Frequently Asked Questions
Get straight answers to the questions homeowners ask most about solar panels, battery storage, financing, and installation. Don’t see your question here? Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you find the answer.
Solar FAQs
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
The cost of a solar installation depends on system size, equipment, roof design, labor, and location. Over the last year, our average customer paid $15,800 for solar after incentives.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Most solar panels have 25 to 30 year warranties, but they are expected to last even longer than that.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Yes, solar can be worth it if your energy use, electricity rates, system cost, and expected production support the investment. Your roof, utility rules, financing, and how long you plan to stay should also factor into your decision.
How Do I Clean My Solar Panels?
In many cases, rain provides enough cleaning to keep panels operating normally. If dirt, dust, pollen, or other buildup affects production, your installer can recommend the safest cleaning method for your system.
How Do I Integrate Solar Panels?
Solar panels connect to your home's electrical system through an inverter, which converts the panels' electrical power into electricity your home can use. A grid-connected system can also send excess electricity to the utility grid.
What Is a Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity that your home and the electrical grid can use. It also helps manage the flow of electricity through the system, creating 120V and 240V outputs that match your local grid and home appliance use.
How Long Does It Take to Install Solar Panels?
The physical installation of a residential solar system can often be completed in a day or a few days. The full process takes longer because design, permitting, inspections, and utility approval happen before and after installation.
Battery FAQs
How Does a Battery Energy Storage System Work?
A battery stores excess electricity from your solar system for later use. When solar production drops, the battery can supply stored energy to your home and allow you to use less grid power during higher-cost periods. It can also provide backup power if the grid goes down.
How Much Does a Solar Battery Cost?
When bundled with solar, a 13.5 kWh battery installed by Smart Wave Solar starts at $8,750 after upfront incentives. Utility rebates may also be available, potentially reducing the cost of your battery by a few thousand dollars or more.
Is It Worth Getting a Solar Battery?
Yes, a battery can be worthwhile if you want backup power, want to use more of your solar energy, or can benefit from shifting electricity use away from higher-cost periods. Your utility rates and system design matter.
How Do I Select a Battery for My Solar Panels?
Consider your home's energy use, backup needs, available space, and existing solar equipment. Battery capacity, power output, compatibility, warranty, and cost all matter when comparing options.
How to Connect Solar Panels With a Battery?
Solar panels and batteries connect through compatible inverters or other power electronics that manage the flow of electricity. Battery systems should be properly designed and installed as part of your home's electrical system.
How Long Does a Solar Battery Last?
Most residential solar batteries come with warranties covering around 10 to 15 years, although actual service life varies by battery chemistry, usage, temperature, and operating conditions. Many systems are designed for daily cycling over their warranty period.
How Much Solar Battery Storage Do I Need?
The right amount depends on your energy use, how much solar you produce, the appliances you want to back up, and how long you want backup power to last. Your battery’s power output matters, too.
What Is the Best Battery for Solar Panels?
There’s no single best battery for every home. The right choice depends on your solar equipment, energy use, backup needs, available space, and budget. For off-grid systems, battery capacity, power output, and long-term reliability become especially important.
How Does Solar Battery Backup Work?
When the grid goes down, a properly configured battery system can automatically provide power to selected circuits or your entire home. How long it lasts depends on the battery’s capacity, power output, and your energy use.
Financing & Incentive FAQs
How Does Solar Financing Work?
Solar financing lets you spread the cost of a solar system over time instead of paying for it all upfront. Common options include solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
What Is a PPA for Solar?
A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, lets you use a solar system owned by a third party. You pay for the electricity the system produces, usually at an agreed-upon rate per kilowatt-hour.
How Much Is It to Lease Solar Panels?
The cost of a solar lease depends on the system, provider, contract terms, and location. You typically make monthly payments to use the system rather than purchasing it outright.
What Is a Solar Loan?
A solar loan lets you borrow money to purchase a solar system and repay it over time. You own the system, and the loan terms determine your monthly payment and total cost.
How Do Solar Incentives Work?
Solar incentives can reduce the cost of installing a system through tax credits, rebates, utility programs, or other financial incentives. Programs vary by state, utility, and project.
Is Financing Solar Panels Worth It?
Financing can still make sense if the cost of the loan is outweighed by your expected energy savings over time. If you can pay cash, compare the potential savings of avoiding interest with the benefits of keeping that money available for other uses. With interest rates for solar loans considerably higher than car loans, many people choose to pay cash if they can.
How Do I Get Out of a Solar Lease?
Solar leases are usually long-term contracts, and ending one early can involve fees or other costs. Your options may include transferring the lease to a new homeowner, buying out the system, or waiting until the contract ends. Check your agreement for the specific terms.
What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?
When people talk about the federal tax credit for solar, they are usually referring to either 25D (the residential tax credit) or 48E (the commercial tax credit). The value of these tax credits are 30-50% of the system cost depending on various factors. The 25D tax credit expired at the end of 2025, but 48E is still available. Through third-party ownership models you can still get the benefits of the 48E solar tax credit on residential properties.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Colorado?
There are a variety of incentives available in Colorado, but they are dependent on your city, utility company, and other factors. Contact us for details about any rebates and incentives that apply to you.
How Do I Claim the Utah Solar Tax Credit?
Utah's residential solar tax credit expired for solar installations after 2023. However, there are a variety of other potential incentives available depending on your city, utility company, and other factors. Contact us for details about any rebates and incentives that apply to you.
Is There a Solar Tax Credit in Illinois?
Illinois offers a variety of solar incentives, including Illinois Shines, which provides financial incentives based on Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Some incentives depend on your city, utility, company, or other factors. Contact us for details about any rebates and incentives that apply to you.