FAQs
Buying or leasing your solar energy system depends on your reasons for going solar. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better decision for you.
If you are already a NEM2 solar system owner in California, you need batteries mostly to counter grid outages. You can also use them to self-consume during peak hours and import during off peak hours. However, if you are considering a new solar system (which means you’ll be under NEM3), batteries are essential to the ROI of your system as maximizing self-consumption and minimizing import is important in NEM3.
Net metering is the system utilities use to credit homeowners with solar for the electricity their solar panels produce. With net metering 3.0 in California, export rates are lower than the import rates. Therefore, while it compensates you for the exported electricity there is a greater benefit for homeowners to pair battery storage with their solar panels to become more self-sufficient and contribute to a more resilient electricity grid.
Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and removing and reinstalling them can be costly if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance soon, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. Sunvault team can help you evaluate the remaining lift of your roof and suitability of going solar on existing roof or with a roof replacement.
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. Going solar will increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation in most parts of the country.
Yes, with a Sunvault installed system you will be able to monitor the production of each panel, your homes consumption and battery charge/discharge rates.
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use every month, your roof characteristics and the weather conditions where you live. Please reach out to the Sunvault team to figure out the right system for you.
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. Solar almost always is a wise investment as you lock in your electricity rates and protect against future increases from your utility. Consuming your own electricity dramatically reduces your bill. Reach out to the Sunvault team to determine the specific ROI for your home.
South-facing (followed by West and East facing) roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. Sunvault team has installed solar systems on almost all roof surfaces like shingles, tiles, TPO/tar gravel, and metal roofs.
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the power you need and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage. Still, it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for most homeowners.
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate depends on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is smart even if you live in a cloudy city.
A solar panel system that is connected to the grid, will shut off during a blackout. However, there are certain inverters that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
Unless you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill with a solar and battery storage panel system that matches your energy use.
Solar panels are generally very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.
Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant incentive is available nationwide — it is the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities offer cash rebates or other incentives.
If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar increases property values. Your Sunvault solar warranty will transfer to the new homeowners. However, if you lease your system, that is not the case. You must either buy out your lease before you sell your home or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.
While every solar panel brand and product has unique specifications, Sunvault has evaluated them for over a decade and partnered with only the best and most bankable products in the market. Talk to the Sunvault team to learn more about the technologies.