Premium solar energy strategy and project management, connecting you with curated installation experts for residential and commercial transitions.

How does solar energy work?

Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose, creating a direct current (DC). An inverter converts that DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity your home uses. Any excess electricity is either stored in a battery or sent back to the grid.

What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh) and why does it matter for solar?

A kilowatt-hour is the standard unit of electricity consumption — it means using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. Your electric bill is measured in kWh. A solar system is sized to offset a certain number of kWh per month. The average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh/month, and a properly sized solar system can offset 80–100% of that.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a billing arrangement where excess solar electricity you generate is sent to the grid, and your utility credits you for it — usually at the retail electricity rate. When you need power at night or on cloudy days, you draw from the grid and those credits offset your bill. Net metering policies vary widely by state and utility.

What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal, giving them higher efficiency (20–23%) and a sleeker black appearance. Polycrystalline panels use multiple silicon fragments, are slightly less efficient (15–17%), and have a blue speckled look. Monocrystalline panels dominate the residential market in 2026 due to falling prices and superior performance.

How long do solar panels last?

Most premium solar panels carry a production warranty (commonly 25 years, though terms vary by manufacturer) and are expected to produce electricity for 30–40 years. Panels degrade slowly over time — typically 0.5–0.7% per year. After 25 years, quality panels typically still produce at least 80–87% of original rated output, though exact guarantees depend on the specific manufacturer and product.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels produce electricity from diffuse light, not just direct sunlight. On overcast days, a typical system produces 10–25% of its rated output. Germany, one of the cloudiest countries in the world, is a global solar leader — proof that solar works even without abundant sunshine.

Do solar panels work at night?

No — solar panels require light to generate electricity. At night, homes with solar either draw from a battery storage system or pull power from the grid (offset by credits accumulated during the day through net metering).

What is a solar inverter and which type is best?

An inverter converts DC electricity from your panels into usable AC power. The main types are: string inverters (one central unit, lower cost but vulnerable to shading), microinverters (one per panel, best for complex roofs or partial shading), and power optimizers + string inverter hybrid (middle ground). For most residential installs in 2026, microinverters or optimizers are recommended.

What is a solar battery and do I need one?

A solar battery stores excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during outages. The most popular options in 2026 are the Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh), Enphase IQ Battery 5P, and Franklin Electric aPower 2. You don't need a battery to benefit from solar, but it maximizes self-consumption and provides backup power during grid outages.

How much roof space do I need for solar?

A typical residential solar panel measures about 17.5 sq ft. A 10 kW system (enough for an average home) requires approximately 500–600 sq ft of usable roof space. South-facing roof sections with minimal shading are ideal, though east/west-facing roofs can also work well.

How much does a solar system cost in 2026?

Before incentives, the average residential solar system costs $2.50–$3.50 per watt installed. A 10 kW system runs $25,000–$35,000 before the federal tax credit. After the 30% ITC, that becomes $17,500–$24,500. Costs vary by location, roof complexity, equipment quality, and installer.

What is the federal solar tax credit (ITC)?

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your total solar system cost from your federal income taxes. For a $25,000 system, that's a $7,500 tax credit. The credit applies to panels, inverters, batteries, and installation labor. It's a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability — not just a deduction. It is currently set at 30% through at least 2032.

What is the payback period for solar?

The average solar payback period in the U.S. is typically 6–10 years, though this varies significantly based on your electricity rate, system size, available incentives, local sun exposure, and financing terms. In high-electricity-cost states like California, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, payback can be faster. After payback, ongoing electricity savings can be substantial, though actual results depend on system performance, utility rate changes, and other factors. Past performance does not guarantee future savings.

What financing options are available for solar?

The main options are: (1) Cash purchase — highest long-term savings, simplest ownership; (2) Solar loan — own the system, qualify for tax credits, pay monthly; (3) Solar lease — pay a fixed monthly amount to use the panels, no ownership or tax credits; (4) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — pay per kWh generated at a discounted rate. Cash and loans are generally recommended for homeowners who want maximum financial benefit.

What is a solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)?

A PPA is an agreement where a third-party company installs solar on your roof at no upfront cost and sells you the electricity at a fixed rate — typically 10–30% below your current utility rate. You don't own the panels and don't get tax credits. PPAs are popular for homeowners who can't or don't want to make an upfront investment.

Does solar increase my home's value?

Research suggests solar can add value to a home's resale price, though the actual amount varies depending on your market, system size, age, and local buyer preferences. Some studies have found premiums in certain markets, but results are not universal and are not guaranteed. Home value impacts depend on many factors outside of solar alone — consult a local real estate professional for guidance specific to your area.

Are there state solar incentives in addition to the federal ITC?

Yes. Many states offer additional incentives stacked on top of the federal 30% ITC. Examples include: California's SGIP battery rebate, New York's 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), Massachusetts' SMART program, New Jersey's SuSI program ($85/MWh for 15 years), and property/sales tax exemptions in many states. Available incentives vary significantly by location.

Is solar a good investment financially?

Solar can be a strong financial investment for many homeowners, particularly those with adequate sun exposure and higher electricity costs. Estimated returns depend on your specific system, location, financing, and applicable incentives — results vary by property and are not guaranteed. We recommend requesting a custom proposal with detailed financial modeling for your specific situation before making any investment decision.

Can I finance solar with a HELOC or home equity loan?

Yes, and it's a common strategy. Home equity financing typically offers lower interest rates than dedicated solar loans and the interest may be tax-deductible. The downside is that your home is used as collateral. Compare rates carefully — solar-specific loans from lenders like Mosaic, Sunlight Financial, or GreenSky are often competitive with HELOCs.

What happens to my solar loan if I sell my house?

You have several options: pay off the loan at closing from sale proceeds, transfer the loan to the buyer (if the lender allows), or price the home to reflect the system's remaining value. Most solar loans allow payoff at closing. Owned systems are simpler to transfer than leased systems, which require the buyer to assume the lease agreement.

How long does solar installation take?

The physical installation of a residential solar system typically takes 1–3 days. However, the total timeline from signing a contract to system activation is usually 6–12 weeks, driven primarily by permitting (2–6 weeks) and utility interconnection approval (2–8 weeks). Solanano actively manages permitting on your behalf to accelerate the process.

Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

If your roof has less than 10–12 years of life remaining, it's advisable to replace it before installing solar — otherwise you'll pay to remove and reinstall panels when the roof needs replacement. A qualified solar engineer will assess your roof condition during the proposal phase. Most roofs in good condition with 15+ years of remaining life are fine to install on directly.

What permits are required for solar installation?

Solar installations require a building permit and, in most cases, an electrical permit from your local municipality. Depending on your jurisdiction, a structural engineering letter may also be required. Your solar installer or project manager (like Solanano) handles permit applications on your behalf. After installation, a utility interconnection agreement must be approved before your system can operate.

Will my HOA allow solar panels?

In most states, HOAs cannot legally prohibit solar panels outright, though they may regulate placement or aesthetics. Federal law doesn't directly restrict HOA solar bans, but 27+ states have "solar rights laws" that limit HOA power to block installations. Review your CC&Rs and state law. Solanano can help navigate HOA requirements as part of the project design.

What roof types are compatible with solar?

Solar can be installed on virtually all roof types: asphalt shingles (most common), metal, tile (clay or concrete), flat roofs (with ballast mounting), and TPO/EPDM commercial roofs. Metal roofs are actually ideal — they're durable, compatible with standing-seam clamp mounts (no penetrations), and often last as long as the solar panels themselves.

What is the best roof orientation for solar panels?

South-facing roofs at a 30–45 degree pitch produce the maximum annual output in the Northern Hemisphere. However, west-facing panels are increasingly popular because they produce more electricity during peak demand hours (3–8pm), which can earn more value under time-of-use (TOU) utility rates. East-west split systems are also effective for maximizing daily generation windows.

How do I choose a solar installer?

Key criteria include: NABCEP certification (the gold standard for solar installers), state contractor licensing, insurance ($2M+ general liability and workers' comp), track record (50+ completed installs), manufacturer-level equipment certifications, warranty terms, and verifiable customer references. Be wary of door-to-door sales tactics and pressure to sign same-day. Solanano's network is pre-vetted against all of these criteria.

What questions should I ask a solar installer before signing?

Ask: Who physically installs the panels (employees vs. subcontractors)? What warranties do you offer on workmanship? How do you handle roof leak claims? What is the commissioning process? Who handles permitting? What monitoring platform do you use? How long have you been in business? Can you provide 5+ local references? What happens if your company closes?

What is a solar site assessment?

A solar site assessment evaluates your property's solar potential — including roof condition, orientation, shading from trees/structures, structural capacity, electrical panel capacity, and energy consumption patterns. Modern assessments use satellite imagery, drone surveys, and shade modeling software for precision. Solanano performs detailed remote assessments before any in-person visit.

What is a solar production estimate and how accurate is it?

A solar production estimate projects how many kWh your system will generate annually. Reputable estimates use tools like PVWatts (NREL's free calculator), HelioScope, or Aurora Solar, which incorporate your location's historical irradiance data, panel efficiency, shading analysis, and system losses. Well-modeled estimates are typically within 5–10% of actual production.

How much can I save with solar?

Savings vary significantly based on your electricity rate, system size, local policies, financing method, and how rates change over time. Homeowners in high-rate states may see substantial lifetime savings, while those in lower-rate areas may see more modest returns. All savings figures are estimates and not guarantees — your actual savings will depend on your specific system, utility policies, and usage patterns. Get a custom proposal to see projections for your property.

Will my electricity bill go to zero with solar?

Most homeowners with correctly sized solar systems can reduce their electricity bills to near zero or even achieve net-zero annually. However, most utilities charge a small monthly "grid connection fee" ($5–$15) that remains regardless of solar production. Time-of-use rate structures can also create modest charges even for solar owners who produce enough energy annually.

How is solar system size determined?

System size is calculated by analyzing your 12-month electricity consumption history (in kWh), your roof's available space and orientation, local sun hours, and your desired offset percentage. A solar engineer divides your annual kWh usage by your location's expected peak sun hours and panel efficiency to determine optimal system size. Solanano's engineering model accounts for all these variables.

What affects solar panel output?

Key factors include: geographic location (latitude and local climate), panel orientation and tilt, shading (even partial shading on one panel can reduce a string's output significantly), temperature (panels are less efficient in extreme heat — counterintuitively), panel degradation over time, soiling (dust/debris on panels), and system losses from wiring and inverter conversion.

Do solar panels lose efficiency in extreme heat?

Yes. Solar panels are tested at 25°C (77°F) and lose approximately 0.3–0.4% of output for every degree Celsius above that. In desert climates like Arizona where roof temperatures can reach 70°C+, this "temperature coefficient" effect can reduce output by 10–15% during the hottest hours. However, annual energy production in sunny climates typically outweighs this efficiency loss.

How do I monitor my solar system's performance?

Most modern inverters come with monitoring apps — Enphase's Enlighten, SolarEdge's mySolarEdge, or Fronius Solar.web are popular platforms. You can track real-time production, historical output, individual panel performance (with microinverters/optimizers), and compare expected vs. actual generation. Solanano also provides post-installation performance reviews against original engineering projections.

What is a solar system's capacity factor?

Capacity factor measures how much electricity a system actually produces relative to its theoretical maximum (running at full power 24/7). Residential solar systems typically achieve capacity factors of 15–25%, meaning a 10 kW system produces the equivalent of running at full power for roughly 4–6 hours per day. This is the basis for how solar installers calculate annual kWh production estimates.

Will adding an EV change how I size my solar system?

Significantly. An average EV adds 2,000–4,000 kWh/year to your electricity consumption — roughly 20–40% of the average household's existing usage. When designing a solar system for a home with an EV (or a planned EV purchase), a qualified solar engineer should factor in EV charging load to properly size the system and avoid undersizing.

How much maintenance do solar panels require?

Solar panels require very little maintenance. The main task is occasional cleaning — typically 1–2 times per year in dusty climates. Rain naturally cleans most panels in wetter climates. Beyond cleaning, periodic monitoring to ensure system performance matches projections, and an inverter inspection every 5–10 years, constitutes most solar maintenance. There are no moving parts.

What warranties come with a solar system?

A complete solar system involves multiple warranties, all of which vary by manufacturer and installer: (1) Panel product warranty — commonly 10–12 years against defects, but varies by brand; (2) Panel performance warranty — often 25 years guaranteeing minimum output (typically 80–87% of rated), depending on manufacturer; (3) Inverter warranty — typically 10–25 years depending on brand and model; (4) Battery warranty — commonly 10 years or a specified cycle count, subject to manufacturer terms; (5) Workmanship warranty from installer — typically 5–10 years, but varies by company. Always review warranty documents carefully before purchasing.

What happens if my solar panels are damaged by hail or storms?

Many premium solar panels are tested to withstand hail impacts, though impact resistance standards vary by manufacturer and product line. IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certifications include some impact testing, but coverage thresholds differ. Physical damage from extreme weather events may be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy (not the panel warranty) — review your specific policy to confirm coverage and any exclusions. Neither solar warranties nor homeowner's insurance coverage is guaranteed; confirm terms with your insurer and installer.

Do solar panels need to be cleaned?

In most climates with regular rainfall, rain naturally cleans panels well enough that professional cleaning isn't necessary. In dusty or dry climates (desert Southwest, agricultural areas), cleaning 1–2 times per year can recover 5–10% of lost output. Avoid abrasive materials — use a soft brush and plain water or a mild soap solution. Never use a pressure washer directly on panels.

What is the lifespan of a solar inverter?

String inverters typically last 10–15 years and may need replacement during the life of your solar system — budgeting $1,500–$3,000 for this is wise. Microinverters often carry longer warranties (some brands like Enphase offer 25-year warranties, though terms vary by product and company). Actual lifespan and warranty coverage depend on the specific brand and model you choose — always confirm warranty terms before purchasing.

Can I add more solar panels later if my energy needs increase?

Expanding a solar system is possible but adds complexity. If your electrical panel and roof space allow it, additional panels can often be added. However, mixing different panel generations or adding to an existing string inverter design may require a new inverter or redesign. It's often more cost-effective to size your initial system to accommodate anticipated future needs (EV, heat pump, etc.).

What happens to my solar during a power outage?

A standard grid-tied solar system automatically shuts off during a grid outage — this is a safety requirement to protect utility workers. To maintain power during outages, you need a battery storage system or a special "grid-forming" inverter. With a battery + solar + automatic transfer switch, you can maintain critical loads (refrigerator, lights, phone charging) during extended outages.

What states have the best solar incentives in 2026?

Top states for solar incentives in 2026 include: Massachusetts (SMART program + 15% state tax credit), New York (25% state tax credit up to $5,000 + NY-Sun incentive), New Jersey (SuSI ADI program at $85/MWh for 15 years), California (SGIP battery rebates + strong NEM 3.0 structure), Illinois (Adjustable Block Program), and Maryland (Brighter Tomorrow Act 1.5x SREC multiplier).

What is the SREC market and how do I participate?

SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) markets exist in states with solar carve-outs in their Renewable Portfolio Standards. Each MWh your system generates earns one SREC, which you can sell to utilities. In 2026, D.C. pays ~$360/SREC, making it the most lucrative market. NJ now offers a fixed $85/MWh ADI. Registration is through state tracking platforms like PJM-GATS.

Does the federal tax credit apply to battery storage?

Yes, as of the Inflation Reduction Act, standalone battery storage systems (not connected to solar) qualify for the 30% ITC, provided they are charged at least 80% from renewable sources. Solar + battery systems where the battery is charged by the solar system also qualify fully. This significantly improved the economics of home battery storage.

What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction for solar?

A tax credit directly reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. A deduction only reduces your taxable income. For a $7,500 federal solar tax credit, your tax bill drops by exactly $7,500. The same amount as a deduction would only save you $7,500 × your tax rate (e.g., ~$1,650 for someone in the 22% bracket). Credits are far more valuable than deductions of the same amount.

What is the solar sales tax exemption?

Many states exempt solar equipment purchases from state sales tax. This can save 5–10% on equipment costs — potentially $1,500–$3,000 on a typical residential system. States with sales tax exemptions include New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and many others. The exemption may apply to panels, inverters, batteries, and installation labor depending on the state.

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