Frequently Asked Questions

General Solar Questions

How does a solar panel system work?
Solar panels consist of multiple silicon cells which capture the sun’s rays and generate Direct Current (DC) electricity. The panels are connected to an inverter that flips power from DC electricity to Alternating Current (AC) electricity. If you’re located in the U.S., your home, business, and utility grid runs on AC power, so an inverter is required in order to utilize power generated by a solar panel. Modern inverters also provide safety measures, as well as monitoring system information and generation performance.
Will my solar modules become damaged during a storm?
Solar modules are very resilient to storms that may include heavy rains, high winds, and hail. Panel manufacturers stress test modules to ensure they withstand hail sizes up to 1 inch and winds up to 140 MPH. Since solar panels are insured against storm damage, they provide an added benefit of protecting your roof or vehicles from the elements.
What are standard equipment warranties?
Our equipment and workmanship come with strong warranties to ensure your solar panel system performs at its best.

  • Modules – 25 Years
  • Inverters – 10-12 Years, extendable up to 20 Years
  • Mounting – 25 Years
  • Workmanship – 5 Years
Do solar panels generate power on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days?
It is the sun’s UV rays, not sunlight, that are captured by solar panels to generate power. Much like how your body can still tan on a cloudy day, a percentage of UV rays can still pass through stormy atmospheres allowing solar panels to continue producing energy, albeit at a reduced efficiency.
How much power will my solar panel system produce?
A number of factors must be taken into consideration to determine how much power a solar panel system will produce. Attention is placed on these details:

  • Module efficiency: simply put, more efficient modules produce more power.
  • Inverter efficiency: the percentage of energy that goes into the inverter and comes out as usable AC electricity.
  • Module tilt: the tilt of the module can affect how much direct UV rays are received by the solar module.
  • Module azimuth: a fixed system installed in the northern hemisphere will produce more energy facing 180° South, and if 180° North if in the southern hemisphere.
  • Location: the system’s proximity to the equator can effect production. A system installed in New York will produce less energy than in Texas.
  • Weather: Areas with more sunny days produce more energy.
  • Shade: Nearby obstructions like HVAC, vents, parapets, buildings, trees, and more can affect a system’s performance.

Commercial Solar Questions

What is Commercial Solar?
Commercial solar systems are designed to meet the energy demands of businesses, providing the high-power output needed to operate machinery, shops, and various facilities. These systems are widely used in different types of buildings, such as schools, offices, and retail stores. Available in various sizes, commercial solar solutions can be tailored to fit the specific energy needs of any business.
Are Commercial Solar panels worth it?

U.S. energy costs have increased by 69.4% over the last 25 years with no sign of slowing down. While some feel helpless to ever-increasing energy prices, the advantages of solar power shine brighter with every legislative and technological update. Most commercial solar systems come with a guaranteed lifespan of 25-30 years, offering an ROI far beyond the initial costs.

What are Commercial Solar panels?

Commercial solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, are engineered to capture sunlight and generate electricity for commercial buildings and large-scale facilities. They are commonly installed on rooftops, parking canopies, or as ground-mounted arrays to maximize energy production.

How big are Commercial Solar panels?

Commercial solar panels are built to cover expansive areas and produce higher amounts of energy, usually measuring approximately 78 inches in length and 39 inches in width.

They often contain 72-96 solar cells, which contribute to their larger size and higher power output.

How efficient are Commercial Solar panels?

Commercial solar panels generally operate with an efficiency of 15% to 20%, with some models achieving up to 25%. Advancements in solar technology have significantly improved performance over the years, and ongoing research continues to enhance panel efficiency and maximize the energy output of commercial solar systems.

Is it possible to get better efficiency from Commercial Solar panels?

Yes, Power Optimizers enable each panel in the PV array to operate independently, preventing the underperformance of one panel from impacting others in the string. This eliminates mismatch-related power losses caused by shading, soiling, or aging, resulting in higher overall energy production. Additionally, Power Optimizers maximize system yield and revenue by tracking the maximum power point of each panel, providing real-time performance data, and ensuring superior system safety with advanced protective features.

Industrial Solar Questions

What is Industrial Solar Power?

Industrial solar power involves harnessing solar energy through large-scale photovoltaic (PV) or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to supply energy for industrial processes and facilities, providing both economic and environmental advantages.

How long do Industrial Solar panels last?

Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, gradually degrading over time and producing less electricity as they age. While they can still generate power beyond this period, their efficiency significantly declines compared to their original output.

How much are Industrial Solar panels?

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the nationwide average cost of industrial solar panels in 2021 was projected to range between $1.45 and $1.56 per watt. However, actual system costs can vary based on several factors. These figures represent national averages and are measured in kilowatts of direct current (kWdc), encompassing expenses such as installation, inverters, solar modules, and system design by a solar contractor.

How big are Industrial Solar panels?

Industrial solar panels are built to cover expansive areas and produce higher amounts of energy, usually measuring approximately 78 inches in length and 39 inches in width.

They often contain 72-96 solar cells, which contribute to their larger size and higher power output.

Is Industrial Solar bad?

Every situation is unique, but it is our belief that our methods of offering industrial solar solutions are a win for all involved. At Solar One, we do not venture into the utility-grade type of systems, simply because we believe there are plenty of instances where industrial solar can be utilized with minimal environmental impact to open land. Our clients typically utilize roofspace or spaces on their property they could not otherwise utiilize for renewable purposes.

Financial Incentives for Solar

What is the Investment Tax Credit for solar?

The Federal Investment Tax Credit for Commercial Solar Projects is worth 30% of the eligible project costs. In addition as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, 10% bonus adders to the Tax Credit that can increase the value of the Tax Credit to 40% – 50%. The bonus adders are available due to Domestic Content requirements being met and/or the project site being located in an Energy Community.

Due to recent federal legislation (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), Federal Tax credits for new solar energy projects are set to cease at the end of 2027.

What is a State Tax Credit?
A State Tax Credit is much like the Federal ITC, but not every state provides one and the percentage value will vary.
What is a Solar Cash Rebate?
Cash rebates are sometimes offered by your state, municipality, utility company, or other organization that wants to promote solar energy. Rebates help reduce your total system costs, but usually have limited availability and end once a certain amount of solar has been installed. Whenever cash rebates are offered, it is in your best interest to act quickly to ensure those lucrative incentives are captured.
What is a Performance-Based Incentive?
Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs), offered in some states or utilities, pay solar energy system owners a per kilowatt-hour credit for the electricity that their systems produce. Certain PBI programs require that you install equipment manufactured in your state to qualify. PBIs don’t have to be sold through a market like SRECs, and incentive rates are determined when the system is installed and/or how much solar capacity is installed. PBIs may replace or exist alongside net metering policies.
What is a SREC?
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are often a part of a larger Renewable Portfolio Standards enacted by some state legislations. The policies tell utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from solar power by a specific time.

If you live in one of these states, your system will generate SRECs for the amount of electricity produced by your system(s). Utilities will buy your SRECs so they may count your produced solar energy toward meeting their requirements. Selling your SRECs can result in hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars more per year in income, depending on the SREC market in your state.

How can I find out what federal incentives are available where I live?

You can visit: Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus to learn more about the US Department of Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus.

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