electric panels?
Most panels and inverters have a 25-year warranty and a usable lifespan around 40 years! That being said there are many different components that make up a solar electric PV system and the different parts and brands can have different warranties.
What if I have solar and I need a new roof?
We simply remove the system and store it until the roofer is finished. Once the new roof is finished and inspected we come back out and reinstall the system.
What maintenance is needed for my solar panels?
A quality home solar electric PV system requires virtually zero maintenance! Occasionally dust or debris may accumulate on the panels causing performance to drop. In this case you would simply wash the panels with a hose. In our climate even this is rarely needed because the heavy seasonal rains do this for you.
Will I qualify for a Tax Credit?
In order to determine if you are eligable for a Tax Credit, we suggest you reach out to your Tax Professional. As long as you own your solar energy system, you are eligible for the solar tax credit. Even if you don’t have enough tax liability to claim the entire credit in one year, you can “roll over” the remaining credits into future years for as long as the tax credit is in effect. However, remember that if you sign a lease or PPA with a solar installer, you are not the owner of the system, and thus you cannot receive the tax credit.
General Questions
Is Fafco Solar licensed and insured?
Fafco Solar is a licensed and insured Florida State Certified Solar Contractor, License CVC56701.
What if I live in an HOA?
Home owner associations typically require that the homeowner apply for approval before their solar installation. Most often the HOA wants to see the contractor’s license and insurance information as well as the site drawings. While homeowner’s association usually grant approval without incident it is important to know that Florida Statutes prohibit homeowners associations from preventing homeowners from installing solar energy products on their homes. This includes solar electric, solar thermal, and passive solar devices used to save energy.
Fafco Solar can help you with educating your association if there’s any concern regarding solar installation.
Get in Touch
We are excited to hear from you and answer your questions!
Get in touch by calling (239) 243-9191 or send a message to Fafco Solar by submitting the form below.
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