GOING SOLAR
Consumers and businesses Go Solar for investment and/or environmental reasons; typically, both. Regardless of your reasons it usually must make financial sense for you to move forward with solar. The major reasons to go solar include: Largely reduced and predictable electric bills; Prevent future electric rate increases; Help the environment; Increase your home value, and a great rate of return on your investment.
How much can you save with Solar?
Whether you purchase solar with cash, solar financing, PACE program, power purchase agreement or solar leasing solar you can realize up to a 80% savings on what you will pay your utility company in the next 25 years. Look at a typical cost comparison for each plan.
When does my Solar System start paying me back for my investment?
The majority that go solar, purchase with solar financing and see immediate savings from day one. There is $0 out of pocket upfront cost to get solar installed. Your solar loan payment is much less than what your electric utility payment is and comes at a fixed monthly rate. The same goes for solar leasing or power purchase agreements. There is typically more savings you will see by purchasing your solar electrical system than leasing solar or going with a solar power purchase agreement.
What are the factors in my decision if I should go solar?
Many factors are involved when deciding if solar is right for you. You need to determine if you should purchase up front, finance solar or lease solar. What Solar incentives are available to you? Will you be using more, or less electricity in the future? Thinking about purchasing an Electric Vehicle? What is your payback period or return on investment (ROI)? What is the solar company’s installation workmanship? What warranties are provided by your solar installer? Will the solar company guarantee the solar system that they installed and for how long? Does the solar company guaranteethe amount of electricity they promised you? United Sun Energy has a 25-year solar PV system guarantee and a 25-year performance guarantee; this means you can relax and enjoy your new solar with no stress or worries. What equipment is the solar installer using with your solar system? One of United Sun Energies’ solar team will answer all your questions and concerns and guide you through the process in choosing the right solar system for you.
What is a solar electric or solar photovoltaic (PV) system and how does it work?
A Solar electric system provides you electricity by utilizing the suns energy to produce electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are constructed of silicon cells that function as semiconductors. The silicon cells convert the suns energy directly into direct current electricity(DC) electricity. The DC electricity is then converted into ACelectricity using a solar inverter for household or business use. All of our components installed in your system come backed with industry standard 25-year warranties and a 40-year life expectancy. When the sun is out regardless of rain or shine, the solar panels are converting the suns energy into electricity.
Why should I consider buying a Solar Energy system?
Solar electricity makes great financial sense. It offers an internal rate of return of as much as 15%. You can recoup your investment in as quick as 5 years. Meeting up to 100% of your home or business electricity needs, virtually eliminates your electric bill and protects your family or business against future utility price increases. Solar energy is a clean, renewable and reliable energy source that reduces your carbon footprint on this planet.
The average residential solar system (based on 5kW for residential purposes), will save nearly 132 tons of carbon dioxide over its expected 40-year lifespan. When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save with the cost of electricity depends on the utility rates and the solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where your property is located. Going solar helps our environment as well.
Solar technology has been advancing for many years. We are at a time where the cost of going solar has never been better. Advanced technology, competition in the solar industry, and solar tax incentives and rebates have brought the price of going solar that makes it work for you. Solar is by far the cleanest, most affordable way to power your home or business.
How do I choose the right solar system?
It is very important to find an experienced professional Solar Company that can guide your through the process of going solar. United Sun Energy’s team of professionals will evaluate your electrical needs and provide you an optimized solar system that is right for your home or business. We will determine how much power you need or will need in the future. Factors in the area your property is in and the local weather patterns. Determine if you have shading issues that will affect the performance of your solar panels and offer solutions that are right for your specific solar needs.
STEPS TO GOING SOLAR
1 . FREE consultation with one of our Solar Professionals to evaluate your needs
Your first step in going solar is to meet with one of our experienced Solar Consultants that can evaluate your situation and help you with your decisions. We will gather the information we need to assist you and answer any questions you have at the first meeting. We want to evaluate your property and energy requirements. We will provide you a solar proposal that is right for you and deliver it in a follow up meeting. United Sun Energy is committed to provide you results that will work for you. There is absolutely no pressure in your decision. We only provide information, so you can make an informative decision that works for you.
2. Onsite property evaluation
We will schedule an onsite solar evaluation with one of our Solar Technicians. They will check: the measurements of your roof structure, roof direction shading, solar ground mount area, your existing electrical main panel and electrical wiring and any potential shading issues you may have.
3. Engineering
After the onsite property evaluation, the information is brought back to our engineering department. Our engineers will provide a design that is legal and safe and provide the best placement of solar panels based on your specific electrical needs and properties layout.
4. Getting Permits
Getting the required permits to move forward with your Solar installation is the next step. We follow all the local city, county and states requirements to allow us to get permission to install your solar system. With a green light to move forward we will have our engineering department create plans to your required specifications and submit the plans to the Permits Department in the city or county your property is located, where they will provide us a permit to install Solar on your property.
5. Scheduling an appointment for installation
When we get the permits to get solar installed from the city or your local jurisdiction, we will contact you to schedule a time when we can have our solar installation crew come out and install your solar system. When an appointment is scheduled, the installation of the solar electrical system usually happens in 1 to 2 days. The steps for a roof installation generally include: Locating rafters, Installing roof mounts, railing, microinverters or power optimizers, upgrades to the main electric panels, junction boxes, wiring and other electrical components.
6. Set up your monitoring system
You will be provided a monitoring system so you can see how your solar PV system is working. An explanation of how to use the monitoring system will be provided to you by one of our solar installers. The monitoring system will watch your system 24/7. If a problem occurs with your system we will get an alert that allows us to know when a problem occurs and send one our solar technicians out to fix it.
7. Get PTO (Permission to Operate) with your utility company
Your utility company must grant you permission to use your system and tie it to the electrical grid. We fill out all of the paperwork needed for PTO. Your utility company will switch your existing electrical meter to a bi-direction meter that counts the amount of electricity you are using from the grid and putting back into the grid.
8. Have a final walk through to insure what you paid for is delivered
We schedule a final walk through from United Sun Energy to ensure that your system is ready to produce, you have your monitoring system installed and know how to use it. Switch to solar and the savings it will provide you for years to come.
What is Net Metering?
When you Go Solar you will be generating electricity, at times, that you are not using. This electricity goes back into the electric company’s lines (grid) to be use by other consumers. There will be times when your solar panels are not producing enough electricity for your needs, like at night when they are not producing at all. At these times you will be pulling electricity from the utility companies’ grid. The net meter counts electricity coming in and going out. Think of net metering as an electrical kWh bank. When you need electricity, you draw from the bank, electrical grid. When you produce more electricity than you need you put it back into the grid. Most areas are on an annual net metering schedule. This means that once a year, the utility company will count how much electricity you used and how much you gave back. If you used more than you produced, you will get a bill from the utility company for the balance. If you produce more than you used, you will get a check from your utility company for over-producing.
Does Solar Add Value to my property?
Unlike a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or solar Lease, if you purchase your solar system is it yours and a fixed improvement on your property. Solar energy can be one of the best home improvement investments you can make. A solar system will increase the value of your home without increasing your property taxes. The Real Estate Appraisal Journal demonstrated that for every $1,000 saved per year, $20,000 is added to a home’s value.
Will I still get an electric bill when I go solar?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility company. However, you can cut the amount you owe to close to $0 month, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
Do I have to maintain my Solar PV system?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance. A solar system has no moving parts, no oil changes or 30,000-mile tune ups. All the equipment we install is covered a 25-year warrantee. The winter rains will keep them rinsed. If you live in a dusty area you should consider rinsing them off at least twice a year.
Do I have a good site for a solar system?
Your site location should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun. Any shading from buildings, trees or other vegetation could have an impact on the systems performance. Solar systems facing southeast to west deliver optimal production. Several factors such as tilt, sun exposure, and location also affect energy production. If a rooftop is not available, your solar system can also be mounted on the ground, carports or an arbor.
Does United Sun Energy do more than Residential Solar Installation?
We Specialize in all types of properties for solar installation. Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Non-Profit, we cover it all. Please reach out to us and get a FREE solar quote today. We realize that one size does not fit all. United Sun Energy will custom design your solar system based on your electricity needs and budget. The system will be designed to significantly reduce or eliminate your electric bill.
TECHNOLOGY
Is Solar a Proven Technology?
Yes. Solar technology is a proven from both, functionality and long-term, low maintenance operations. It has been many years since it was found that the sun’s energy can be converted with solar panels. Solar panels and solar inverters have been nearly perfected. Today’s technology provides solar equipment with a very low default rate. United Sun Energy has not yet seen a disappointed customer that has moved forward with solar.
What should the size of my solar system be?
We realize that one size does not fit all. United Sun Energy will custom design your solar system based on your electricity needs and budget. The system will be designed to significantly reduce or eliminate your electric bill. Space constraints or sunlight exposure are all factors?
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are many brands of solar panels. Each has its own unique specifications. You can group solar panels into three categories: Economy, Standard and Premium panels. Premium panels are all United Sun Energy installs. Inexpensive solar panels are less durable and have a greater chance of failing over time. The good news is United Sun Energy delivers premium panels at a price that is usually less than most other solar companies provide with economy panels.
Can Solar panels break easily or malfunction?
There are industry standards that every solar panel manufacture must follow to deliver their product in the US marketplace. Solar panels are much stronger than most think. Solar panels are required to pass hail test, temperature test and stress tests in all conditions. All the premium equipment we use is backed not only by our warranty but the manufacturers industries best warranties.
What is a solar power inverter?
Solar panels produce DC electricity. The solar inverter is device that takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). We usually will locate the inverter on the side of your property near the main electric panel to keep the inverter cool. Heat effects the process of conversion from DC to AC. Our engineers will design a solar system to optimize the electricity you receive.
Should I install a solar battery backup system?
Solar battery backup systems are becoming more popular but still hard to make financial sense with as they are expensive. If you live in a remote area and are off the grid, then yes solar batteries are typically needed. Today there are solar inverters that will allow up to get some power if the grid shuts down and the sun is still shining.
Will Solar Panels work if the Utility Grid shuts down?
If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, then it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent electricity utility repairmen from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. Today there are solar inverters that will allow you to get some power if the grid shuts down and the sun is still shining.
Which products do we offer you to go solar?
We install only premium solar panels and solar inverters in the systems. We select and offer the best options within each category. The solar panels we use are LG, Panasonic, SunPower, Q-Cells. The solar inverters we us are usually based on the system design and technical requirements. We offer string inverters, power optimizers, and micro-inverters from Enphase, SMA, SolarEdge, SunPower, and other manufacturers that offer the best efficiency, power capacity, reliability, and warranty
FINANCIALS
Can I afford to go Solar?
When you see the Solar Savings and benefits involved with going solar, you can’t afford not to go solar.
How much does a solar system cost?
Installed solar systems are highly site specific. United Sun Energy takes pride in making sure your custom design is tailored to your family or business specific needs and budget. Some of the factors that determine price include: How much electricity are you using annually. Are you looking to purchase an electric vehicle in the near future? State and local incentive that may apply in your region. Are you able to take advantage of the 30% Federal Solar tax credit?
What Financing options does United Sun Energy provide us?
There are three ways to finance solar. You can pay cash for your solar system, get a solar loan to purchase your system, go with a leasing option. United Sun Energy is partnered with many lenders that will assist you in getting solar for a monthly payment less than you are paying to your utility company. We have PACE financing available. We also are partnered with PPA and leasing companies.
Should I Purchase or Lease Solar?
Your decision to buy or lease depends on your specific reasons for going solar. Purchasing a solar electric system with cash will provide you the greatest return on your investments. If you do not have the cash, financing to own solar is your next best option. Solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) are typically good for those who cannot take advantage of the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit. Regardless of your decision all options will greatly reduce you monthly payments for your electric bill and your impact on the environment. See a comparison of the options on our Choose a Solar Plan page.
How can I get an estimate on what Solar costs and my Savings?
Contact United Sun Energy for a FREE solar consultation. We will work with you to identify your needs and recommend the best financing solution to maximize your electric savings.
COMPANY
How long has United Sun Energy been in business?
Your Solar PV System will last more than 25 years. You need to know the company will be around to service or maintain your investment if necessary. We have been business and profitable for the last 6 years, carry no debt, with a healthy balance sheet. We are partnered with an Electrical company that has been in business for 30 years.
Is United Sun Energy licensed and ready to install Solar in California?
We are licensed by the California State Licensing Board. We have a C-10 (Electrical), license and Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) certified. You can check our contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov .
How does United Sun Energy service requests and repairs?
Solar systems are very maintenance free and should provide you many years of electricity without incident. If the system for some reason is not operating properly, we will be notified by the monitoring system and make arrangements for our experienced service department to quickly diagnose and resolve issues in the field.
WARRANTEES and GUARANTEES
What is the guarantee of production? What if my system does not produce what was promised?
United Sun Energy guarantees that the system will produce a minimum amount for energy (kWh) during the first and each of the following 24 years. In the event the system produces less energy than anticipated, United Sun Energy will compensate you for the under produced energy amount or upgrade your system to enable full production. Please see your Purchase Contract for full details and conditions.
MAINTENANCE and CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Who do I call if my system is not working or if I have a question about the system?
In case of system related questions or issues, you can contact support by phone at 530-345-0400, or email us at info@unitedsunenergy.com
Do I have to maintain my Solar PV system?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance.A solar system has no moving parts, no oil changes or 30,000-mile tune ups. All the equipment we install is covered a 25-year warrantee. The winter rains will keep them rinsed. If you live in a dusty area you should consider rinsing them off at least twice a year. Now that you have a good idea on how solar works and the savings it can bring you, what are you waiting for? Get started with a free estimate now.