On this page you’ll find helpful guides walking you through each of the main steps of going solar — from the opening consultation all the way through solar panel installation and to collecting your federal solar tax credit.
A solar consultation with Sun Source Energy is the first step towards harnessing clean, renewable energy for your home. During this comprehensive evaluation, our experts will assess your home’s energy needs, roof suitability, and potential savings.
We’ll answer all your questions and provide a customized solar solution tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring you maximize both your energy savings and sustainability efforts.
Explore the benefits and process of solar energy with a personalized touch from Sun Source Energy.
Before installing solar panels, it’s crucial to conduct a solar site survey. This essential step assesses the feasibility and potential energy production at your location. The survey includes a detailed analysis of the sun’s position, local zoning regulations, and electrical infrastructure, ensuring optimal solar panel performance and identifying any potential obstacles.
Dive into our guide to understand why solar site surveys are vital for a successful solar installation.
Before installing solar panels, securing the right permits is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about solar panel permits, including types, requirements, and the process. You’ll learn how to ensure your installation complies with local regulations and safety codes, as well as tips on choosing the right solar contractor.
Read on to make your solar installation smooth and hassle-free.
Home solar panel installation involves several key factors specific to each household. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from assessing your energy consumption and roof condition to selecting the right type of solar panels.
Learn about the step-by-step installation process, potential challenges, and how professional installers at Sun Source Energy ensure a smooth and efficient transition to sustainable energy, backed by robust warranties. Start your journey to a greener home today!
Net metering allows homeowners to generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to the grid, transforming energy consumption.
This guide from Sun Source Energy explores how net metering works, its economic and environmental benefits, and the positive impact on grid stability.
Discover how net metering can help you save money, reduce emissions, and contribute to a sustainable future while ensuring a reliable energy supply for your community.
Regular solar panel inspections are crucial to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. During an inspection, a technician checks the inverter, wiring, and connections, and looks for damage or obstructions that could hinder performance. If issues are found, they provide a plan for repairs or replacements, helping maintain optimal energy production.
Discover the importance of solar panel inspections and how they keep your system in top shape with our comprehensive guide.
Unlock significant savings with the Federal Solar Tax Credit, offering a 30% reduction on solar installation costs for both homes and businesses. Learn how to maximize your benefits by combining this federal incentive with state and local programs, making solar energy more affordable and accessible.
Our guide breaks down eligibility requirements, covered expenses, and the step-by-step process to claim your credit, helping you pave the way to a greener future.
Solar batteries are essential for maximizing your solar energy system’s efficiency and reliability. They store excess energy generated by your solar panels, ensuring a continuous power supply even during outages or at night.
Our comprehensive guide on solar batteries will help you understand the different types, benefits, costs, and maintenance tips to choose the best option for your home. Dive in to discover how solar batteries can enhance your energy independence and savings while contributing to a greener future.
Explore Sun Source Energy’s latest insights on solar energy with our regularly updated blog section. While our guides cover all the fundamentals of going solar, our blog dives into specific topics and current events in the solar industry.
Stay informed with the newest advancements, tips, and trends to help you make the most of your solar investment. Discover a wealth of knowledge to support your journey towards sustainable energy.
How will the installation impact my roof’s warranty?
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.
How does net metering help me get rid of my electric bill?
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.
Does my state have net metering?
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.
What exactly is solar offset, and how is it calculated?
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!
What is the life expectancy of solar panels?
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.
What’s the key differences between SolarEdge and Enphase inverters?
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:
SolarEdge
Enphase
Utilizes a central string inverter with power optimizers behind each panel. The power optimizers condition the energy at each panel, increasing efficiency, then send it to the centralized inverter where it’s converted from DC into AC electricity.
Employs microinverters that are installed at each solar panel. These microinverters convert DC to AC electricity right at the panel.
The system requires a central inverter that is typically installed near your power meter or electrical panel. While the power optimizers are on the roof with the panels, the main inverter’s location makes it easier to access for maintenance.
Microinverters allow each panel to operate independently. This means that if one panel is shaded or underperforming, the other panels can still perform at optimal levels, potentially leading to higher overall system efficiency.
The initial investment might be lower for SolarEdge systems since they require only one central inverter for the entire system, despite the additional cost of power optimizers for each panel.
Provides detailed monitoring at the microinverter level for each solar panel, which can be especially useful for troubleshooting and understanding your system’s performance.
SolarEdge inverters can be used to charge solar storage batteries and electric vehicles while microinverters installed on the panels cannot.
If your SolarEdge inverter goes down, your entire solar power system goes down with it. Meanwhile, you can lose an Enphase microinverter and the rest of the panels will continue working, so you’ll only be out a few kilowatt-hours of energy production per day.
What factors influence the potential solar offset for my home?
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
David helped me every step of the way. Even if I needed him on a Saturday. Everyone from office staff to installers were professional. Thank you!
I’m going to be completely honest, this is one of the best companies I’ve worked with! I recommend working with David Hogan for your solar panel needs. He came to our house & really took his time explaining everything & answered all of our questions. At first we were pretty hesitant about getting the solar panels installed but David reassured us of all our concerns & made sure we knew we would be taken care of. We are currently still in the process of getting our solar panels turned on & so far everything has been going smoothly & quickly. David is always in contact with us about everything, I have texted him with questions or concerns at all times of the day & he always responds back quickly and with a solution. So far I have been very happy with this company, I have no complaints whatsoever. Definitely recommend!!
David helped us with all of our questions and responds quickly anytime we call. He is extremely knowledgeable and readily available with information. Once we choose to move forward, the set up process was simple. We have had solar for a few months now and remain confident in our decision.
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