Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy
At Globally Green, we understand that transitioning to solar energy is a big decision, and you may have questions about how it works, what it costs, and how it can benefit your home or business. Our FAQs page provides answers to the most common questions we receive about solar energy systems, financing, installation, maintenance, and more. Explore the answers below and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
General Solar Energy FAQs
Solar energy systems use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity. These panels absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter. This AC electricity powers your home or business. Any excess energy can be stored in batteries or sent back to the grid through net metering.
Yes, solar energy is a great investment for homeowners and businesses. By reducing or eliminating your electricity bills, solar can pay for itself over time. Additionally, federal and state incentives, such as the solar tax credit, can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installation. Over the long term, solar increases property value and helps reduce environmental impact.
Yes, solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days, although their efficiency may be reduced. Solar panels capture both direct and diffuse sunlight, so even in overcast conditions, they can produce some power. For optimal performance, pairing solar panels with an energy storage system ensures you have power when sunlight is limited.
Solar panels do not produce electricity at night. However, energy storage systems like batteries can store the excess energy generated during the day for use at night. Alternatively, you can remain connected to the grid and draw power from your utility provider when solar production is not available.
Net metering allows solar energy system owners to send excess electricity back to the grid and earn credits on their electricity bills. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the excess energy is sent to the grid, and your utility company credits your account. These credits can be used when your solar system isn’t producing enough electricity, such as at night or on cloudy days.
Solar Installation FAQs
The actual installation process typically takes 1-3 days, depending on the size and complexity of the system. However, the entire process, including permitting, utility approvals, and inspections, can take 4-8 weeks from start to finish. Our team handles all the necessary paperwork and approvals to ensure a smooth installation process.
No, when installed by certified professionals, solar panels should not damage your roof. In fact, they can help protect your roof by providing an additional layer of insulation. Our team ensures proper installation by securing the panels to your roof without causing leaks or structural damage.
Solar panels can be installed on most roof types, including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and flat roofs. During our site assessment, we evaluate your roof’s condition and recommend the best solution for optimal solar panel placement and performance.
While south-facing roofs typically receive the most sunlight and are ideal for solar panels, east- and west-facing roofs can also be suitable for solar installations. Our design team will assess your property to determine the best panel placement for maximum energy production.
If your roof is in poor condition or nearing the end of its lifespan, we recommend replacing it before installing solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years, so it’s important to have a roof that will last as long as your system. Our team can evaluate your roof’s condition and advise you on the best course of action.
Financing & Incentives FAQs
At Globally Green, we offer several financing options to make solar energy affordable for everyone. These include solar loans, solar leasing, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). With a loan, you own the system and pay it off over time. With a lease or PPA, you pay a fixed monthly fee or for the energy your system produces, with little or no upfront costs.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. Currently, the tax credit covers up to 26% of the installation costs for systems installed before the specified deadline. This credit can significantly reduce the upfront cost of going solar.
Yes, many states and local governments offer additional rebates, tax credits, and incentives for installing solar energy systems. Our team will help you explore available programs in your area and ensure you receive the maximum financial benefits for your solar installation.
Solar leasing and PPAs are excellent options for those who want to benefit from solar energy without the upfront cost of purchasing a system. With these options, Globally Green installs, owns, and maintains the system, while you pay a fixed monthly fee or for the energy the system produces. These options are ideal if you’re looking for immediate savings on your energy bills without the responsibility of system ownership.
The time it takes to see a return on investment (ROI) depends on several factors, including your location, energy usage, and the size of your system. On average, homeowners see an ROI within 5-10 years. With available incentives and tax credits, your payback period can be even shorter.
Maintenance & System Performance FAQs
Solar panels are low maintenance and typically require very little upkeep. However, it’s important to keep the panels clean and free of debris to maintain maximum efficiency. We recommend having your system inspected and cleaned annually. Globally Green offers maintenance and monitoring services to ensure your system is always operating at its best.
If your solar panels stop working or experience a drop in performance, our maintenance team will diagnose the issue and perform any necessary repairs. Most solar systems come with warranties that cover equipment and performance issues. With our monitoring services, we can quickly identify and address any problems to minimize downtime.
Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, and many continue to produce electricity beyond that. The performance of the panels may decrease slightly over time, but they are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide reliable energy for decades.
While snow can temporarily cover solar panels and reduce energy production, panels are designed to shed snow as it melts. Additionally, solar panels are generally installed at an angle, allowing snow to slide off more easily. Any loss of production due to snow is typically minimal over the course of a year.
We offer real-time monitoring services that allow you to track your system’s energy production and performance through a mobile app or web platform. You can see how much energy your system is producing, how much you’re saving, and receive alerts if any issues arise.