FAQs

How much should I expect to SPEND? >

The idea that you have to pay cash up front for solar is very outdated. It can certainly be done that way, but most people acquire solar with a solar loan which does not require a lien, and no downpayment is required. There are a variety of loan programs available, and we can discuss options during the consultation, looking at interest rates, any fees, and term of the loan to find the best fit. None of them have any prepayment penalties.

How much can I expect to SAVE? >

This depends on what you’re currently paying your utility company, how sunny your roof is, and if there are other installation expenses like tilt-up racking, new electrical panel, or similar items. The simpler the installation and the more efficient the roof, the more you will save by going solar. Typically, if I cannot save you any money with solar I will suggest that it is not a good fit for you. Customers that go solar typically save from a third to more than half of what they otherwise would have spent on electricity over a 25 year period.

What will maintenance look like and how does that compare (time and money) to a traditional roof? >

Photovoltaic systems have no moving parts and no plumbing, so they really have no maintenance that is normally required. Some systems need pest abatement if they are not screened in originally, which is why I work with partners that include pest abatement in their installation. There should not be any annual maintenance costs, and any equipment failure is covered under warranty.

This is Colorado. How well do they stand up to hail storms? >

Solar panels, to be sold in America, are required to be warranted against 1” hail stones. However, in the real world what we see is that 3.25” hail bounces off without a scratch. The storms that have damaged my customers systems in the past decade have been over 4” diameter hail stones.

How does energy storage work? >

Energy storage, or batteries, are a great accessory to a solar electric installation, but in most cases are not necessary. Solar is for savings, storage is for security of power. Adding a battery is often a subjective decision that it is important enough to the building owner, for personal or business reasons, that they never want to be without power. In that case, we and our partners are qualified and happy to assist in installing a grid-tied battery backup system or an off-grid system as may be needed.

Am I entitled to any government incentives if I make the switch? >

Yes you are! There are Federal tax benefits available for residential, investment, and commercial properties. While tax exempt entities cannot receive such benefits directly, I also have financing programs that allow those entities to receive most of the benefit in savings. Also, the states and utility companies often have incentives which would be shown in your proposal and we can document and discuss during the consultation.

What does the entire installation process look like? >

Depending on the system design and size, it could be as quick as one day, or could take a couple of weeks for larger commercial systems. In all cases, it is important to know that after you sign up for solar, we must confirm the original design with a site survey, design and engineering, and then secure approval from the utility company before we install. Timeframes can vary from district to district.

What about my HOA? >

In Colorado and many other states, HOAs cannot prevent a homeowner from installing solar or any renewable energy system on their house. It is common for people to think that they can, and some HOAs are not aware of this homeowner protection. However, I can assist you in educating the HOA about their responsibilities if needed. The bottom line is that once we have a professional design set to show the HOA, approval is usually granted immediately. They have an interest in making sure that work done on the exterior of your home is done well, and we take pride in doing a clean installation, too.

Can non-profits go solar, too? >

YES they can! While it is not exactly the same, we have financing solution providers that have the tax appetite that non-profits lack. As a result, they can still get solar for significant long-term savings, and the statement of values solar provides their organization.

Does solar add to or diminish the property value? >

This question has been very well researched and studies show that solar adds to the value of properties when it comes time to sell. This is true across various building qualities and in regions all over America. (“Selling Into The Sun – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory” 2017) It only makes sense. More than 80% of Americans polled respond that we should have more solar, and fewer than 5% of properties offered for sale typically have solar, so solar makes your property a hot commodity. If your Realtor has any questions about this, please have them talk to me or bring me into their brokerage to teach my Continuing Education Class, certified by the Division of Regulatory Affairs of Colorado.

Are you members of the Better Business Bureau? >

Yes we are! Habits built during a career as a commercial Realtor of valuing my clients’ interests above my own have carried over into Solar 4 Planet A. Solar power is a good value as it is and does not need to be oversold. We focus on consumer education and ethical business practices, following up on each and every commitment. This ensures that you have a good experience with your installation and protects our reputation.