Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is solar energy? How do solar panels work?

A. Solar panels, also called photovoltaic or PV panels, consist of solar cells that are designed to capture the radiant light and heat contained in sunlight and convert it into usable clean energy for your home. When sunlight hits your solar panel, the photons of energy are converted into DC (direct current) electricity, which is then converted into AC (alternating current) electricity for use in your home. Solar panels are often grouped together to form a solar grid or solar array, allowing you to capture and harness the right amount of energy for your needs.

Q. Is the cost of a solar power system worth it?

A. Yes, in most situations and our experienced solar advisors will help you determine that. Whether you’re looking to save money, save resources, or going green, solar power systems can be an effective way to tackle all three. Solar22’s customers can save thousands over the lifetime of their residential solar power systems—often earning credit on power they generate through net metering programs and recouping costs via various rebates and incentives. The cost of conventional electricity is only increasing.

Q. How do I know if solar is right for me?

A. There are several important factors that determine if solar is the right solution for your home, including roof size and orientation, shading, home energy usage, and eligibility for incentives. We start by calculating a quick savings estimate based on your home, location, and current electricity costs. We can then outline options based on your goals and the specifics of your home. Customer education is a fundamental part of our sales process, and our Solar Advisors will help you make an informed decision.

Q. What time type of solar panels and inverters do you use?

A. Solar22 only uses the best products with the best warranties, no less than 25 years. It is our goal to install the best products at an affordable price.

Q. If the power goes out, will I lose power if I have a solar power installation?

A. If you add a home battery to your solar power system, you can avoid disruptions caused by grid outages. The amount of energy available for you to use in case of an outage will depend on several factors:

  • The size and production of your solar panels
  • The size of the battery installed
  • The battery state of charge when the outage occurs
  • The areas or appliances in your home that are prioritized to receive power when the grid goes down.

If, however, your solar energy system does not include a home battery, then yes, your power will go out. In the event of an outage, all standalone solar energy systems will automatically shut down in accordance with grid codes and mandatory inverter specifications.

Q. What if I produce more electricity than I need?

A. If your home is connected to the grid and you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced can flow back into the grid, and may earn you credit on your electricity bill. If you choose to integrate energy storage with your solar power system, any excess energy that is produced and not immediately used by your household will function to charge your battery. This, in turn, allows you to access stored solar power for your home when energy usage exceeds production. Homeowners not connected to the grid often choose to increase their solar storage capacity to enable uninterrupted power regardless of weather or time of day.

Q. What is Net Metering?

A. If your home is connected to the grid and you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced can flow back into the grid and may earn you credit on your electricity bill. If you choose to integrate energy storage with your solar power system, any excess energy that is produced and not immediately used by your household will function to charge your battery. This, in turn, allows you to access stored solar power for your home when energy usage exceeds production. Homeowners not connected to the grid often choose to increase their solar storage capacity to enable uninterrupted power regardless of weather or time of day.

Q. How can I pay for my solar system? Are there financing options available?

A. Solar energy system and installation costs aren’t a cash-only thing—there are several financing options available.

Two of the more common options are:

  • A solar energy loan, which functions like a home improvement loan
  • An energy efficiency mortgage designed to help homeowners fund updates on fixtures and features.

We also have financing options. Our solar advisors can review different options that may work for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Q. How do Federal Tax Incentives work?

A. The Federal Investment Tax Credit or ITC can be applied toward solar panels, solar batteries, and in-home vehicle chargers, and allows you to deduct a percentage of your solar system and installation costs from your total tax liability for the year of purchase. If your credit is higher than your total tax liability for the year of purchase, the difference can be rolled over to subsequent years.

Q. When will I make my money back?

A. Many homeowners want to know when they will reach their break-even point or payback date. This is when your total energy savings will exceed your total installation costs, and varies based on a number of factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the amount of energy you use relative to the amount of energy you produce, the size and complexity of your solar energy system, your energy storage capacity, your eligibility for local and federal incentives, and your preferred financing method. That said, while electricity rates continue to rise, clean technologies have never been more affordable or efficient, resulting in a faster return on investment. Most current estimates for the average solar payback period in the U.S. fall between roughly 6 and 12 years.

Q. What if I need to move or sell my home after I’ve installed solar panels?

A. While it is possible to remove solar panels and reinstall on a new home, it’s often preferable to sell the home with the panels in place. Solar panels increase the value of your home, making it stand out, sell faster, and earn more in the national real estate market.

Q. Why Solar22?

A. There are many solar power installers, both large and small which put quick profit ahead of customer service. Many are here today and gone tomorrow. Solar22 is DIFFERENT. We believe integrity, the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values, is as important as a well-designed and meticulously installed or solar system which achieves promised results, Solar22 consists of a seasoned team of solar experts that have decades of experience as licensed general contractors, system designers, and solar installers. We have put in place a strong foundation needed to stand the test of time. It is our goal to develop strong long-term relationships with our clients, employees, vendors, and community. We provide unmatched customer service before, during and after your solar project. Tampa Bay Area is our home. We are licensed, certified and fully insured. Our workmanship and product warranties are best in class.

Q. Will going solar save me money?

A. Yes. Savings are the number one reason why homeowners make the decision of going solar. Depending on the solar system a customer can save almost 100% on their electricity bill.  Therefore, if a customer spends $200 average per month in electricity, going solar will save this house $180 per month or $2160 per year.

From the moment the system is up and running, your demand of electricity to your energy company will be reduced dramatically. When you ask for a proposal for your solar system, the financing is affordable and could be from little or no money down.

Q. Will a solar system increase the value of my home?

A. Yes. While house hunting, potential home buyers look for all the details. Special items include HOME EFFICIENCY. A house with solar panels means electricity efficiency and savings. According to research, homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and about 17% more.

Q. Do you perform removal and reinstall after a new roof?

A. The cost of a removal and reinstall averages about $250 per panel. After the panels are removed, we will neatly store the panels for storage at your property and reinstall the panels after a new roof is installed. We commonly partner with roofing companies on projects.

Q. Free solar? What does that really mean?

A. It’s not uncommon today to see solar companies offering “free solar”, but what part of solar is actually free?

The term FREE SOLAR is actually referring to a few things:

Energy produced by the sun is free, since the use of it cannot be regulated. However, the tools needed to harness the sun’s energy are not free… or are they?

When you compare the cost of using electricity provided by the “the grid” (aka your local electric company), solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars each month by completely eliminating your dependence on them. Now, the solar panels and installation have a cost, but when you finance those costs, your total monthly spend on electricity is reduced, saving you money every month on your electricity costs, and eventually eliminating your costs entirely, once the solar panels are paid off.

So, free solar is accurate because solar energy is free, but there is a finite cost to harnessing that energy. Once that finite cost has been paid, then you’ll truly be living that FREE SOLAR life!