There are various factors that go into determining the cost of each individual solar system. Initially, we have to visit your site to discuss your goals and take the necessary measurements. From there, our team will assess the available roof space, expected electricity offset, and orientation of your roof. Typically, the price to install a solar electric system is similar to that of purchasing a new car. Depending on the objectives of the homeowners, the price will likely fluctuate. It is also important to take into consideration federal tax incentives which will factor into the price of a solar installation.

The amount of money saved from going solar varies on a project to project basis. Factors such as available roof space, house orientation, roof pitch, your current energy consumption and your future home plans all play into your potential solar savings. However, on average we see solar lowering the monthly energy costs by 30-60%.

While being off-grid is certainly possible, most homeowners find themselves investing in solar with the goal of saving money and reducing environmental impact. In the event that you are wanting to go off-grid, you will also need to invest in a battery backup system. If you have further questions about going off-grid with solar, it’s best to speak with a project developer.

All of our systems are designed to withstand the required 130-140 MPH wind loads. 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. 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 1000+ systems sustained, without damage, both hurricane Irene and 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, it never hurts to give them a good rinse with a hose. We will inspect our work 12 months after your system has been turned on at zero cost to the homeowner. 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 potential damage by rodents in your area.

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

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 backup, 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.

Not necessarily. Shading and other obstructions, such as dormers and vent pipes, are 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.

We are based in Wilmington, NC but travel throughout Southeastern NC. This includes: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Oak Island, Topsail Island, Leland, Hampstead, Kure Beach, Shallot, Southport, Wallace, Holden Beach, Jacksonville, Sunset Beach, Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Durham, and surrounding areas.

You do not need battery storage to go solar. In fact, the majority of our installations are grid tied and do not have battery storage. This simply means that you are able to produce the electricity and build up credits with the utility company when you produce excess. Then, when you are not producing as much as you are consuming, you are able to pull the credits from the grid. In many ways, the utility acts as your battery by storing the electricity in a credit bank for you to use later.

With that being said, solar alone will not allow you to have power during an outage. If the power goes out, your solar will stop producing. To be able to store the electricity for use during an outage, you will need to install a battery storage system such as the Tesla Powerwall. This would allow your home to continue to produce solar energy to store in your battery and power your essential loads during a grid outage.

With a 25 year warranty, your solar array will almost certainly outlast your roof. When the time comes to replace your roof, we can coordinate our schedule with your roofer to come and take the panels off. Then, when the roof has been replaced, we will come back to reinstall the panels. If you expect that you will need to replace your roof soon, it will likely make sense to do that prior to going solar.