Solar Panel Questions?

A solar energy system offers many benefits, from significant financial savings on your energy bills to reducing your impact on the climate. Your home’s value will be increased by installing a solar system as well.

Like other renewable energy resources, solar power has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on your area’s utility rates and solar policies, but going solar can be a wise investment regardless of where you live.  In Massachusetts, you benefit from a Federal income tax credit for installing solar power, which can be as much as 30% of the total cost of the solar panel system. This clean energy credit can be claimed on your Federal Income Tax return.

In addition the Solar MA Renewable Target (SMART) Program provides a rebate for every kilowatt-hour you produce with your solar power system. This Net Metering rebate program is an ongoing benefit that can help pay off your solar equipment and maximize your return on investment (ROI). The Massachusetts Net Metering policy helps you to minimize your electric bills and maximize your savings.

Golden Group Solar promotes the integration of a new roof and a solar system. This provides several benefits, not the least of which is the quality of the craftsmanship of both roof and solar panels. There are no punctures in the existing roof. The installation of screws into the roofing shingles can mean roof leaks and more problems. Golden Group installs the first course of shingles on the roof and then adds the solar mounts. The second course of shingles goes on top of the solar mounts, rather than drilling through both layers of shingles. There is no damage to the roof shingles, no risk of leakage.

The roof rafters are marked for precise positioning of the solar mounts when the roof is bare. Therefore, there is no “hit or miss” when the solar mounts are drilled. In addition, Golden Group Solar installs an ice and water shield over the entire roof. Typically, roofers only use felt paper over the roof and an ice and water shield is installed only at the edge of the roof. Golden Group’s process ensures that the roof under the solar panels is fully protected.

This process takes more time to complete, but the extra effort is well worth it in peace of mind for the homeowner.

South-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit the necessary solar panels are ideal for installing a solar system. The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use every month and the weather conditions where you live. Your installer will be able to help you gauge how large a system you require for your electricity usage and the maximum array of solar panels your roof can accommodate. Your installer will be able to assess your property and advise you on the correct system size for your needs.

Almost any type of roof material (asphalt shingle, tile, slate) and almost any roof structure (flat, pitched) can accommodate a solar panel array. Panels are attached to the roof with a racking system. Your installer will recommend the racking system that is most appropriate for your home.

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. Going solar will increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation in most parts of the country.

If you lease your system, that is not the case. You must either buy out your lease prior to selling your home or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.

It typically takes one to two months for an installer to design your solar array and complete installation. It can take weeks to secure initial permits from your municipal government and interconnections agreements from your electric utility before the installation can begin. Then the installer needs only one or two days to install the array of panels, inverter, racking system, and wiring. If you are also installing a new roof, that time estimate may be extended. Be sure to discuss this timeline with your installer.

Solar panels are durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and very little maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties. Check with your solar installer to learn the details.

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate depends on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy and will not produce energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is smart no matter where you live.

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off during a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.

Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle, the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. You can substantially reduce your electric bill with a solar panel system. The amount will depend on several factors and your solar installer can help you estimate the cost savings.

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the power you need and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to be totally off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage. This will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for most homeowners.

Be sure your solar installer is certified, licensed, and insured. They should have experience and can provide several references. If you are planning on integrating a solar system with a new roof installation, confirm that your prospective installer has expertise in both roofing and solar and has completed many such integrated installations.

Meet with your solar installer in person and be sure as a rule, the company schedules a home visit before providing you with an estimate.

Many financial institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, finance companies, and credit unions. Some solar manufacturers offer financing as well. There are several types of loans and you’ll need to compare options from a few financing providers. Your installer can also guide you to online resources that help you compare options.

Many states have passed legislation preventing HOAs from denying members the right to install solar systems. However, HOAs may still be allowed to place restrictions on how and where solar is installed on your property. Check this article for state-specific information on HOA solar laws.

Solar installations in historic districts typically must go through an additional step in the permitting process to ensure the location and method of installation comply with local historic requirements. In some jurisdictions, this review is part of the standard permit review process. In others, it is handled by a separate historic review board. Your installer will be familiar with the requirements in your area. You should expect your installer to work with the relevant review body to secure the necessary permits. The cost for historic district permitting should be included in your solar contract.

Yes, solar panels can be recycled. The Solar Energy Industries Association information on recycling, but know that solar panels can work for 25 years or more. The best way to help with the recycling challenge is to keep your system installed, operating efficiently, and saving you money for as long as possible.