Solar Resources

It’s important to note that transitioning to solar power will probably void your current roof warranty. However, upon installation, your roof will be protected under a new, comprehensive 25-year warranty. This not only secures your investment but ensures peace of mind knowing that your new solar setup and roof are fully safeguarded.

Solar net metering utilizes a bidirectional meter that records electricity flow in both
directions. When your solar panels produce more energy than you’re using, the meter
runs backward as this excess power is sent to the grid, earning you credits

These credits can offset the cost of power drawn from the grid when your system isn’t
generating enough electricity, significantly reducing or even eliminating your electric bill.

The following states have state-governed net metering:
Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Net billing is similar to net metering, only residential solar users receive a lower rate of compensation for their surplus energy. The following states have net billing:
Arizona, California, and Maine.

States with net metering governed by local utility companies are:
Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.

Solar offset refers to the amount of energy you produce with your solar panel system in proportion to your electricity consumption. The surplus energy you produce is credited back to you via net metering, “offsetting” your usage. This number is calculated by subtracting the amount of power your solar system produces from the total energy you use from the grid. If you offset 100% of your consumption, you shouldn’t have an electric bill anymore!

Most solar panels last around 25 to 30 years, but they don’t just stop working after that time. Each year, a solar panel’s performance might degrade to produce about 1% less power. This means high-quality solar panels will still be highly efficient for decades, even after some gradual decline.

SolarEdge and Enphase are two leading companies in the solar energy market, known for their inverter technologies. Here are some of the key differences between the two companies inverters:

Many different factors can influence the solar offset for your home, thus determining how much of your energy consumption can be covered by solar power. Here are a handful of the most significant factors to consider:

1. Roof Orientation and Angle: The direction your roof faces and its pitch or angle can significantly affect solar panel performance. Optimal orientation ensures maximum sun exposure.
2. Shading: Trees and other obstacles that cast shadows on your solar panels can reduce their efficiency. Less shading means higher solar production and greater offset potential.
3. Climate and Location: Sunny locations generate more solar power. However, even areas with less sun can achieve significant offsets with the right-sized systems. The number of sunny days and the intensity of sunlight in your area will determine your system’s output.
4. Energy Usage: The amount of electricity your household consumes plays a critical role. A higher energy usage means you’ll need a larger system to achieve the same solar offset.
5. Panel Efficiency: Solar panels come with different efficiency ratings, indicating how effectively they convert sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency panels may cost more but they produce more power in limited space, increasing your offset potential.
6. System Size: The size of your solar panel system, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly impacts how much of your energy usage can be offset. A larger system can generate more electricity, potentially covering more of your energy needs.
7. Net Metering Policies: If your area offers net metering, you can send excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits, further increasing your offset by accounting for times when your system overproduces relative to your consumption.
8. Roof Space: The available space on your roof can affect the installation and layout of your solar panels. More usable roof space allows for a larger system, increasing offset capabilities.

Accounting for these factors can help you design a solar energy system that maximizes your solar offset, reducing your reliance on the grid and saving on utility costs over time.