Reduce energy bills, benefit from tax savings, and protect against rising energy costs
Find quick answers to the most common questions about solar, installation, and maintenance.
Installing a solar energy system on your property not only lowers your electricity bills but also safeguards you against future rate increases. While your savings depend on local utility rates and solar policies, going solar is a wise investment no matter where you are.
Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity using photovoltaic cells. An inverter then transforms it into alternating current (AC) power for your home’s appliances. Excess energy flows to the grid for credits via net metering, or you can store it in batteries for nighttime/outage use. Your system powers your home first, reducing reliance on utility bills—rain or shine, panels produce up to 80% of rated output on cloudy days.
Like other renewable energy sources, solar power offers numerous environmental and health benefits. By going solar, you can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, while also decreasing air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can lead to serious health issues.
Certified crews secure panels, wire the inverter, hang and connect the battery and connect to your electrical panel. Materials typically arrive a day or two earlier than installation.
The system will be operational after inspection and permission to operate is granted. Minimal disruption—expect noise/dust for a day. Post-install cleanup included.
1 to 2 days for panels and inverter installation only and another 1 to 2 for battery installation, but full process (design, permits, utility approval) spans 4 to 12 weeks. We handle 90% remotely; delays often arise from permitting (pre-install) or utility inspections (1-3 weeks post-install). Our team will reach out through each stage of the process.
Snow on your solar panels can temporarily reduce their efficiency by blocking sunlight, but this effect is usually short-lived. The extent of the reduction depends on the snow’s thickness and duration. As the snow melts or slides off, it can help clean the panels, potentially improving their performance.
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 of the power that 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, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
Yes, short answer. Bills cover fixed fees with your utility and any excess usage (e.g., high summer AC). However, you can dramatically reduce your bill with a solar panel system that matches your energy use. If usage rises post-install, we would recommend adding panels or batteries for full offset.
Discover your monthly electricity costs and usage by reviewing your utility bill. Check out Fastrac’s guide to reading your electricity bill for tips on what to look for.
Utilities utilize net metering to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity generated by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity you consume beyond what your solar panels produce. Keep in mind that net metering policies vary by state so it’s essential to research the rules in your area before making a decision.
Research shows that homes with solar energy systems sell for higher prices than those without. However, your property value will only increase if you own your solar panel system rather than lease it. In fact, in many areas, going solar can boost your property value even more than a kitchen renovation.
According to Zillow study, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power.
https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/
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.
Solar panels are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for their 25–40-year lifespan. In most cases, rain keeps them clean. We recommend a quick annual inspection to complete 10 point inspection and review monitoring. We offer affordable annual maintenance plans. All equipment comes with manufacturer warranties (typically 25 years) that we can help assist with filing with the manufacturer and completing the repairs.
Your manufacturer provides access to track your production and in some cases consumption. Gateway sends data 24/7; alerts for issues (e.g., inverter fault). We recommend you sign up to track your production and any alerts. If you have an alert, please reach out to us immediately (within 72 hours).
Owned systems transfer with the home, potentially boosting value according to Zillow. Leased systems require buyer assumption or buyout. Disclose in listings; 4/5 homes with solar sell higher. We recommend reaching out to your financing company prior to listing your home in order to know what the best options are.
https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/
The system may or may not be able to transfer to your new property. We can assist you if it can.
No — flashings seal penetrations better than seals. We inspect pre-install; 25-year roof penetration warranty is included. Report leaks immediately (within 72 hours) for free assessment and repair.
