Solar FAQs
Net Metering
Yes, most of our customers will still pay a vastly reduced Electricity Bill to their Utility in addition to their monthly loan solar payment. Typically, homeowners consume more electricity than the solar system generates, therefore, you will still owe your utility for that excess consumption. However, if the solar system generates more electricity than you use, you may be eligible for credits from your Utility Provider.
Upfront Cost
$0
There are no upfront costs
*Some purchase options will include upfront costs. Ask your advisor about payments and costs for your specific purchase option
Warranty
Your system is warrantied for your added protection. If you have questions regarding your warranties, give us a call.
Nothing should happen. In the unlikely event your roof is damaged during installation, we provide an installation warranty that protects you.
If financed or leased, the finance or leasing company will secure your solar project through a lien on the solar equipment itself by filing a UCC-1, or Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement, and county fixture filing. The filings are not a lien against your home, so they do not hold any formal position in your home (first, second, or otherwise). You will, however, find a UCC-1 fixture filing on the title of your property. The finance or leasing company file UCC-1 and county fixture filings to protect their rights as the financier of the system. If for whatever reason your mortgage on the real property forecloses on your home, the UCC-1 filing protects their security interest in the system, while preventing your mortgage lender from taking ownership of it.
You’ll contact the solar finance or lending company to ask them to lift the UCC-1 and county fixture filing on the Solar Equipment for a limited period provided they will be able to refile upon closing of the mortgage refinancing.
What Happens if I Move?
Congratulations on the move! You have two options:
1) Pay off the remaining balance
In the vast majority of cases homeowners choose to pay off any remaining balance through the sale of their home.
2) Transfer the payments
However, if the new homeowner wishes to assume the remaining payments, he/she must apply to qualify. If the new homeowner is approved, then he/she assumes full responsibility of the financial agreement. In very rare circumstances, if he/she is not approved, then you must pay off the remaining balance of the solar system.
Maintenance
Solar panels have a lifespan of approximately 25-30 years. And typically, they come with warranties to match. Power output warranties guarantee that panel performance won’t fall below a specified level over the term of the warranty (usually 25 years). For instance, a manufacturer might provide a warranty to guarantee that peak power output won’t fall below 85 percent for 25 years.
The solar panels need to be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers maintenance requirements typically found in the warranty. Please consult your warranty for additional details. Typically solar panels are incredibly durable and require little maintenance.
In the event that something does go wrong consult your manufactures warranty. Typically the solar PV system components have very long warranties that may include replacement of parts. If you lease your solar panel system, the maintenance obligations will be included in the lease agreement
Tax Credit
The ITC is a federal tax credit for solar systems on residential properties. The owner of the solar energy system may be eligible to apply the credit as a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income taxes that are owed. To determine eligibility for any federal solar investment tax credit, you should make an independent assessment or consult with your tax advisor. Some states and/or utilities offer additional credits and rebates above the ITC Tax credit.
If you are a wage earner and owe taxes to the federal government, then you may benefit from this credit. You must also be purchasing the system and be the owner of the system to qualify.
You may qualify to receive up to 30% of the value of the system. If you don’t have that in tax liability, you can roll it over to subsequent years of taxation to reap the full amount.
Up to
30%
