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Solar Energy Questions and Answers
The Ultimate Guide to Solar Energy
Solar Energy Facts 101
What does a typical solar panel system cost to install?
There is not a clear-cut answer to this question without first gathering your electric usage and information from the installation site. The reason is that there are many variables to consider when installing a solar system, including how much electricity you use and need to produce, the type of installation, shading, and more. Here's a list of the factors that influence the price of a solar system.
In most cases, an average monthly electric bill of $160 will need a 10 kW solar system. This will cost roughly $33,470 before incentives and $18,613 after the incentives are used. A $680 average monthly electric bill will need a 50 kW solar system. A 50 kW will cost roughly $141,700 before incentives and $67,790 after all the incentives are used.
Try our solar savings calculator for a quick estimate of your solar costs based on your electric bill and location.
How quickly can you install a solar project?
As a rule of thumb, most commercial and agricultural systems can be installed in 1 to 2 weeks. Many residential systems are installed in 1-2 days. However, before the installation can start, there is usually a 2- to 4-month period when paperwork and permits are completed. Don’t worry; all of this will be completed by Paradise Energy.
What type of incentives are available for solar?
A 30% federal tax credit is available to help offset your tax liability. Additionally, there are 10% adders for using domestic content and installing in an energy community or low-income area.
Businesses and farmers can take advantage of 60% bonus depreciation in the first year the solar system is placed into service. The remaining 40% will follow the five-year MACRS schedule.
In addition, your state may have other incentives available. Visit your state page for more information:
Does my house get enough sunlight?
Most likely. However, solar might not be right for you if you have a lot of shading on your roof because of trees or other factors. The best way to know is to contact us to schedule a free site assessment, and we can let you know if your house is suitable for solar.
What happens if my panels produce more electricity than I use?
If your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess electricity will be sent back into the grid and you will receive credit through a process called Net Metering or other similar programs. That credit will be used when your system isn’t producing electricity like at nighttime.
Will my solar system require maintenance?
There are no moving parts in a solar system, so maintenance is typically very minimal. However, if an issue does arise, it is likely covered under our Triple Ten Guarantee or the manufacturer’s warranty.
How quickly can you install a solar project?
As a rule of thumb, most commercial and agricultural systems can be installed in 1-2 weeks. Many residential systems are installed in 1-2 days. However, before the installation can start, there is usually a 2- to 4-month period when paperwork and permits are completed. Don’t worry; all of this will be completed by Paradise Energy.
How much can I expect to save with solar?
Your savings will depend on the size of your system and how much electricity you’re using. We typically design and build your solar system to cover 100% of your monthly electric bill.
How long do solar panels last?
The solar panels that we use currently come with a 25 to 30-year linear performance warranty. However, just because the panels are no longer under warranty does not mean they will stop working. Solar panels slowly degrade over time. Most panels are guaranteed to produce 85% of the year one output in year 25. If the panels keep degrading at this rate over the next 25 years, they will be producing 70% of their initial output in 50 years. All that to say, solar panels will last a long time. Learn more about the panel we use here
Do the panels need to be placed on my roof?
No. Solar panels can be installed using a roof mount, ground mount, or carport. Check out this blog to see how a roof mount compares to a ground mount.
Does my roof type matter?
Solar can be installed on most roof types. Paradise Energy installs solar on metal (standing seam and ribbed), shingles, and rubber roofs.
How many panels do I need?
It depends on how much electricity you use. We analyze your recent electric bills to assess the amount of electricity you need to cover, and then we’ll design a system that fits that level of usage taking into account shading, orientation, and other factors.
Will the added weight of solar panels affect my roof’s structural integrity?
Most newer buildings are constructed to support the extra weight of solar panels. If there are any questions as to whether your roof can support solar panels, we will have a third-party engineer do a structural analysis to determine if extra support is needed.
How much space is needed for solar panels?
There are several factors that impact the amount of space needed for your solar system. Some of those factors include, how much electricity the system needs to produce (this impacts the number of panels needed), the type and size of the panels that are chosen, and the available space.
As a rule of thumb, a 10 kW system to cover a $160 monthly electric bill would use about 650 sq ft for a roof mount and 0.014 acres for a ground mount. A 50 kW system would offset a $680 monthly electric bill and would use about 3,250 sq. ft for a roof mount and 0.069 acres for a ground mount.
What financing options are available?
These options include loans, leases, or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). Determining which of these is best for you will depend on your availability of capital, your tax situation, and your personal preference.
For more information about each option, visit our financing page.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, your solar system will still produce electricity on a cloudy day. However, the production will be less than on a sunny day.
What should I do if snow accumulates on my solar system?
Nothing. Let the snow naturally melt from your panels. Our Triple Ten performance guarantee takes into account rain, snow, clouds, and sunshine.