Solar Frequently Asked Questions
Answers from Our Skilled San Diego Solar Experts
We realize that this very well might be the first solar electric system installed at your home, which is why our San Diego solar experts wish to answer any and all questions or concerns you might have. We strongly believe that the more you are educated about the process, installation, products, benefits, and guarantee of going solar, the more peace of mind you will have about your decision to go solar in Southern California.
We have provided a list of frequently asked questions, but welcome you to contact us with any additional questions or concerns you might have.
How do I know if solar energy panels are right for my home?
There are various factors that determine whether or not a solar energy system is right for your home. When you schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our representatives, we will meet you on site to assess your solar energy needs and help you decide if this is the best direction for you.
The factors that we take into consideration include, but are not limited to:
- The amount of direct sunlight exposure as well as any potential roof shading
- The size, condition, and type of material used on your roof
- Your current annual electricity bills
- Available tax credits, rebates, and incentives
- Local utility rate structure
In short, if your current monthly electrical bill is more than $100 per month, it would be well worth your effort to explore solar for your home.
What size solar electric system do I need?
The size of a
residential solar electric system depends on several factors including your electrical usage history, available
roof space, budget, and savings goals. Typically our customers choose
a system that covers anywhere from 65-100% of their electrical bill.
How will the solar panels look?
We strive to ensure that the installation does not compromise the aesthetics
of your home. Solar panels do need to be installed in the right spot to
maximize sunlight exposure and solar panel effectiveness. This requires
a degree of southern exposure. However, we specifically design systems
to maintain the fine aesthetics of your home. Our San Diego solar company's
products take up less roof space than conventional solar panels and look
much better with their all-black frame and state-of-the-art installation methods.
Our
website portfolio contains examples of both traditional sleek solar panels as well as roof
integrated panels. Please refer to our portfolio to see for yourself how
appealing a solar energy system can be on a home.
Can I use solar electricity without buying a solar energy system?
Yes.
Solar leases allow homeowners to switch to solar electricity without purchasing a system.
With an arrangement like this, our leasing company owns the system and
provides a kilowatt hour production guarantee each and every year for
20 years. Many people prefer this because it’s available for $0
down, and comes with an easily measured production guarantee.
Can I get solar panels on my roof first without getting a new roof first?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on an existing roof. Our San Diego solar
experts are
certified roofing contractors and will always replace the roofing in the area the solar panels will
be installed if repairs are needed. If your entire roof is ready to be
replaced, we will make that recommendation when appropriate. Solar panels
can work for 40 years or more, so by installing a system on a newer roof,
you can skirt the hassle of having to remove and replace the panels during
a roof replacement. Keep in mind that if your panels are going on the
roof, they will actually help to shield the roof from the elements and
extend the life of your roof. A discount is offered if you decide to replace
your roof and add solar at the same time.
How does solar influence property values?
Solar panels have been known to have a positive influence on property values and homes with solar systems tend to sell for more than those without them. It is important to note, however, that this only applies to solar systems that you own, rather than lease. According to recent studies, adding a solar system in most parts of the country will increase a home's value more than a kitchen remodel!
What if I move in a few years?
You might be surprised to learn that a move does not prevent you from experiencing
the financial benefits of solar. Numerous studies have shown that solar
panels add value to your home and help it sell faster, often in half the
time. More often than not, homeowners understand the importance of energy
costs and would be eager to purchase a home with existing lower energy
system. If you have a solar lease, transferring the lease or outright
ownership to the new homeowner is simple.
What's the difference between a solar photovoltaic (PV) and a solar hot water (thermal) system?
A solar photovoltaic system converts sunlight directly into electricity.
A solar hot water system absorbs sunlight and uses it to heat water for
household use. California Premier Solar Construction does not install
solar hot water systems. All mention of “solar” on this website
refers to a solar photovoltaic system.
Why is solar "green" or eco-friendly?
Nearly all homes in our service radius are powered by fossil fuels. Currently,
your local utility buys its electricity from companies that burn coal,
natural gas, or petroleum to create electrical energy. These fuels are
harmful to the Earth in a number of different ways. A home that has enough
solar panels to cover all or part of its electricity needs will help to
offset their carbon footprint and become part of the solution to this problem.
Can government rebates reduce the cost of going solar?
Yes! Both state and federal incentives will help you save money. Rebates
are available for both retrofit and new construction projects and are
factored on a per watt basis. California state rebates are diminishing
as more people add solar to their home. The federal tax credit is a credit,
not a deduction of income, and it is 30% of the cost of the system.
What will it cost me to go solar in San Diego?
The cost depends largely on how you’d like to go solar—with
a system purchase or lease. Systems can range from $0 up to many thousands
of dollars. Regardless of the program you choose, solar will save you
money. You will also have flexibility within your financing options. You
can think of it as buying electricity upfront – the more you buy
now, the more you’ll save later as utility rates continue to rise.
The other factors that affect how much going solar costs are the amount
of energy you use, your roof’s orientation and shading, and the
solar rebate and tax credits available in your area.
Does it make sense to wait for the cost of solar panels to fall further before installing them?
Considering that state rebates are diminishing, no. The current technology
in solar panels is not expected to take another leap for many years but
rebates, however, can fluctuate much more rapidly. Capitalizing on solar
power means acting now and not waiting. We have yet to come across a situation
where it has paid to wait on solar when we consider the lost incentives
with the opportunity costs.
Is the installation affordable?
Yes. California Premier Solar Construction offers both financing and upfront
payment options. If you decide to purchase a system, you will see the
break-even point in your investment in about 5 years. If you decide to
finance or lease a solar system, you can start creating savings right
away. Whatever payment plan you choose, you will be paying less for power
than you are right now.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are very durable and have the capability to resist damage
from snow, hail, wind, and other weather. While routine maintenance and
replacement of certain components may be needed sooner, most solar systems
have a useful life expectancy of anywhere between 25 to 35 years.
Will it really decrease my energy costs?
Guaranteed! Once your system is installed, we will give you access to your
own personal monitoring service to track the production of your system's
energy. You will also receive a statement each month from SDG&E that
will show each month’s electricity cost. The savings will be obvious
when you compare that with what you paid the year prior.
I've heard that the production of solar panels makes them more wasteful than efficient—is that true?
It was true when photovoltaic technology was young and the cost of solar
panels was astronomical, figuratively speaking, and were used only on
spacecraft. Now, however, solar panels are extremely efficient. The National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has done an impartial study on payback
time for solar electric systems and concludes that rooftop systems installed
under average U.S. conditions save enough resources to offset their production
in three to four years. Considering most of them last at least 25 years,
that’s hardly wasteful!
What kind of maintenance will I have to perform on my solar panels?
We recommend cleaning them at the beginning and end of the summer season.
Basically, all you have to do to keep your panels clean is to hose them
off once or twice per year. Please be careful not to hose them off in
the middle of a hot day with cold water to avoid any cracking of the glass.
Solar panels have no gears or moving parts, so there’s nothing to
lubricate or replace. When the time comes to cleaning the panels, one
option is to call a window cleaning company to wash them off for you if
you do not want to get up on your roof. We will be releasing a service
agreement cleaning option for you in the near future.
What does photovoltaic mean?
There are several options when it comes to solar technology and they differ
in how they convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic is the process
where sunlight is broken down into packets called "photons,"
and turn it into energy volts.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
A kWh, or kilowatt-hour, is a measure of electrical energy. It describes
the amount of electric power (kilowatts) used over a period of time (hours).
Running a 100-watt light bulb for one hour uses 100 watt-hours of electricity.
This is equivalent to 0.10 kilowatt-hours. If the same light bulb is illuminated
for two hours, the bulb will consume 0.20 kWh of electricity, or twice
as much. Depending on location and size, a house’s electrical energy
consumption may vary between 20-40 kWh per day or 600-1200 kWh per month.
Depending on size, orientation, time of year, and weather, solar systems
can produce a surprising amount of kWh per day.
What do I have to do to get ready for installation?
Our installation is well-planned and streamlined for your peace of mind.
We will be in touch with you every step of the way. If you have any questions
about your upcoming installation date, please reach out to our San Diego
solar company at (760) 786-4292. We will need access to the inside of
your home at the beginning of the installation as well as when the time
comes for the final inspection. When the installation process begins,
we will be in and out quickly, usually within one week depending on the
size of the project.
Will I get to approve the final designs before you start?
You will definitely get to approve the final designs before we start! We
will explain the design to you as well as provide you with a copy of the
plans. We will only move forward when we have your approval. You can use
the plan set we give you to receive approval from your HOA as well.
What makes California Premier Solar Construction different from other solar contractors?
California Premier Solar Construction is a local family owned and operated
business. Its ownership has been a part of the Escondido community for
3 generations. We are not here in San Diego to capture a hot solar market
but to assist our community in saving money while also helping the environment.
Also, most solar contractors are only electricians. California Premier
Solar Construction carries a general building license in the state of
California, and also has a partnership with its “sister” company,
California Premier Roofscapes.
On any rooftop installation, we always replace any roofing material necessary
that will be located in the area of the solar array so that your roof
is up to code and will last as long as your solar system. This typically
consists of 2 layers of new underlayment, flashings, and many times, new
tile or shingles. We firmly believe that anything that is installed on
your roof should have a roofer involved on a significant level. Because
of this, we offer a full roofing warranty in the area of the solar array
on any rooftop solar installation. Most importantly, we have a team at
California Premier Solar Construction that genuinely cares about you and
your home. Residential solar is all we do, so your project will never
take a backseat to a much larger commercial endeavor. Over half of our
work is on referral, so it’s paramount that you have an exceptional
experience with our company, from start to finish.
Ready to make the switch to clean energy? Dial (760) 786-4292 or contact us online today to request a no-cost, no-obligation estimate on a new solar system for your home.
Call us today for a free estimate on your solar savings!
(760) 786-4292
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- Leading technology in the solar industry
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- The highest quality, most reliable parts
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- A dedication to customer satisfaction
- Years of experience & thousands of installs
- High efficiency to save you money
- Financing options to fit your budget
- 10-year roof array warranty
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Why California Premier Solar Construction Is the Smart Choice for Your Solar
- Good for Your Electrical Costs Our clients notice a drastic reduction on their energy bills when they switch to solar. Many see a return on investments within a year. Systems typically provide 15-20% savings on their utility bill which can add up to $30,000 or more over the course of 20 years. There are significant savings available when your home depends more on your own electrical energy and less on your local utility.
- Good for Your Home Value Studies show that solar panels add value and help your home sell faster, often in half the time! Homes with an average system size of 3.1 kW sold for approximately $17,000 more than non-solar homes. Homeowners understand the importance of energy costs and are eager to purchase a home with existing lower energy bills. If you have a solar lease, transferring to the new homeowner is simple.
- Good for the Environment Traditional electricity is powered by fossil fuel and purchased from companies that burn coal, natural gas, or petroleum. A home that produces enough solar energy to cover all or most of their electrical needs will help offset their carbon footprint and become part of the solution to the problem. An average photovoltaic system greatly reduces carbon footprint and emissions equivalents.