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Batteries are an optional upgrade feature to provide backup power during a grid outage. You will still be connected to the electric grid similar to a basic grid-tied system. When the power goes out, you will disconnect from the electric grid and be able to power loads via your battery and solar panels.
The basic setup is a grid-tied system where you are still connected to the electric grid. Solar power may be affected by extended periods of cloud cover, so staying connected to the grid ensures you can always meet your power and energy needs.
The basic setup is a grid-tied system where you are still connected to the electric grid. Solar power may be affected by extended periods of cloud cover, so staying connected to the grid ensures you can always meet your power and energy needs.
We install photovoltaic cells, which are also called “PV cells” or solar panels. PV cells convert photons from sunlight into electricity (voltage). The panels or PV cells can be installed on the roof or mounted on the ground using pedestals or a rigid framework. Each installation is different with several factors we consider carefully that influence optimum placement.
We provide turn-key solar energy solutions for residential and commercial clients. Our areas of expertise include the contracting process of design, permitting, installation, inspection, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Our high quality solar site assessments enable you to be fully informed during your decision-making process. This helps build a clear and complete picture of what solar energy means for your home or business. Our number one goal is to make things easy for YOU – our valued friends and clients, by providing the first-class service and support you deserve.
We’ll guide you through the process of calculating how much solar you need with our highly accurate software and solar site assessments. The amount of solar you need is a balancing act of available space, budget, and electric energy consumption.
Our crews are licensed with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) as a licensed Class “A” Alternative Energy Systems (AES) contractor. We work with licensed electrical contractors (ELE) to perform necessary electrical integration.
We need the legal address of your property and a recent copy of your electric bill. The electric bill allows us to analyze your rate structure and determine how much energy you use monthly and annually.
We don’t currently offer in-house financing. However, we do provide guidance on available options to secure low-cost financing for the purchase of your solar system.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit of 26% is available through 2020. The tax credit steps down to 22% through 2021. Residential: The tax credit expires completely after 2021. Commercial: The tax credit is fixed at 10% after 2021. In addition to the federal tax credit, businesses may be able to depreciate the cost of a solar array and reduce their taxable income. *Please consult with your tax advisor.
This tax credit incentive is processed by you or your tax professional with your return during filing season. We can provide you with a copy of the forms we recommend. *Please consult with your CPA or tax professional for financial advice.
Residential: The average is 2 days. Commercial: Each job varies depending upon the size of the system, averaging from 3-4 days for a smaller system to 3-4 weeks for a large system.
Yes! We’ll pull all necessary permits with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). We make it easy and hassle free.
Yes, we’ll handle all coordination and site visits with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) and see everything through until final inspections have passed.
Solar panels typically have industry standard production warranty of 80% by year 25. This means the panels should still produce at 80% of the initial nameplate capacity by year 25.
Yes. After gathering your address and electric bill, we’ll set an appointment that’s convenient for you at your property so we can meet, do a walk-through together, and answer any questions you may have. Having your address and electric bill ahead of time allows us to prepare a preliminary site assessment to make our in-person meeting efficient and informative.
We’ll take all the information and provide you with a high-quality solar site assessment that details annual solar energy production, annual consumption offset, annual revenue, environmental benefits, cost, and financial analysis. We want to provide you with a clear and complete picture of the benefits solar can provide for your home or business.
Net metering is a policy that compensates a solar energy generator when electricity is fed back into the grid. There will be certain times during the day when the total power output of the solar panels exceeds the amount of power a home or business is consuming. During these times, the excess power is fed into the electric grid. Net metering allows for compensation of the excess power at the retail rate.
We will process all the necessary net metering paperwork with the utility. After the installation is complete, the utility will swap out your existing meter with a net meter capable of reading bi-directional current flow.
Solar has a wide range of cost depending on the size of the system. The more solar you install, the higher the cost. Also, the more solar you install, the more money you save every year. We’ll provide you with an accurate estimate that details total system cost, and your site assessment will provide a great tool to help you decide if solar is right for you.
Yes. We provide detailed financial analysis to show you how much money you can expect to save, the payback period, and your return on investment.
Residential: Average residential payback period is 9 years.
Commercial: Average commercial payback period is 7 years.
Sunlight Solar will provide expert diagnosis of any system problem and the labor to resolve the issue free of charge to you for 5 years from the date of installation.
Our clients don’t usually have any issues with roof leaks as a result of panel installation. If a leak does occur, we can easily remove the necessary panels to find and fix the leak.
Your system can be removed prior to shingle tear-off, and be re-installed after the new roof is in place. We’ll cover cost details of removal and reinstallation to answer all of your questions during the site visit.
Yes. Typically, maintenance is minimal and includes replacing any failed equipment. The panels usually stay clean via the combination of rain and warm weather.
Yes. Every system we install will have monitoring for both you and Sunlight Solar to view. Typically, residential systems are monitored with panel level monitoring and commercial systems use what’s known as string level monitoring which allows complete observation of the entire system.
Our system monitoring capabilities provide the necessary data to ensure all components are performing properly.