Thinking about solar? The best solar decisions come from knowing what to ask beyond the basics. Here are essential solar questions that most people don’t think to ask (but should) before going solar.
1. What happens if I produce more energy than I use?
Solar does not only lower your bill—it can earn you credit on your next bill. Thanks to net metering, any extra energy your system generates goes back to the grid, and your utility company gives you credit for it. It is like rolling over unused data on a phone plan, except this one actually saves you money.
Net metering policies vary by location and utility company. That is why it is important to work with a solar provider who knows the local policies and can design a system that maximizes your savings.
If you want to go a step further, you can store excess energy in a battery. This way, you can use your solar power anytime—at night or during peak rate hours.
2. Will solar still work if my power goes out?
Many people assume that because they have solar panels, they will have power during an outage. Unfortunately, that is not the case if your solar system is NOT paired with battery backup. For safety reasons, grid-tied solar shuts off during a power outage to prevent electricity from feeding back into the lines while utility workers are making repairs.
The solution is battery storage. If you add a battery like the Tesla Powerwall or Franklin aPower2 Battery, you can store solar energy and use it when your electricity is out. Homeowners can prioritize essential appliances or circuits, ensuring the most important ones stay powered. No more scrambling for candles or worrying about spoiled food. Enjoy sleeping through it while others are fighting generators.
3. What mistakes do people share after going solar?
They waited too long.
Many homeowners spend months (sometimes years) researching solar, trying to find the “perfect” time to switch. Every month they waited is another month of paying the utility company more than they needed to.
Plus, incentives like the 30% federal tax credit are here now, but they will not last forever. State and local rebates have expiration dates or limited availability. Locking in your incentives sooner rather than later can mean thousands of dollars in savings. One of the most important solar questions to ask is how incentives impact your long-term savings.
4. Do I really need a new roof to install solar?
Not necessarily! If your roof is in good condition and has at least 10-15 years of life left, you are probably good to go. If your roof is aging or needs repair, it is often a smart idea to replace it before installing solar. At Yes Solar, we help homeowners assess their roofs upfront, so you do not run into any surprises down the road. We partner with the best roofing company in Raleigh to make sure it is done well.
5. How do I know if solar makes sense for my home?
Forget the one-size-fits-all approach. The best solar setup depends on your energy usage, roof space, and long-term goals. That is why we do not give generic estimates —every design is tailored to your home and your savings potential.
We run a 365-day rotation of the sun based on your specific location. It is calculated from your home address and will provide impressive data of how your roof pitch and potential shading will affect your solar production. It is as much fun to watch as it is informative.
To determine if solar is a good fit, we review:
- Your roof’s orientation and shading: South-facing roofs with minimal shading are ideal, east- and west-facing roofs can also work well.
- Your energy usage: Your energy usage determines the ideal system size for maximum offset. We analyze your energy bills to design a system that helps you reduce reliance on the grid and take control of your electricity costs.
- Local incentives and net metering policies: We break down the available incentives and how they impact your overall costs and savings.
Even if solar isn’t a good fit for your home, we will tell you and help you explore other energy-saving options.
Still Have Solar Questions? Let’s Talk.
Solar may not be rocket science, however, it is not easy to navigate. We are here to help. Give us a call at (919) 459-4155 so we can show you what your roof is capable of and if it is something worth looking into.
