We have answered the most common solar questions. Check them out below!
How is solar energy better for the environment?
Currently, the most common source of power in the world comes from burning fossil fuels (such as coal and natural gas). When fossil fuels are burned, they release pollution. Fossil fuels are also non-renewable, meaning these sources will eventually run out.
Thankfully, we have a few other options to create power. Solar power is a renewable energy source that does not release harmful chemicals back into the environment. Switching to solar has become increasingly popular over the past decade, and we hope to continue this trend.
How does solar energy benefit you?
Solar energy isn’t just better for the environment. A solar system can pay itself off in a fraction of its lifetime. You can then enjoy the benefits of much cheaper electric bills - or wipe them out altogether! On a grid-tied system, some utility companies offer buy-back programs in which they will pay you for the excess energy you send to the grid. When you purchase a system through Solar Solutions, we can help you learn about the solar programs that your utility company may provide.
What are the pros and cons of adding battery storage to your system?
The most common reason that customers choose to purchase a battery storage system is that they allow you to maintain some electricity during a power outage. However, the battery size required to store enough electricity to power a house is pretty substantial and, therefore, very expensive, which is the most common reason that customers do not choose this option.
Optimizers vs. microinverters: What are they, and which is better? Facts to help you decide.
Optimizers and microinverters both help to improve solar power performance to compensate for small amounts of shade during the day, and they also allow you to monitor the kilowatt-hours produced by each panel.
The major difference between the two is where they convert DC energy into AC energy: microinverters convert DC energy to AC energy right at the panel it is attached to. The energy that runs between a string of solar panels that are connected with optimizers is DC until it reaches a central inverter that converts it to AC energy. For a home solar system, the total cost of microinverters is more expensive than the total cost of optimizers and an inverter.
What is the Solar Investment Tax Credit?
When you switch to solar, you will be eligible for a federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC was originally enacted in 2006 to encourage switching to a renewable energy source. Currently, the ITC is a 26% credit that applies to both residential and commercial solar systems and can help you pay off a big chunk of the total cost of your system.
Congress approved for this credit to be extended through the end of 2022 - this means that if you purchase a solar system and construction begins by the end of 2022, you can file for the ITC. Beginning in 2023, the ITC reduces to 22%, and in 2024, it is reduced to 10% for commercial projects and 0% for residential projects.
Why choose Solar Solutions?
Matthew Burke founded Solar Solutions after purchasing a solar system. After researching his system, he discovered problems that stemmed from dishonesty and price gouging. He wanted to create a solution for this so that others would not suffer the same problems he dealt with.
With Solar Solutions, we promise you that our prices will be very fair - from engineering to materials, and installation. Anyone employed or contracted with Solar Solutions must meet high standards of honesty and integrity. We make sure that the materials we use in our projects are as affordable as possible while still being high quality and reliable. Additionally, we want to help the world go green by making going solar a more realistic goal for more people!