Frequently Asked Questions

• Solar systems last 25–30 years or longer. 
• Solar panels slowly lose efficiency over time but continue producing power for decades. Many manufacturers guarantee performance for 25+ years. 
• Inverters and batteries may need replacement sooner, which we plan for during system design. 
• We will explain warranties and long-term expectations during our initial meetings.

• Most North Carolina homes need 15-25 solar panels to meet typical household energy use. 
• Every home and energy use pattern is different. We look at your electric bills, roof size, and how your home uses energy to design a system sized for your real life, not a guess. That way you get a system that fits your home and helps you save. 
• For example, a typical 2,000 square foot home in Raleigh using 1,000 kWh per month would need about 20-25 panels to cover most of their electricity use. 
• The number of panels you need depends on several factors: your average monthly electric bill, how much sun your roof gets (south-facing roofs need fewer panels), and whether you have plans to add electric vehicles or make other changes that use more electricity. 
• We calculate your needs during a free home assessment, showing you different system sizes and what each would mean for your energy bills. 

• Yes, solar panels still produce power even in cloudy or rainy weather. 
• Panels do not need direct sunlight; daylight alone allows them to generate electricity. Production may be lower on cloudy days, but it doesn’t stop entirely.
• In Raleigh’s mixed weather, residential solar systems are designed to account for cloudy days and variable average sun exposure by season.  
• Your system size is based on annual energy production, not just perfect sunny days. 
• We’ll design your system to meet your needs year-round, not just in summer. 

• Without a battery, your solar system shuts off during grid outages. 
• This is a safety requirement to protect utility workers. With a solar battery, your home can keep running during outages. 
• A Raleigh home with a Powerwall can keep lights, Wi-Fi, and refrigeration running during storms. 
• Battery storage adds energy independence and backup protection, especially during severe weather. 
• We will walk you through options to see if battery backup makes sense for your home. 

Your battery system should automatically switch to backup mode when the grid goes down. You can check your monitoring app for battery status and available power. If your battery is not working as expected, contact us for troubleshooting.

• The key difference is string inverters group panels together, while microinverters work individually on each panel. 
• With a string inverter, multiple panels connect to one central unit, so they perform as a group. Microinverters are installed on each panel, allowing every panel to operate independently and more efficiently. 
• For a typical 2,000 sq ft home in Raleigh with some roof shading, microinverters help shaded panels avoid dragging down the rest of the system. 
• This choice affects system performance, monitoring, and long-term reliability, especially if your roof has shade, multiple angles, or future expansion plans. 
• During your free consultation, we recommend the best inverter type based on your roof and energy goals. 

• Lower solar prices often mean shortcuts in equipment, installation quality, or long-term support.
• Some companies lower prices by using less efficient equipment, subcontracting installations, or offering limited service after install. The initial quote may look appealing, but those savings can disappear if performance, reliability, or support falls short.
• For a typical 2,000 sq ft home in Raleigh, a lower-priced system might use older inverter technology or fewer panels, resulting in less energy production over time.
• Solar is a long-term investment, not a one-time purchase. Equipment quality, system design, warranties, and local experience all affect how well your system performs for decades, not just the first year.
• When comparing quotes, we will help you look beyond price to understand production, warranties, and long-term value so you can make a confident decision.

• Net metering gives you bill credits for extra solar power you send to the grid. 
• When your system produces more energy than you use, your utility tracks that surplus and applies credits to your account. 
• For a Raleigh homeowner, summer overproduction can help offset winter energy use.
• Net metering policies vary by utility and affect system sizing and savings. 
• We will explain your specific utility’s net metering rules during your consultation. 

• Solar can increase home value and make your home more attractive to buyers. 
• Homes with solar often sell faster and at higher prices because buyers value lower energy bills. 
• A Raleigh home with owned solar panels can stand out in a competitive housing market. 
• Ownership vs. leasing matters when it comes to resale value. 
• We will help you choose a setup that supports both savings and long-term value. 

Yes Solar Solutions holds both. In North Carolina, a solar installation company must hold both licenses. It is a good idea to obtain the company’s license numbers and verify them through the State Board of Electricians and General Contractors’ board. You can search by the company name or by the qualifier (an employee whose license is registered under the company).

At Yes Solar Solutions, all individuals working on your project, including crews, electricians, and project managers are full-time, in-house employees, and not contractors. We pride ourselves on employing local, authorized professionals who receive full benefits, including health insurance, a matching 401(k), and profit-sharing. This ensures consistency in the quality of our work and a strong commitment to delivering the best possible solar solutions for our customers.

Some national and local solar companies rely on subcontractors who often lack liability insurance, workers’ compensation, or proper licensing, and typically do not disclose they are subcontractors. At Yes Solar Solutions, we have had many installers join our team after working for competitors as 1099 subcontractors, where customers were unaware of their status. It is important to note that any installer working on your system must operate under an electrical license, which most subcontractors do not have. Additionally, subcontractors have little incentive to prioritize quality, as they are often paid by the number of panels installed, leaving others to address any issues later.

Yes, you can add extra modules to your system up until your inverter reaches its load limit. You can expand the system by adding more inverters if needed. Opting for microinverters allows you to add more solar panels at any time. Additionally, you have the option to incorporate battery storage systems and smart panels to better align with your budget.

Yes, solar panels can be installed on a variety of roof types, including metal and flat roofs. We use specialized mounting systems to ensure secure and efficient installation tailored to your roof’s structure. 

Surprisingly, solar power systems normally add less than 4 pounds per square foot. Modern construction can support loads far greater than this. Older buildings may require structural work before installing a system, however, this rarely happens. Homes with skylights, chimneys, or complex roof designs can still support solar panels. Our team designs custom solutions to maximize panel placement while working around obstructions. 

All Yes Solar Solutions plans will be designed to include a structural engineer review and an engineer’s stamp of approval.

A solar installation will require permits. As a North Carolina general contractor, Yes Solar Solutions collects all necessary building and electrical permits for your installation. We will ensure the installation meets all state and local requirements.

A solar installation will require permits. As a North Carolina general contractor, Yes Solar Solutions collects all necessary building and electrical permits for your installation. We will ensure the installation meets all state and local requirements.

Yes! If you need a roof replacement, we can safely remove and reinstall your solar panels as part of the process.  This is one of the many solar services we provide. 

• Your system is installed by trained, licensed professionals – not subcontractors. 
• Our in-house, local installation teams are experienced, insured, and certified to work on your home safely. 
• A Raleigh installation is handled by professionals familiar with local codes and permitting. 
• Quality installation is just as important as quality equipment. 
• We will introduce you to your project team before installation begins.

• Yes, solar systems come with strong warranties that protect your equipment and performance.
• Most solar panels include long-term manufacturer warranties that cover both product quality and energy production. Inverters and other components are also covered, with warranty lengths depending on the equipment used.
• For a typical 2,000 sq ft home in Raleigh, panels are often backed by 25-year warranties, while inverters may be covered for 10–25 years.
• Warranties matter just as much as the equipment itself, especially since solar is meant to last decades. It’s also important to know who stands behind the warranty – the manufacturer, the installer, or both.
• We will walk you through every warranty included in your proposal so you know exactly what’s covered and for how long.

• Yes, occasional cleaning helps solar panels perform their best over time.
• Rain usually handles light dirt, but pollen, dust, and debris can build up and reduce production. Proper solar cleaning uses the right tools and techniques to avoid damaging the panels or voiding warranties.
• For a typical 2,000 sq ft home in Raleigh, annual or biennial cleaning can help maintain strong energy production, especially during pollen season.
• Climbing on your roof or using household cleaners can be unsafe and may damage your system. That’s why we partner with Solar Clean NC, a professional solar panel cleaning company that knows how to clean panels safely and effectively.
• Homeowners enrolled in our Annual Maintenance Plans receive discounted cleaning rates through Solar Clean NC, making it easy to keep your system running at its best without the hassle.

You can or they can. We believe referrals should be respectful. You can share Yes Solar’s name, or, your friend can reach out to us.

A referral is considered completed once your referral signs a contract and their solar project has been installed and their final payment has been received.

The $1,000 thank-you is a check that we cut and mail you.

Yes. From December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, completed referrals are eligible for a $1,000 referral check. Outside of this promotional period, our referral program continues year-round with a $500 check for completed referral projects.

There is no limit to the number of referrals you can receive.

If your warranty does not cover a repair, this program offers discounts on your first visit and additional product costs. 

If your system was not installed by Yes Solar Solutions, the panels may have a warranty we can work with; however, our labor fees would not be included. This plan offers you discounts for our team to come out. 

No. If you have a warranty, our team will help you understand what is covered and what is not. Some choose the Annual Maintenance Plan for the all-in-one monitoring app and peace of mind that any repairs that fall outside of warranty will still be covered. 

Yes. The Annual Maintenance Plan includes the Yes Solar Portal with real-time system monitoring and monthly performance reports. You can also submit Service Tickets and send friends and family a referral link, which can be a $500 check when their system is installed. 

Once a year, by our trusted partner, Solar Clean Pros.