Question 1

Can you help if the roof has to be handled before solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is a common part of the job. We help sort out whether roofing work, detach-and-reset, or electrical prep needs to happen before the install.

Question 2

Do I need battery backup with solar?

Accepted Answer

Not always. It depends on outage concerns, budget, and what you want the system to do during a grid failure.

Question 3

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

Most panels are warrantied for 25 years and continue producing past that. Production drops slowly over time -- expect about 85-90% of original output at year 25. Inverters typically need replacing once in that span.

Question 4

Do panels still produce on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Output drops on overcast days but panels still generate. Your system is sized based on annual production, which accounts for weather patterns across the year.

Question 5

How much does a solar system cost in Texas?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential system in Texas runs $15,000-30,000 depending on size, equipment, and roof complexity. Battery adds $8,000-15,000 depending on capacity. Your proposal breaks down every line item so you see exactly where the money goes.

Question 6

Can I finance solar with no money down?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most solar loans start at $0 down. But watch the dealer fee -- some lenders bake 15-30% into the loan balance. We show you the total cost of each financing option so you can compare.

Question 7

Does a solar loan put a lien on my home?

Accepted Answer

No. Solar lenders file a UCC-1 fixture filing on the panels, not a lien on your property. If you sell, the loan transfers or gets paid off at closing.

Question 8

What does the install process look like?

Accepted Answer

Consultation, site survey, system design, permitting, installation (1-2 days), city inspection, then utility permission to operate. Start to finish is typically 6-10 weeks, with most of that waiting on permits and utility paperwork.

Question 9

How long from signing to system on?

Accepted Answer

Usually 6-10 weeks. The install itself takes 1-2 days. The rest is permits, engineering, and waiting for your utility to approve interconnection. We handle all of it.

Question 10

I have an HOA -- can I still go solar?

Accepted Answer

Texas law protects your right to install solar. HOAs can set reasonable rules about placement but cannot prohibit it. We handle the paperwork and architectural review submissions.

Question 11

What does a battery actually do during an outage?

Accepted Answer

When the grid goes down, your battery automatically disconnects from the grid and powers critical circuits -- typically refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, and a few outlets. How long it lasts depends on battery size and what you run.

Question 12

Do I need a battery for solar to work?

Accepted Answer

No. Most residential systems are grid-tied and work without a battery. You export excess power during the day and pull from the grid at night. A battery adds backup power and can improve economics depending on your rate plan.

Question 13

What are critter guards and do I need them?

Accepted Answer

Critter guards are mesh screens that seal the gap between your panels and roof. Rats, squirrels, and birds nest under panels and chew wiring. If you have tree cover or wildlife in the area, they pay for themselves fast.

Question 14

How often should panels be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Once or twice a year. Most issues show up in your monitoring app as production drops. A visual check for debris, cracked glass, or critter damage takes care of the rest.

Question 15

What can actually damage solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Hail (large enough to crack the glass), fallen branches, rodents chewing wiring, and in rare cases, installer error. Panels are tougher than they look -- rated for 1-inch hail at 50+ mph -- but Texas storms can exceed that.

Question 16

Do I need a new roof before going solar?

Accepted Answer

If your roof has less than 10 years of life left, do the roof first. Putting panels on a roof that needs replacing soon means paying to remove and reinstall them later. We'll give you an honest answer on timing.

Question 17

Do I get incentives if I lease instead of buy?

Accepted Answer

No. Available incentives go to the system owner. If you lease, the leasing company keeps them. Ownership is almost always better financially if you can finance or pay cash.

Question 18

What are solar buyback programs?

Accepted Answer

Many Texas utilities buy excess electricity your system sends to the grid. Rates and terms vary by provider -- some pay retail, some pay wholesale, some give bill credits. We help you understand what your specific utility offers before you sign.

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