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Isn't solar super expensive?
The short answer is "absolutely not!"
While the sticker price of solar might seem intimidating, what most people don't realize is that you're already paying more than you should for electricity. Owning solar versus paying your utility company is just like owning a home versus renting a home. The payments that you make into your mortgage is money that goes straight into your own equity, instead of lining the pockets of rental companies. Just the same, paying for solar is paying into your home/personal equity, instead of lining your utility companies pocket. Plus, once your system is paid off, there's no more bill at all!
Solar comes at a fixed cost, and goes directly into the value of your home. Whether you choose to finance or pay outright for your system, solar replaces what you were already paying to your electricity company and it will permanently free you from a volatile electrical utility market with rising rates! Over the course of 25 years, the average solar system will cost as much as 75% less than what you would have paid to your utility company.
While the sticker price of solar might seem intimidating, what most people don't realize is that you're already paying more than you should for electricity. Owning solar versus paying your utility company is just like owning a home versus renting a home. The payments that you make into your mortgage is money that goes straight into your own equity, instead of lining the pockets of rental companies. Just the same, paying for solar is paying into your home/personal equity, instead of lining your utility companies pocket. Plus, once your system is paid off, there's no more bill at all!
Solar comes at a fixed cost, and goes directly into the value of your home. Whether you choose to finance or pay outright for your system, solar replaces what you were already paying to your electricity company and it will permanently free you from a volatile electrical utility market with rising rates! Over the course of 25 years, the average solar system will cost as much as 75% less than what you would have paid to your utility company.
Won't I have to pay thousands out of pocket?
There are plenty of options for financing solar, some of which will come with no upfront cost. Silver Electric and Solar does offer some financing options that we'd be happy to discuss with you.
Others have seen financial benefit by other options such as refinancing their home or seeking energy efficiency loans elsewhere. If you want to go solar but are concerned with finances and up front cost, please go to Get A Quote and one of our solar consultants can review your available options.
Others have seen financial benefit by other options such as refinancing their home or seeking energy efficiency loans elsewhere. If you want to go solar but are concerned with finances and up front cost, please go to Get A Quote and one of our solar consultants can review your available options.
Solar will get cheaper, so why would I go solar now?
While it’s true that improvements in technology and competition is making solar panels cheaper, the current number of State and Federal incentives are also getting less generous as these prices come down. If you are in a solar friendly state such as Texas, the price is going to remain about the same for the next 10 years, so you might as well start saving on your electric bills now.
Doesn't creating solar panels create more pollution than the clean energy they produce?
Nope. A study by the US Department of Energy shows that, depending on your solar panels, the energy payback is 1 to 4 years. Solar panels usually last 25 years, so solar manufacturing is very green. That said, if you buy American made panels, it saves more carbon from the transport costs. Something to consider in choosing your panels.
Won't it look ugly on my roof?
We offer a variety of panels from different manufacturers. Some of the leading brand names are making panels now that look very aesthetically pleasing. If appearances are still a major concern, it's possible to explore other mounting options, such as a ground mount, that won't change the appearance of your home. Another popular option is placing solar on a stand alone shed or garage, if you have one.
Also, solar is becoming increasingly popular. The amount of solar power produced in 2016 increased globally by an amazing 50%. With widespread adoption that's only continuing to grow, solar is increasingly viewed as a premium, eco friendly movement that increases home value and neighborhood valuation.
Also, solar is becoming increasingly popular. The amount of solar power produced in 2016 increased globally by an amazing 50%. With widespread adoption that's only continuing to grow, solar is increasingly viewed as a premium, eco friendly movement that increases home value and neighborhood valuation.
Doens't it require a lot of maintenance?
If you buy a system that is connected to your utility, as most electric systems are, your solar panels are easy to maintain. They just need to be cleaned off with water to get off dust or debris or snow. This happens regularly with rain, but if there's a drought or extended period of time without rain it can't hurt to give them a good spray. And by the way, panels are pretty hardy, designed to withstand hail, sleet, and snow.
The more common scenario is that you've had a severe storm or hail come through and your roof needs repair. In this case, it's always best to let your home owners insurance know that you've installed a solar system as soon as it's done, and would like it covered. If you've communicated this prior to the damage, your insurance should cover the cost of removing and reinstalling your panels in the event of roof damage.
Solar panels are most commonly mounted on a railing system that's elevated a few inches off the roof. A well installed system involves very little penetration and no contact with the roof. See the picture below as an example of how non-invasive solar is to your roof when installed! There's a few inches of space between the back of the panels that actually insulate and protect your roof more from the elements.
The more common scenario is that you've had a severe storm or hail come through and your roof needs repair. In this case, it's always best to let your home owners insurance know that you've installed a solar system as soon as it's done, and would like it covered. If you've communicated this prior to the damage, your insurance should cover the cost of removing and reinstalling your panels in the event of roof damage.
Solar panels are most commonly mounted on a railing system that's elevated a few inches off the roof. A well installed system involves very little penetration and no contact with the roof. See the picture below as an example of how non-invasive solar is to your roof when installed! There's a few inches of space between the back of the panels that actually insulate and protect your roof more from the elements.
Solar doesn't work well in areas with too much cloud cover or shade, right?
Modern technology has increased individual panel efficiency quite a bit, allowing more freedom with installation and design. With the introduction of micro inverters and optimizers, it's possible to maximize efficiency of a system even if partial shade is a concern during some of the day. If you're worried about shading, it may still be possible to install the panels in a different spot on your roof, or to install a smaller system in the optimal spot and offset your electrical expenses instead of completely replacing them.
Also, panels love light but don't like heat. Panels typically produce at their best around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which means partially cloudy or colder days don't impact your production as negatively as you'd think.
Also, panels love light but don't like heat. Panels typically produce at their best around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which means partially cloudy or colder days don't impact your production as negatively as you'd think.
Solar technology keeps improving, so why would I go solar now?
While many companies are working to improve the efficiency of solar panels, the current technology for solar panels is well established — in fact, we’ve been using the same solar technology, more or less, since the 1960s. The potential efficiency gains of future panels are small compared to the panels ready for installation today, and the efficiency gains when measured in total dollars saved on your energy bills is miniscule.
I have to stay in my house for a long, long time to see my return on investment, don't i?
Depending on your system and location, solar panel arrays can pay for themselves within 6 to 15 years. Combined with the best state and federal tax credits and incentives, you could start seeing a return on your investment within 2 to 4 years. Solar panels also increase the resale value of a home by about $15,000, so even if you won’t be in your home for the next 15 years, you can still see a significant return on investment when you sell.
Doesn't installing solar damage my roof?
Our professional installers are skilled at installing solar panels on every imaginable roof pitch, angle, and condition. We will not damage a homeowner’s roof, and in some cases solar panels may extend the life of the roof by protecting it from the elements. Solar panels are installed a few inches above the existing roof to increase air flow and weigh about the same as a second layer of shingles.
Won't I need an expensive battery system to store excess energy?
The majority of home solar power systems do not store energy in batteries. They’re connected to the power grid via net metering, and homeowners are credited with the energy that their solar panels generate and add to the electrical grid. Though it is possible to add a battery to your solar installation, doing so will increase the cost of materials, installation, and maintenance.
Battery systems can be a great option for rural areas, where connecting to a grid is an expensive option for newer homes where the power lines don't already exist. This gives you the added advantage of being completely off the grid! Your solar consultant can evaluate your options with you if this is the case.
Battery systems can be a great option for rural areas, where connecting to a grid is an expensive option for newer homes where the power lines don't already exist. This gives you the added advantage of being completely off the grid! Your solar consultant can evaluate your options with you if this is the case.
I don't think my home owners association allows solar panels?
According to House Bill 362, which was signed into law in 2011, the law forbids HOAs from prohibiting solar energy installations unless several very specific circumstances occur.
While the law is on the side of people looking to go solar, there are a few common sense restrictions which the HOA can place on these projects. The legislation states that you cannot install a solar device if it:
In addition to these regulations, HOA's are able to put restrictions on which side of the home your solar system can be installed on unless it's proven that a different side will have 10% higher output.
Following these guidelines is very easy to do, meaning that just about anyone in Texas can and should go solar!
While the law is on the side of people looking to go solar, there are a few common sense restrictions which the HOA can place on these projects. The legislation states that you cannot install a solar device if it:
- Poses a threat to public safety or health
- Violates a law
- Is located in an area common to HOA members, or on property owned or maintained by the HOA
- Voids material warranties
- Is a ground mounted system in the homeowner’s fenced yard or patio and rises above the surrounding fence-line
In addition to these regulations, HOA's are able to put restrictions on which side of the home your solar system can be installed on unless it's proven that a different side will have 10% higher output.
Following these guidelines is very easy to do, meaning that just about anyone in Texas can and should go solar!
What kind of Warranty do you offer?
Silver Electric and Solar offers a 2 year warranty on our installations. However, manufacturer warranties in the solar industry are fantastic.
Our partners for the solar panels as well as micro inverters all offer 25 year warranties on their products. Any defect or failure will be covered by the manufacturer.
Your home owners insurance also plays an important role in covering you. It's important to let your insurance company know about your solar system as soon as it's installed so that in the case of roof damage or other roofing services, you'll have coverage on the cost of removing and reinstalling your panels.
Our partners for the solar panels as well as micro inverters all offer 25 year warranties on their products. Any defect or failure will be covered by the manufacturer.
Your home owners insurance also plays an important role in covering you. It's important to let your insurance company know about your solar system as soon as it's installed so that in the case of roof damage or other roofing services, you'll have coverage on the cost of removing and reinstalling your panels.
Have you done installations in my area?
Silver Electric and Solar has installation teams located throughout central Texas, but we've been known to drive all over Texas for our customers. With new installations being completed every week, the answer is yes we have someone near you! If you're specifically looking for a referral before you go solar yourself, please let us know and we'll see what we can do for you.
Don't solar panels break down over time and need replacement?
Yes, and no. Every solar panel has an expected drop in reduction over time, but the rate it drops at is far less than what most people would expect. With a 25 year production guarantee from the manufacturer, most panels are expected to produce at 85% capacity after 25 years. That means it's only dropping about half a percent per year. This means the first panels created in 1954 are still producing electricity!
The long story short is that your solar system will continue to produce at high levels of efficiency for your entire lifetime. By the time it's drop in output ever becomes an issue, your grandkids will probably have something in mind to fix it!
The long story short is that your solar system will continue to produce at high levels of efficiency for your entire lifetime. By the time it's drop in output ever becomes an issue, your grandkids will probably have something in mind to fix it!