Frequently asked questions

Cost depends on energy use, roof complexity, electrical work, equipment, permits and financing. A useful proposal shows the full project price, equipment list and cost per watt, then explains every assumption that could change the number.

Modern modules carry 25-year performance warranties and typically still produce 85–92% of their original output at that point. They don't stop at 25 years; they just keep slowly declining. Inverters are the shorter-lived component: microinverters carry 25-year warranties, string inverters 10–12 years with replacement expected once during the system's life.

Production drops but doesn't stop, typically to 10–30% of a clear-sky day. Annual production estimates already account for your area's real weather history, so a cloudy week isn't a shortfall, it's part of the model. Your utility connection covers the gap.

They work, but less efficiently. Silicon modules lose roughly 0.3–0.4% of output per degree Celsius above 25°C, which is why a 115°F Phoenix afternoon produces less than a 78°F spring one despite more sun. We use the temperature coefficient of the specific modules in your design, so this is already in your estimate.

Standard modules are tested to withstand 1-inch hail at 50 mph. In Colorado and parts of Texas we recommend Class 4 impact-rated modules and we'll walk you through what your homeowner's policy actually covers. Panels are usually more hail-resistant than the roof underneath them.

The physical installation is usually measured in days; the complete project is measured in weeks because design, permitting, inspection and utility permission to operate happen around it. Your address and utility determine the realistic timeline.

Not for the roof work. You do need to be home for the site survey, for the two to four hours when power is off during the electrical tie-in, and for the city inspection.

HOA requirements vary. The project scope should state who prepares drawings, equipment sheets and any architectural submission, along with what the homeowner must sign or provide.

The responsible installer should explain the correction, complete any work within its scope and schedule re-inspection. Responsibility for corrections and unexpected site conditions must be clear in the contract.

Usually, though it's rarely economical. The second mobilization, permit and interconnection amendment cost nearly as much as the panels. If you're expecting an EV, a pool or a heat pump in the next few years, tell us now and we'll size for it.

Microinverters (Enphase) or DC optimizers (SolarEdge) are right for roofs with any shading, multiple orientations, or where per-panel monitoring matters. A straight string inverter costs less and is fine on a simple unshaded south-facing roof. We quote what your roof needs, not what we have in the warehouse.

The right module depends on availability, roof area, climate, warranty support and project goals. The exact model number, quantity, power rating and substitution policy should appear in your written proposal before you sign.

Physically yes, practically almost never. Removal, transport and reinstallation costs more than a new system, and the design was built for that roof. Owned systems generally add value at sale instead.

A smart electrical panel (SPAN, Lumin) gives circuit-level control and monitoring, letting you shed loads automatically during a backup event. It often lets a smaller battery back up more of the house, which can make it cheaper than adding a third battery. Not essential, useful in specific cases.

Most modern systems include an app showing production, and some provide panel-level and household consumption data. Your proposal should state which monitoring hardware is included, who can see alerts and what support is available when something looks wrong.

Federal, state and utility incentives depend on the installation date, ownership structure, location and current law. See our financing page for planning context, then confirm eligibility with the relevant program and your own tax professional before relying on an incentive.

Property-tax treatment varies by state and sometimes by local jurisdiction. Check the current rule for your property with the local assessor or a qualified adviser before including an exemption in your savings model.

Payback depends on installed cost, production, electricity rates, export compensation, maintenance and incentives. Cash, loan, lease and PPA projects also need different comparisons. Ask to see the assumptions and a conservative scenario, not only the best-case result.

You can, but it requires much more generation, storage and backup capacity than a grid-connected system. The design has to cover the worst seasonal conditions, not an average day. For most connected properties, critical-load backup is the more practical goal.

An owned, paid-off system transfers with the property and generally helps. A loan is either paid off at closing from proceeds or assumed by the buyer if the lender allows. A lease or PPA must be transferred to the buyer, who has to qualify. This is the scenario that occasionally complicates a sale, so know your transfer terms before you sign one.

Coverage varies by equipment, installer and project. Your proposal should separate manufacturer coverage from workmanship coverage, name the responsible provider, list exclusions and explain who handles a claim.

A production guarantee is only useful when the calculation, exclusions, monitoring requirements, remedy and responsible company are written clearly. If one applies to your project, those exact terms should be in the contract rather than implied by a sales presentation.

Ask who backs each warranty and whether it belongs to the manufacturer, installer or another provider. Manufacturer coverage may continue if an installer closes, while installer workmanship obligations may not. Keep the contract, equipment serials, permits and commissioning records.

Availability depends on the equipment, fault and local service team. Send the system address, equipment details and any error codes so we can confirm whether the job is a fit. See service & repair.