Solar Education

MYTH

Solar panels don’t function on cloudy days.

FALSE

It’s true that solar panels won’t generate as much electricity on a cloudy day as it will on a sunny day, but your solar panels will definitely continue to generate a moderately reduced amount of electricity on even the cloudiest day. Although we can’t control the weather, our designs incorporate past weather models for over a decade to accurately account for less sunny days.

MYTH

Solar panels require constant maintenance.

FALSE

Quality solar installations are designed to be durable and virtually maintenance-free. Choosing the right solar partner is vital to ensure there’s nothing to worry about for years to come. Although many companies boast a production guarantee through the manufacturer, 843 Solar goes beyond with an industry-leading 25-year production and parts warranty on all panels, inverters, and racking.

MYTH

The price of solar panels is prohibitive.

FALSE

Solar panels are less expensive now than they have ever been, and many homeowners see savings from the very first month. Most are unaware that there are federal, state, and utility incentives available that allow families to go solar for zero out-of-pocket. When you factor in increased value of your house, you’ll find that solar panels will start saving you money sooner than you ever thought possible.

MYTH

I need a battery for my solar system to work.

FALSE

As your panels convert sunshine to electricity, power flows through your home like normal. Excess energy is sent back to your utility company and in most utilities, you get to pull that excess back at no cost. This means a solar system can actually provide electricity 24 hours per day, even when the sun isn’t shining. Batteries are available for emergency purposes or for utilities that don’t participate in net metering.

MYTH

Solar panels require constant maintenance.

FALSE

Not at all. Today’s solar systems will power all your home’s electrical systems including lights, cooling and heating, and all your appliances. Systems are designed to blend easily into both modern homes as well as those built years ago. Your home will operate just like normal, and your appliances will never know the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of going solar?

Who doesn’t want a new lower and locked in power bill? By going solar, you start saving immediately by producing your own power. This means you no longer are a slave to the expensive, increasing rates from your utility company. Solar energy is cheaper and more efficient than electricity you currently buy from the utility company.

How does net metering work?

As soon as you flip the switch, you begin producing your own power. Any excess power your home doesn’t use will be sent back to your utility company. Your electric meter will run backwards. You will feed excess energy to the utility company during the day and then receive it back during the nighttime, at no cost.

Can I store excess energy?

Excess energy produced by your solar panels during the day is sent to the utility grid. You receive the power back at night after the sun has gone down. 843 Solar is also very excited to offer battery options for customers who would like to store some of their own energy as well.

Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?

Solar panels require very little maintenance. You don’t even have to wash your panels. Normally natural patterns of wind and rainfall will do most of the work. Each customer also receives a 25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee, as well as an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty.

What happens if the power goes out?

If the power goes out in your area, systems tied to the grid go out as well. It’s not safe to send power into the grid when workers are attempting to fix a power outage problem. Adding a home battery can give you a limited amount of power to specific items within your home.

Will I have one power bill?

You will receive one bill from your utility company and you will receive one bill for your solar panels. Your new combined bill to be much less than you’re currently paying for your energy.

Do I need a new roof?

In most cases a new roof isn’t necessary. Solar panels can even prolong the life of existing shingles since they protect the underlying shingles from the elements going forwards. If a new roof is needed, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. 843 Solar’s roofing division can handle any size project, and the best part is that the federal tax credit can even help pay for your new roof.

What if I move?

Solar is meant to be an easy solution for your family or even the next homeowner. You can either pay off the system when you sell your home, or you can transfer the system to the new homeowner.

Can I add more panels later?

Yes. As long as there is enough additional roof space for more panels. Simply contact 843 Solar at any time and we will guide you through the process.

Will solar panels affect the value of my home?

Studies have shown that installing solar panels immediately adds value to your home and can help it sell faster. Don’t take our word for it, read about it in this Study by Zillow here.

What are solar tax credits?

All of our customers qualify for the 26% U.S. federal tax credit (it’s technically called the Investment Tax Credit). Claiming your tax credit may feel confusing at first, but don’t worry, we have all the information you need. Visit our Tax Credit/Incentives Page. Additional rebates and incentives may also be available depending on the state and utility company you live in.

How can I go solar for zero money out-of-pocket? Expand

Let one of our solar specialists show you how to take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, as well as any additional incentives to make sure you can realize the long-term energy savings with zero money out of your own pocket. Simply head over to our Get Started section of this site and take the quiz to see if you qualify.

What is the life expectancy of a solar system?

Did you know that there are many solar panels that are still operating that are over 40 years old? All 843 Solar systems come with a standard 25 years parts and production warranty so you can sleep well at night. Even beyond that, most panels last over 30 years.

Can I install solar if I have an HOA?

Many HOA communities have embraced solar for their residents as a way for homeowners to reduce their energy costs. Some states have even adopted policies prohibiting HOA's from preventing solar. 843 Solar communicates and works with HOA's by providing technical data, manuals, and engineering sheets as a service to all our clients.

The Process

Every solar project starts with a quick conversation to see if solar is right for you. We know that going solar comes with questions. Our goal is to make sure your solar installation project is enjoyable and worry-free. Take a look below to see what to expect.

Consultation & Design

Your consultant will carefully review your needs to create a system that is specific to your family’s needs.

Interconnection & Permitting

Managing a solar project can be a complicated and confusing process. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the entire process.

Installation

843 Solar is known for its expertise in solar installation. Combined with the industry’s top products, your system will operate and look great.

Savings

Flip the switch to start generating your own energy. Begin saving right away and instantly see how great your decision to go solar was!