Can I add additional solar panels to my home later?
Yes, most solar power systems are designed to be expandable so you can add more solar panels or batteries in the future.
Let us know if expansion plans are on your horizon, and we’ll get you taken care of!
Who do I contact if I have any questions or issues after installation?
To request service or speak with someone from our Service Department, please visit our service department page and fill out our form describing your request. A representative from our team will get back to you shortly to schedule service or answer any questions.
Our qualified service technicians are available to provide assistance, troubleshoot any issues, and promptly take care of repairs whenever needed.
Do I need to register my warranty?
No, you do not need to worry about registering the warranty for your solar system.
Our team takes care of that entire process for you, and can answer any questions about your warranty during your launch meeting.
Why does my solar system produce DC energy but my home uses AC?
The solar panels themselves produce direct current (DC) electricity, but our homes run on alternating current (AC) provided by the grid. Here’s why there’s a mismatch and how we convert between the two:
- Panel operation: Solar cells generate DC power when exposed to sunlight. This is their natural mode of operation.
- AC power grid: The utility grid delivers AC power for compatibility with our home’s outlets and appliances.
- Inverter’s role: An inverter is needed to convert the DC solar power into usable AC power for your home.
- Automatic conversion: The inverter seamlessly receives the DC input from panels and inverts it into grid-quality AC power.
- Matched systems: We properly size and match the inverter to your panel system to efficiently handle the conversion.
So in summary, we need the inverter as the bridge between the DC solar system and AC home grid.
How will I know when my system is officially active?
We will notify you by email and update your Project Tracker as soon as your solar system receives PTO (Permission to Operate) from your utility company` and is fully approved.
PTO is the final step in the interconnection process where you receive approval from the utility to activate your solar system and begin generating electricity.
Procedures, rules, and regulations can vary by utility, but we’ll provide you with clear notification as we navigate the ins and outs of your utility company for a seamless installation experience.
How soon after launch will I see energy production results?
You should start seeing energy production from your new solar panels very soon after the system is launched and activated. It can take a few months for your system to fully integrate, and for you to get an overview of `what` you can expect your production levels to be.
If you have questions or are concerned about your monitoring, please contact our Service Department and select “I am concerned about my system’s production but there are no visible alerts or errors” on the form.
Will I still have an electric bill after my system is launched?
Even with solar panels, most homeowners will still receive an electric bill each month, however, panels allow you to rely less on the grid and reduce your monthly utility charges.
A few reasons you may still receive an electric bill are:
- Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, so they won’t produce power at night or on cloudy days.
- Most solar panel systems are connected to the utility grid, so you’ll still have to pay any fees charged by the utility for maintaining infrastructure and customer service.
- Unless you have battery storage, excess solar electricity produced during the day can’t be used at night when solar isn’t generating power.
- Finally, unless your utility offers net metering, you won’t get credit for sending excess solar power back to the grid.
That said, solar panels can still significantly lower your electricity costs. The more sunlight your panels get, the more solar power they’ll generate to offset grid electricity usage. And with options like battery storage and net metering, you can further reduce bills by storing solar energy for nighttime use and earning credits for excess solar generation.
How do I monitor my panels?
Your panel type will tell you the monitoring app you’ll need to download to keep track of your system performance remotely and stay informed about your solar energy output.
If you have Maxeon (previously SunPower) panels, you can follow this link to download the myMaxeon (previously SunPower) monitoring app, and learn more about monitoring your panels.
If you have Mission Solar panels, you’ll want to use this link to download the Enphase Enlighten monitoring app.
My system is on and I can see I am producing energy! Now what?
The final step of the process is the Launch Meeting, which will be scheduled with our Customer Care team. You’ll receive an email with a scheduling link along with some final documentation about your system. This packet contains your system design, product and warranty information, final payment receipt, and contact info for our teams should you need service in the future.