Education

In most cases, solar panels alone will not provide power to your home during a blackout if they are connected to the grid and you do not have a battery backup system. This is because of a safety mechanism called “anti-islanding,” which shuts off the solar inverter when grid power is lost. This feature is designed to protect utility workers who might be repairing the electrical lines. When the grid goes down, your solar system is automatically disconnected, meaning it won’t generate electricity, even if the sun is shining.

However, if you have a battery storage system paired with your solar panels, you can continue to have power during a blackout, depending on the capacity of your battery and your power usage.

After going solar, your power bill undergoes a transformation. You may receive a net metering bill that reflects the difference between your consumption and the excess energy your solar system feeds back to the grid. While you may still have minimal charges, your overall power bill will likely be significantly reduced, leaving you with more money in your pocket.

The cost of solar panel maintenance can vary widely depending on various factors like your location, the size, and type of your system, and whether you’ve leased or purchased your solar panels. Generally speaking, solar panels require relatively minimal maintenance, primarily consisting of routine cleanings and occasional inspections.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Cleaning: Depending on your location (dusty, lots of leaves, etc.), this could range from a few times a year to monthly. Some people do this themselves using a hose, which would make it virtually free, but professional services can range from $100 to $300 per cleaning.
2. Inspections: A regular inspection by a qualified technician might cost between $100 and $300, though some solar panel manufacturers and installation companies offer this as part of their package.
3. Repairs: This is harder to estimate and would depend on the nature of the repair. For example, an inverter replacement can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. But if it’s a simple fix like a fuse, it might be as low as $100.
4. Warranties: Many solar panels come with 25- to 30-year warranties, which can cover potential repair or replacement costs. However, this usually applies to the panels themselves, not other system components like inverters or batteries.
5. Insurance:Some homeowners opt to include their solar panel system under their home insurance, which might add a small incremental cost to their annual premium but can provide coverage in case of significant damage.

In summary, basic annual maintenance might cost a few hundred dollars, not including any unforeseen repairs. But, these costs can often be offset by the substantial savings on your electricity bill.

Determining whether your roof is suitable for solar involves several considerations. Here are some factors that professionals typically look at:

1. Orientation: South-facing roofs are generally the most productive for solar energy in the Northern Hemisphere, but east and west can also be acceptable.
2. Roof Condition: Older roofs or those in need of repair may need to be replaced before installing solar panels.
3. Material: Certain roofing materials, such as slate, are more difficult for solar installation.
4. Angle and Pitch: The ideal pitch varies depending on your latitude but generally, angles of between 30 and 45 degrees are suitable for solar panels.
5. Shading: Trees, nearby buildings, or other obstacles that can block sunlight will reduce the effectiveness and energy production of solar panels.
6. Local Codes and Regulations: Check with your local municipality to ensure that you’re allowed to install solar panels, and what the permitting process involves.
7. Size: Your roof needs to be big enough to accommodate the number of panels you’ll need to generate enough electricity to meet your needs.
8. Weight Load: Solar panels are relatively lightweight, but it’s essential to make sure your roof can handle the additional weight, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or other stresses.

Professionals typically use advanced software and site evaluations to answer these questions definitively. The Very Good Solar Company offers a free quote, which includes satellite imagery analysis and on-site inspections to evaluate the suitability of your roof for solar.

Whether you need to replace your roof before installing solar panels depends on several factors:

1. Roof Condition: If your roof is in poor condition or near the end of its life, you’ll likely need to replace it before going solar. Installing solar panels on a roof that needs to be replaced soon could mean extra costs down the line to remove and reinstall the panels.
2. Roof Material: Some roofing materials are better suited for solar panel installation than others. For instance, asphalt shingles are generally straightforward, but slate or cedar tiles may pose challenges.
3. Roof Age: Most solar panel systems have a lifespan of around 25-30 years. If your roof is already 15-20 years old, it’s worth considering a replacement to align with the lifespan of your new solar system.
4. Weight Support: Ensure your current roof can bear the additional weight of the solar panels. If not, you may need structural improvements or a new roof altogether.
5. Local Codes and Regulations: Some local codes may require a newer roof or specific structural criteria for solar panel installations.
6. Financial Incentives: There may be financial incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing a new energy-efficient roof along with your solar panel system, which could make it more cost-effective to do both at the same time.

Consult with The Very Good Solar Company professionals to get a thorough understanding of your specific situation.

The solar installation process involves several steps, each designed to ensure that you get a solar panel system that’s tailored to your needs, professionally installed, and up and running smoothly. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:

• Pre-Installation
  
  1. Initial Consultation: This usually involves an in-home visit or a remote assessment using satellite imagery to evaluate your property’s solar potential.
  2. Financial Estimates and Incentives: The company will provide you with cost estimates and information about any financial incentives, like tax credits or rebates.
  3. System Design: A custom solar panel layout is created, factoring in your home’s orientation, roof condition, and energy needs.
  4. Contract and Financing: Once you’re comfortable with the proposed design and costs, you’ll sign a contract. This is also when you’d finalize any financing.
  5. Permitting: The solar company will typically handle the necessary local permits and any paperwork required.
• Installation
  
  6. Equipment Ordering: Once the permits are approved, the company orders the equipment for your solar panel system.
  7. Installation: A professional team (the nations largest solar installer) installs the solar panels on your roof and sets up the electrical systems. This process can take anywhere from one to three days depending on the size and complexity of the system.
• Post-Installation
  
  8. Inspection and Approval After installation, an inspection by the local authorities is usually required. Your solar company often coordinates this.
  9. Utility Approval and Grid Connection: Your local utility may also need to approve the system and install a net meter for you to receive credits for the extra energy your system produces.
  10. System Turn-On: Once everything is approved, your solar panel system can be turned on, and you start generating your own electricity.
  11. Monitoring and Maintenance: Many companies offer monitoring systems to track your solar system’s performance. Periodic maintenance checks are advisable, although solar panels generally require minimal maintenance.
  12. Documentation: Make sure to keep all warranties, invoices, and any other relevant documentation.

It’s essential to communicate closely with your chosen solar provider throughout the process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

With The Very Good Solar Company, you get monitoring with your solar system. Here’s why that is important.

• Real-Time Feedback A monitoring system provides real-time information about your system’s performance. This can include how much electricity you’re generating, how much you’re using, and how much excess energy is being sent back to the grid, if applicable.
• Early Problem Detection Monitoring systems can alert you to issues with your solar panel system that might not be otherwise apparent. By identifying problems early, you can avoid long periods of reduced energy production and higher electricity bills.
• Optimizing Energy Use With the data collected, you can learn the best times to use appliances to maximize your solar energy usage. This can be especially useful for those who have varying utility rates depending on the time of day.
• Financial Incentives If you’re receiving any solar incentives or grants, some may require performance data as proof of the system’s efficacy. A monitoring system can provide this data effortlessly.
• Easy Access and User-FriendlyMost modern monitoring systems can be accessed through a smartphone app or a web interface. They’re generally user-friendly and offer a range of data for both the technically inclined and the layperson.
• Peace of Mind Simply knowing that your system is continuously being watched over and that you’ll be alerted to any issues provides a certain peace of mind.

However, monitoring systems come at a cost—either as an upfront cost or as a subscription service. You’ll need to weigh these costs against the benefits to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Some solar installation packages may include monitoring as part of the deal, so it’s worth asking about when you discuss your options.