Your Solar Panel Installation and Repair questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
The average cost to install solar panels is $12,600 to $37,800 for a 6 kW to 12 kW system, after subtracting the 30% federal tax credit. Residential solar panels cost $3.00 to $4.50 per watt, including installation. However, the cost of solar panels continues to decrease each year as solar energy becomes more popular.
The cost to convert your house to solar power depends on the type of solar panels, inverter, and equipment, your location, your energy needs, and local labor rates. Labor costs are higher if your home has multiple stories, dormers, skylights, or a steeply pitched roof.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels reduce or eliminate your electric bills, boost your property value, and reduce your carbon footprint. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a home's value increases by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. This equates to an increase of $10,000 in home value for every $500 in energy savings per year.
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in energy savings in 6 to 10 years. Homeowners in states with above-average electricity costs will recognize the most value. Solar panels work best for homes in sunny areas with southern or southwestern exposure and don't provide as much value in areas that are regularly cloudy or rainy.
How long does it take to install solar panels?
Solar panel installation typically takes 1 to 3 days. However, the total process may take 2 to 6 months and goes through several stages:
Designing a system for your home takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Permits and inspections take 3 to 9 weeks.
Equipment ordering and delivery takes 1 to 4 weeks.
Utility connections and formal Permission to Operate (PTO) from the utility company takes 2 to 6 weeks.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels last 25 to 30 years and come with a 25-year warranty.
Can solar panels be installed on a metal roof or flat roof?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on a metal roof or a flat roof. Metal roofs are strong enough to easily support the weight of the solar panel array. Solar panels installed on flat roofs are typically mounted in frames that angle toward the sun.
Does installing solar panels void a roof warranty?
Solar panel installation typically does not void a roof warranty if the racking system and fasteners are installed correctly. However, the warranty may be void if the roof is damaged during the installation. Common issues that will void your roof warranty include:
Solar panel installers causing roof damage, liked cracked tiles or shingles
Racking system installed without suitable waterproof sealant
Racking system is substandard and doesn't include waterproofing features
Wrong fasteners used in the installation
Installers drill holes in your roof and compromise the roof membrane or decking
How can I hire the best solar panel installer near me?
It's important to choose an experienced solar panel installer who can provide references from past satisfied clients. A reputable installer will perform an on-site evaluation to determine your energy needs. Follow these tips to hire the best installer near you:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Discuss your electricity usage and power requirements with the installer to ensure your system is sized correctly.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, bonded, and has been in business 5+ years.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
What questions should I ask solar panel installers before hiring?
Ask these questions to help you find the best solar panel company for your project:
How long have you been in business?
Which certifications or licensing do you have?
Can you provide a list of references with contact info?
How do you calculate, size, and design the system for my home?
Is there room to expand the system later if needed?
How much will I save on utility costs each year?
Will you assist me in claiming rebates and incentives?
What warranties do you provide?
If the equipment malfunctions, do you handle the repairs or do I need to contact the manufacturer?
Reviews for San Antonio solar installation companies
Recent success stories from people in the San Antonio area.
Alan J.
Smartworld Energy installed rooftop solar panels on my home in January 2016, to offset about 40% of my electrical usage. I liked the system so much that I had Smartworld install more panels in May 2017. This second installation increased my system to about 60% of my electrical use. My home is "all electric" (no gas) and my bills have been substantially lower since I installed the systems. For example, my total electric charge for April 2018 was only $ 8.75. This is the CPS service charge that all CPS customers are required to pay.
Smartworld's Owner, Gustavo Mendoza, is very passionate about the solar industry and committed to its growth. I chose Smartworld over other larger contractors because it offered the best quote, with the best price, warranty and materials. Both installations went very smoothly. The communication from Smartworld during each installation was excellent.
In some solar systems, if one panel goes down it affects the whole system, which means the rest of the panels won't produce electricity until that panel is repaired. Smartworld's system does not allow one bad panel to affect the others. When I first took quotes, the other companies did not advise me of this situation. To add the feature that Smartworld includes automatically, they had to increase their original quotes. When they did, they became high bidders. For me, this was just an example of why Smartworld had the best quote.
Last, I want to like the people I am doing business with. It is just as important as trust. The Smartworld people are easy to like....not pushy and good quotes, good service, good communication, good quality.
Smartworld Energy Inc
Melissa M.
Kathie Millen was very informative and easy to work with. Always available to help when we needed her.
Longhorn Solar
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