Frequently Asked Questions
Going solar allows you the homeowner to produce your own power at a much lower cost than the utility rate. The financial benefit depends on the properties sun exposure and utility rate but typically ranges from 25-35% overall energy savings.
Net metering is a program the utility companies are required to offer to allow homeowners to install solar and interconnect them to the grid. Homeowners get credits for excess power during the day, to use for nighttime use.
Solar panels are installed in the most optimal areas of the roof capturing photons and converting them to electrons. All electrons are generated in DC current. The DC current is then converted to AC current with an inverter to be usable for the electrical appliances in the home. Any excess power is sent to the grid through the utility and tracked through the Net Metering program.
After going solar you will still receive a statement from PG&E each month showing your solar credits for the month and year-to-date. You will still be billed for the gas usage in the home and a $8 fee to stay connected to the grid. If you consume more electricity than your solar system produces, you will be billed the difference.
We recommend cleaning your panels 2-3 times per year depending on property location and ash/dust in the air. Cleaning in the spring time is the best time to clean for optimal production.
The federal tax credit is currently 26% of the total system cost and is applied to your federal income tax bill using the IRS 5695 form. We always recommend advising with your accountant to see exactly how long it will take to utilize the full tax credit.
We always recommend purchasing the solar system if you are currently working or paying any federal income tax. The federal tax credits available make purchasing the solar system more beneficial than leasing for the homeowner. When leasing, the financial institution or solar company claim the tax credits on the system.
The first thing we look at when qualifying a property is the roofs sun exposure and shade reports known as ‘Irradiance’. Once Irradiance is approved for solar we then do a site inspection to determine the roofs life expectancy and structural integrity.
All solar systems are built slightly different. Here at Supreme we only use the highest quality products available with 25 year manufacture warranties. Our systems have a life expectancy of 30-35 years.
The system size is determined by the current consumption in the house and any future increases. Once the annual consumption data is determined, a system design is created to offset 100%+ of the home’s consumption. Next, we design the system on the property with the correct coordinates, weather data, roof directions, and tilt. Production of the system is based on the yield of each panel. Every home is different with these variables.
Typically the solar system will stay with the property. The homeowner will increase the value of the property and list it as an energy efficient home. If there is still a balance on the solar loan it will be paid off in the sell of the home or transfer to the incoming buyer.