FAQs
Answers to common questions about solar our solar solutions.
How durable is my solar system and how long is the warranty?
Your residential solar system is extremely durable and will last for decades, with many systems producing for 35 – 40 years. Your solar system is designed to be resistant to hail and wind, and to last through good weather and bad. SolaTrue offers a limited 10 year warranty on workmanship and 5 year warranty that your roof will be free from leaks at the panel mounting locations. In addition, Enphase, the manufacturer of the microinverters that SolaTrue uses, offers a 25 year warranty on microinverters (located here) and the solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of various lengths depending on the brand and panels used. We can provide a copy of the applicable warranty for the panels that we propose for your system prior to signing a contract. A copy of SolaTrue’s warranty is available here.
Do I need to install a new roof before installing solar panels?
In most cases, a new roof is not required before installing solar panels. However, the roof must be in good condition and structurally sound in order for the solar panels to be installed properly. If the roof is older and has experienced wear and tear, it may be necessary to have it replaced or repaired before the solar panels can be installed. We can help you replace your roof if you need to do so.
Can I install solar panels on the back of my house?
You might be able to install solar panels on the back of your house. The direction your home faces will play a big role in the efficiency of your solar panels. Northern solar installations are not recommended because they produce less electricity than SolaTrue installations. Depending on the size of your roof, the direction your home faces, and the number of panels you need, we may be able to design a system for the back of your home.
How much maintenance will be required for my solar system?
The required maintenance for a residential solar system is minimal. Most of the components of the system are designed to be self-sustaining and require little to no upkeep. Generally, all that is required is a yearly visual inspection to check all of the components for any signs of damage or wear. Additionally, it is recommended that any debris on the panels or in the surrounding area be removed regularly to ensure maximum efficiency.
Will Solar Panels Reduce My Energy Bills?
Yes! Because you have better control over your monthly utility costs, you will see reduced energy bills on day one! Savings even get larger as time goes on.
Will installing solar panels protect me from rising energy costs?
Yes! As we know, The cost of energy is going up, and going solar can protect you from increasing energy costs. Once you go solar, you won’t be afraid to open the utility bill.
Will solar panels increase my home’s resale value?
Reducing your annual utility costs helps increase your home’s value steadily over time.
What Happens to my solar panels and my solar panel loan when I sell my house?
When you sell your home, the solar panels remain with the home and the sale price of the home will increase to cover the value of the home. You have two options for the loan: (a) you can pay the loan off at closing from the proceeds of the sale, or (b) the loan can be assigned to the buyer who will then takeover payments. It is important to discuss the solar panel loan with the buyer to ensure that they are aware of the loan and its terms and conditions. Your lender may also be able to provide additional information about transferring the loan to the new homeowner.
What does it mean to have “full system ownership”?
Owning your system rather than leasing solar panels will give you the best savings over time. You can only receive the Federal tax credit when you purchase solar, not lease it. Once your solar project is paid off, you will have very little energy bills IF ANY!
How long will my solar panels last?
Solar panels are built to last – you likely won’t need to repair or replace them! The solar panels have 25 year warranty with a 40+ year life expectancy. We use the industry leading panels and the highest efficiency inverters to give you the most cost effective solution to putting an end date to your electric bills.
What is solar storage?
Most people associate solar power with batteries, which is great… but not in Texas. The most efficient way to store your excess power is sell it back to the grid at a 1:1 rate. Then at night, you can draw power back from the grid at the exact same rate.
Are there any tax incentives when installing solar?
There are federal solar tax credits available, for those who qualify, giving you thousands of dollars to help you go solar. The federal government is doing their part to promote renewable energy, both on a commercial and a residential level, through tax incentives. You are able to take advantage of these incentives when you solarize your home with SolaTrue. These incentives are available with our purchasing option.
What incentives do I get with solar?
The Investment Tax Credit is a 30% federal tax credit for solar systems on residential and commercial solar installations (homes or businesses). This credit is used when homeowners or business owners purchase solar panel systems and have them installed. This is only achievable when you purchase solar panels.
Why are solar tax incentives important to me?
Solar tax incentives mean saving on your entire solar power system. The more you spend on your new solar panels, the more you save. So not only are you saving money on your monthly energy bill, but the cost of your solar panels as well!
Are solar tax incentives complicated?
Not at all! Our Team at SolaTrue makes sure that you have everything you need to file for your solar tax incentives. We make sure each homeowner has a complete understanding of how the tax credit works to ensure the most amount of savings. With solar tax incentives responsible for an increase in annual solar installation growth by over 1,600%, it makes perfect sense to install solar panels on your home today and make use of this fantastic incentive. Even better, you may even qualify for even more energy efficient rebates depending on your local legislation and compliance. Our trained energy experts will make sure that you can save as much money as possible through all the various options. See how much solar can save you today!
Is there an app I can use for my solar system?
Yes, we use Enphase IQ8 as our integrated application. With SolaTrue, we make it easy to simply use your smartphone or tablet to check the production of your solar panels. You can check this data on a day to day basis at your fingertips.
Does solar cut back on carbon emissions?
Yes, our source of power is as environmentally friendly as it gets, the sun. This helps to cut back on unnecessary carbon emissions and use natural resources.
How much does solar cut back on carbon emissions?
The amount of carbon emissions offset with solar panels will vary based on the size of unit, amount of sunshine and qualities of panels. For simple consideration, the average home system will offset the same amount of carbon emissions as 20 full grown trees.