Solar FAQ

Can government rebates reduce the cost of going solar?

Yes! Go to www.dsire.org/solar to find out what grants or incentives are available in your state.
 

What will it cost me to go solar?

A lot factors into this, such as your energy usage and your roof’s orientation and shading. Whatever your installation cost, you can plan on recouping some of it through rebates and tax credits, including 30% through the Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit.
 

Does it make sense to wait for the cost of solar panels to fall further before installing them?

No. Photovoltaic technology is not expected to take another leap for many years. Rebates, however, can fluctuate much more rapidly, so capitalizing on those means acting now!

I’ve heard that the production of solar panels makes them more wasteful than efficient – is that true?

It was true when photovoltaic technology was young, and solar panels cost $40,000 per Watt and were used only on spacecrafts. Now, however, solar panels are highly efficient. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has done an impartial study on payback time for solar electric systems that concludes that rooftop systems installed under average U.S. conditions save enough resources to offset their production in three to four years. Considering most of them last 25 years or longer, it’s hard to call that wasteful.
 

What kind of maintenance will I have to perform on my solar panels?

If you go solar with our PowerSavings Plan, none – we take care of all maintenance and repairs. And if you purchase a system, it’s not much more difficult. Solar panels have no moving parts so there’s nothing to grease or replace, and aside from pushing off snow and the occasional hose-down if rain hasn’t washed them off in awhile (avoid hosing them down when it is very hot to avoid thermal shock), there’s really nothing else to do.

Can I get solar panels on my roof without getting a new roof first?

Yes, although if your roof is older than 12-15 years or is showing noticeable rot, it is highly recommended that you replace it first. Solar panels can work for 40 years or more, so by installing them on newer roofs you will avoid having to remove and replace them during a roof replacement. Keep in mind that if your panels are going on the roof they will actually help protect it from the elements and potentially extend its life.