When SolExergy consultants speak with customers, we hear the same questions cropping up again and again. By now, you know the benefits of solar, from reducing your carbon footprint to cutting your energy bill. But what are the ins-and-outs of solar installation? We want you to be confident moving ahead with your solar installation, so we’re answering your most frequently asked questions here.
1. Will you inspect my roof before the installation?
Yes. Reliable solar companies conduct a roof inspection prior to installation. During that inspection, we’ll evaluate a number of factors, including whether your roofing material recommends itself to solar panel installation. When installed properly, solar panel arrays won’t harm your roof.
2. How will the shape and angle of my roof affect installation?
At SolExergy, we create customized, turnkey solar solutions for each of our customers based on a thorough investigation of the customer’s exact needs. In designing an array, we keep in mind the size, shape, and condition of the homeowner’s roof. Most roofs can support solar panels. It’s simply a matter of matching up the design with the homeowner’s goals, whether it’s achieving 100% of their energy needs with solar or supplementing on-grid use.
3. Will my roof be able to support the weight of solar panels?
Most residential roofs can support the weight of solar panels. However, if the weight of the solar panels exceeds what your roof can support, that could lead to a dangerous—and costly—collapse. That’s why it’s essential that a professional inspect your roof prior to installation to determine what it can support, and that a professional design your solar panel array to ensure the planned number of panels doesn’t exceed what your roof can manage.
4. Will adding solar panels decrease the curb appeal of my property?
We work with designers to ensure that our solar panels are placed in a way that not only maximizes their sun exposure but also minimizes their impact to your existing home or office design.
5. Does SolExergy subcontract installations or electrical work?
SolExergy handles all installations in house. Some other companies outsource installations, electrical work, and other tasks, which can lead to unqualified or inexperienced technicians doing a poor job. That’s why we handle all aspects of our installations using our company’s highly qualified technicians.
In 2018, at the request of many customers, SolExergy expanded our team to include an experienced electrical service department in order to provide additional solutions to customers.
These services include:
- LED upgrades or retrofits
- Sign maintenance
- Emergency repairs
6. How does SolExergy handle service claims?
We know that even with the high-quality products we use and with expert installation, problems can arise. We provide ongoing customer service to our clients—even beyond the scope of the manufacturer warranties—to ensure your solar power is working the way it was meant to. Our in-house staff will personally handle your service calls and oversee any warranty claims if needed.
7. Will my system require ongoing maintenance?
Solar systems are practically maintenance free. Solar panels are extremely durable and long-lasting—in many cases, solar panel manufacturers offer 25-year power production warranties. Your panels will only need to be washed or cleaned in extreme circumstances.
8. How much time will a solar installation take?
The overall process depends on design, property layout, and your individual energy needs. Most residential systems take less than one week for the physical installation.
9. How do I get my solar system connected to the grid?
SolExergy will help you get your solar system connected to the PNM power grid. There are some fees associated with the connection. These vary based on whether you’re going to sell power back to PNM (your system may over produce what you need on certain days) or not. Either way, PNM utilizes a net metering system, which means you only have to buy electricity from PNM when your energy usage has exceeded your system output within a given billing period. In other words, PNM won’t charge you for energy use on one cloudy day.
10. How do I access the tax rebates?
In addition to the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), New Mexicans can access at 10% credit (up to $6,000). SolExergy will provide you with all the documentation about your system to file for these tax credits. These incentives won’t be around forever. We work with Nusenda Credit Union to get our customers on the road to financing and buying their solar systems faster so they can take advantage of these tax credits while available.
If you have additional questions, we’re glad to answer! Get in touch with us for an initial consultation to get the conversation started.
