No, unless you invest in a battery bank. Property owners buy solar to save money. Battery backup is a form of insurance when the sun or grid is down. If your primary driver is to save money, the grid is your best battery bank.

That depends on factors such as available roof space, house orientation, roof pitch, your current energy consumption and your future plans. However, on average we see solar lowering the monthly energy costs by 30-60%.

First, we have to visit your site to discuss your goals and take the necessary measurements: Are you purchasing solar to lower your utility bills? Do you want to maximize the available tax credit? Do you want to install as many panels as your roof can fit? Do you have a budget in mind, maybe invest in a system now and add more panels later?

Typically, the price to install a solar electric system ranges between $15,000 and $35,000 before tax credits, depending on the objectives of the homeowners. A solar water heating system for a family of four runs around $7,500 – $8,500 before tax credits.

Contact us for a proposal specific to your needs.

Solar panels are rated for hail impact which is roughly the impact of a 1-inch ball striking the panel at 52 mph. The tempered glass protects the solar cells under this type of impact. This glass is extremely durable, and can withstand the weight of a person standing in the middle of the panel. Since golf balls have a trajectory that is rarely directly perpendicular to solar panels, a glancing blow reduces the risk of damage.

The panels we install are rigorously tested to withstand harsh coastal conditions such as salty air, heavy rain, hail, wind and sun.

All of our systems are designed to withstand the required 130-140 MPH winds loads and our products and balance of system materials have to meet the same requirements in order to obtain the required permits and pass the final inspection. Because of the stringent building code requirements, solar panels stay with the roof during the course of in a high wind event. It is not uncommon to see shingles lost from a roof surrounding the area where solar panels were installed. In other cases, roofs have been lost completely with solar panels still attached!

If you live in the hurricane-prone area, this is another reason to hire a local contractor experienced in designing and installing systems built to withstand the harsh coastal conditions. All of our 400+ systems sustained, without damage, Irene as well as Matthew.

Well designed and installed solar systems require no scheduled maintenance. Our regular rains typically keep the panels clean, however, during the heavy pollen season, you may want to wash them off with a hose.

We will inspect our work 12 months after your system has been turned on (at no cost to you). We can also offer you the option of a service contract, if you would like us to inspect and wash your system every year.

At that time, we may also recommend installing a squirrel guard, if we discover a potential damage by rodents in your area.

Aesthetic concerns are common and you should make sure that your solar contractor designs a system that is not only optimizing your solar production, but will look good on your roof as well, considering all architectural aspects of your property.

In new construction, we usually work with the architect and the builder to address these concerns. In retrofits, HOAs have guidelines to which we adhere. Did you know that you can schedule a meeting with our solar designer, to design a system that will meet your aesthetical expectations?

No, House Bill 1387 specifically forbids HOAs from prohibiting solar energy installations except in specific circumstances. Because HOAs want to preserve neighborhood property values, some of their concerns are in fact reasonable and we will work with your HOA to meet their requirements for an aesthetically pleasing design.

Please go to Model HOA Solar Guidelines, and a Resource for NC Homeowners’ Associations also issued by the US Department of Energy for more details.

North Carolina does not allow third-party ownership. However, many recent studies have highlighted the great disadvantages to homeowners that decided to lease their solar system instead of purchasing.

NABCEP stands for The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and offers entry level knowledge assessment, professional certification, and company accreditation programs to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. NABCEP certified professionals install systems that are safer, produce more power, last longer, and provide a better return on investment. If you are considering solar, a NABCEP certified solar installer is your safest bet.

To find NABCEP certified installers in your area, go to the NABCEP Installer Locator.

Our own John Donoghue, with his triple NABCEP certification, is one of the organization’s faces! (page 17) http://www.nabcep.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Faces-of-NABCEP-Booklet-4-12-12W1.pdf

Trust us on this one: NO. We are called regularly to fix DIY projects or poorly designed and installed systems. In all cases, the property owners end up paying more than if he/she would have gone with a professional contractor in the first place. If your budget is tight, you can start with a smaller array and add more panels later.

No. Per the National Electric Code (NEC) requirement, the solar system must shut off when the grid is down. If you invest in a battery bank, we will be able to design a system powering your critical loads (such as refrigerator, freezer, modem/router, etc.) providing you with power when the grid is out.

Yes. Shading is the biggest enemy of solar. In just about every case, we are able to move vent pipes to place the solar array in its most productive location, but dormers, chimneys and heavy vegetation might prevent a house from being a good candidate for solar. Often, trimming trees increases the power production by a significant amount! Our solar consultants will work with you to determine the best location and inform you regarding any possible shade issues.