Solar is a major home or business decision. These answers are designed to help you understand solar cost, battery backup, financing, roof readiness, warranties, permits, utility approval and GT Power’s consultation process before you move forward.
If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for below, don’t worry, we’re always here to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at (800) 577-7124 or via our Contact Us page and we will do our best to help you most efficiently.
Solar panel installation cost depends on energy use, roof layout, system size, equipment, battery backup, electrical work and utility requirements. GT Power provides a free solar consultation and customized solar estimate to help review your home, goals and project pricing
In the past, solar energy used to be expensive, but with technological advancements, state and federal incentives, and innovative financing programs, it has become a more affordable energy option. Additionally, it can even pay for itself through the savings and credits that your solar energy system generates.
As solar energy costs become more affordable, the trend of DIY solar installations is quickly fading. Homeowners are now opting for expert installers who provide peace of mind, along with production and power guarantees.
Your solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy or overcast days, although not at full capacity. Despite this, they are resilient and able to endure harsh weather conditions, including one-inch hail at 55 miles per hour and direct lightning strikes
After considering factors such as your home’s current energy consumption, roof structure, and shading from trees, we provide a complimentary quote and initial design of the ideal solar panel setup for your home.
Solar panel output can vary based on various factors. Net metering has allowed some of our customers to have zero electricity bills for years. On average, homeowners can reduce their annual energy costs by 25%-50%. However, the savings and energy generated depend on factors such as the size of the solar system, energy needs, and utility providers’ electricity rates. Solar energy is a smart choice to save money and protect against future energy price hikes as utility costs increase each year.
No, but It’s recommended to ensure that your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels to avoid any potential issues or additional expenses in the future. If your roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to do so before installing solar panels. A GT Power Solar Energy Specialist can evaluate your roof’s condition and advise you on whether a replacement is necessary.
The length of time it takes to install your solar system varies based on factors such as its size and complexity. Typically, an installation can take between one to three days. Once you sign the contract, our team immediately starts verifying all the details and our design team begins finalizing the requirements. However, obtaining the necessary permits, interconnecting with the utility company, and completing local inspections can take several weeks. GT POWER takes care of coordinating with all relevant entities, so you don’t have to worry about it.
GT POWER offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels, which can continue to function for up to 50 years with a slight decrease in efficiency. The warranty for inverters usually ranges from 15 to 20 years, depending on the type required for your specific installation.
GT POWER provides a 25-year warranty for solar panels, which are expected to function for up to 50 years with a reduction in efficiency. Inverter warranties typically range from 15 to 20 years, depending on the required inverter type for your installation.
Net metering is a program that allows homeowners to receive credits from their utility companies for excess electricity produced by their solar panels. The credit is issued as a statement credit for the excess power sent back to the grid. Net metering policies vary between states and utility providers, so it’s important to ask your Solar Energy Specialist about the specific program in your area.
We have got GREAT NEW for you. There is a property tax exemption on solar panels in many states. You can consult your Solar Energy Specialist to check if your state provides this incentive.
In the event of a power outage, your home solar power system will shut off automatically as a safety measure to protect utility workers working on power lines. Sending power out to the grid during an outage can be hazardous for them. Therefore, you won’t have power until the outage is resolved, unless you have a battery backup system installed to provide some electricity to your home.
A residential solar quote should clearly show system size, solar panels, inverter or microinverter type, racking, permits, installation labor, inspections, utility interconnection and warranty information. If battery backup, roofing, electrical work or EV charging is included, those items should be listed separately.
Solar quotes can differ because of equipment brands, system size, roof complexity, battery storage, electrical upgrades, financing fees, workmanship scope and warranty support. A lower price is not always better if important work is missing. A higher quote should clearly explain the added value
Compare solar-only and solar-plus-battery quotes by system size, expected production, battery capacity, backup loads, utility rate plan, time-of-use savings, warranty terms and total project cost. A battery may improve energy control and backup readiness, but the value depends on your home and utility plan.
Solar can still be worth reviewing in California, but the calculation is different under the Solar Billing Plan, often called NEM 3.0. Export credits, time-of-use rates, battery storage, energy usage and project cost should all be reviewed before making a decision
Not every solar customer needs a battery. A solar battery may help store energy for evening use, selected backup power and better control under time-of-use rates. The right decision depends on your outage concerns, utility plan, electrical loads, budget and backup goals.
The right solar battery depends on your backup goals, existing solar equipment, electrical setup, budget, monitoring preference and future expansion needs. Some customers compare Tesla Powerwall and Enphase battery options, but the final recommendation should be based on a site-specific review backup goals.
Backup power needs depend on which appliances or areas you want to keep running during an outage. Some homes only need essentials such as lights, internet, refrigerator and outlets. Others may need broader coverage for HVAC, medical equipment, pumps or business use.
Solar financing lets customers pay for a solar energy system over time instead of paying the full amount upfront. The total cost can depend on loan term, interest rate, dealer fees, credit approval and repayment structure. Always compare cash price and financed price
Before signing a solar contract, review total project cost, financing terms, equipment brands, expected production, warranty coverage, roof or electrical work, permits, utility approval, cancellation rights and post-installation support. Make sure every promise is written clearly in the agreement.
After you request a GT Power solar consultation, a solar specialist can review your energy goals, electricity usage, property details, roof readiness, battery interest and financing questions. The goal is to help you understand your solar options before making a commitment.
