Net metering is the system that the utility uses to bank the electricity produced by your solar panels. Days where you produce more power than what you use, the excess power is stored on the grid and sent back to you when you need it at night. With net metering, you only pay for electricity consumed beyond the total your solar panels can generate.

The cost of your solar investment will vary greatly depending on the size, type and location of the system. Understanding your options and selecting the best system for your needs is important. Therefore, we recommend getting a property solar assessment to have an accurate estimate.

The number of solar panels required will depend on how much electricity you consume, what percentage of this electricity you want to offset, and the available solar area at your site. We suggest a solar assessment to determine what suits your needs.

Typically, the solar modules will last 30 to 35 years or more when properly installed. The only other major part of a grid-tied system is the inverter and this has a 25 year warranty. Off grid systems contain other components such as batteries which will need to be replaced periodically.

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, a lot less on rainy days and no energy at night. Solar panels will still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. Rain actually helps keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt.

Solar panels convert sunshine into power, therefore, if your panels are covered in snow they can’t produce electricity. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since panels are tilted at an angle the snow will slide off with the help of the sun.

Modules can require a small amount of maintenance especially if you live close to a dusty area. They can get covered in dirt, dust, bird droppings or snow. Usually, rain will do most of the cleaning for you. It is worthwhile to visually inspect your solar array to make sure the performance is not affected.

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before your solar installation. If the roof is 15 years old or older, we will advise whether or not the shingles need to be replaced before installing the panels.

The panels will shade the roof from sun damage which will extend the life of the shingles that they cover. They protect the areas covered by the panels from the wind, hail, snow, debris, light, and heat that your roof is exposed to daily. You may even notice that the areas of your home directly beneath the solar system will remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter saving you heating and cooling costs.