Here is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions as well as some that we added ourselves. After all, we started with solar just like you! We have all been through this process and had some tough questions ourselves.
HERE ARE 10 FAQs
How Do I Get Setup for Solar?
Good question! Simply review our website for more information or give us a call. Especially, pages such as The Process and The Why. We will happily put you in touch with our sales team and answer any questions you may have. If you are comfortable, we can schedule a free no obligation consult and have this discussion in person, in your environment. Not everyone has perfect conditions for a solar system. We’d be thrilled to have your business, but we also believe in total honesty.
How Much Can I Save?
The TOP Question! This can be a difficult question to answer because we could say that by getting solar, we can eliminate your entire bill. But that wouldn’t be the truth now would it? The amount you can save is strictly based on decisions made. Please visit the ROI page for more information. Keep in mind if you finance, it’s a controlled investment up front, to live electric bill free/minimum later. Like a car loan. Let us explain.
Savings is determined not only by the system that you work closely with our sales team on developing, but also has great significance on your individual usage and how you maintain your solar system. Solar isn’t an opened blanket that some might think, to leave everything on the house. You have to stay within your solar wattage or below in order to see any true savings. Solar is not about hooking up to the sun and leaving everything on because it’s free. It has to do with your personal habits, time of day, season, weather, equipment, and pricing set for by your electricity company. Most cities do not allow for a complete off the grid experience.
How Long Does The Process Take?
In our experience, what we strive for, is within six months. There are many factors that come in to play to make your dream happen. From the initial consultation (walk through/bill analysis/financing/budget/lifestyle) to scheduling of complete installation. We are working with you the consumer, the finance company, our sales team, and our installers. Our sales team happens to be our installers! All working cohesively to create a seamless experience. But we don’t like 6 months 😉 see what we did here? We are the installers. There is no middle man except your finance company.
Learn more about Our Team here!
How Big a Company is Renewable Energy of Texas?
In our opinion, a big company really is just that, a big company. With that, comes a lot of challenges, such as customer service and all of its intricacies. We also dream big! Customer service is of upmost importance to us as it is what drives this train.
Our customers are our reputation! Without you, there is no us. In our eyes, we’re huge, but in reality, we’re just friends, who came together, with all the skills needed to do what we do, love what we do, and at the end of the day…make a difference.
Will Solar Effect My Homeowners Insurance Policy?
The direct and most honest answer is yes. In our own experiences and what we have heard from customers statewide, is there are some options under homeowners insurance. Some are included and some are an additional cost. If your solar panels and solar system are attached to your house itself, it is on one section of your policy. If it was a detached garage, that may be considered ‘other structures’ which is a different part of your policy.
Be sure to check with your homeowners insurance carrier to decipher how solar will be added to your policy as well as any deductibles that you choose. The other part of this equation, is the regulations set forth by your electric provider. Be sure to go on their website and research their solar program. Some carriers require a certain level of liability within your policy (buy back programs) and some simply do not request it at all. Make sure that you read your electricity providers website and solar program carefully.
Is There Much Maintance Involved to Owning a Solar System?
Owning a solar system generally requires minimal maintenance, like any of your other appliances, but there are some important housekeeping tasks to keep in mind:
- Cleaning: Solar panels should be cleaned periodically to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can reduce their efficiency. Depending on your location, this might be needed a few times a year. Especially with pollen or near trees.
- Inspection: Regular inspections of the panels, wiring, and inverter can help identify any issues early. It’s often recommended to do this once a year. Get to know your system.
An Apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Routine oil changes are medicine to a car, inspecting your solar system keeps the electric man at bay! - Monitoring: Many systems come with monitoring tools. Keeping an eye on these can help spot any drops in efficiency, adjust your usage, what appliance pulls the most, and evaluate performance.
- Inverter Replacement: Inverters typically need replacement every 5 to 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and upkeep.
- Tree Maintenance: If you have trees nearby, you may need to trim them to prevent shading on the panels or pollen buildup.
Overall, while there’s some maintenance involved, it’s relatively low compared to other home systems. The sun does most of the work!
How do I determine the correct size solar system that I need?
This is where our sales team thrives!
You don’t have to make this decision alone! During your consultation, they’ll walk through your property and home, assessing factors like tree lines, roof slope, obstructions, sun exposure, and more. They’ll also ask key questions to determine the best solution for you.
They’ll evaluate things like:
- Are lights on?
- Are windows open?
- Do you have blinds or clocks on appliances?
- How many people live in the home, and what’s your daily routine?
- Is your home residential or commercial?
- Do you need battery backup or just a generator?
All of this helps determine the right system size based on your actual energy consumption. To get a rough idea, check your electric bills for the past 6-12 months and look at your kWh usage. Your system needs to generate enough power to cover your usage, especially overnight or during cloudy days. This is where backup solutions, like batteries, come into play.
Control Your Usage, Control Your System, Control Your Bill.
Are There Financing Options?
Yes. Upon application, they will run your credit history. Based upon your credit history, they approve or deny. Between the financing institutions that we use, there are a few differences. Such as the credit score limitations that they will accept as well as the APR they offer. We have found financing interest to be on the minimal side. We will offer the websites for application and you can review the requirements before applying.
Please be advised that we are separate from the finance company and in no way can hinder, push or speak on their behalf. These finance companies work and run very similarly to a car loan. We give them the total financing of your solar system and they come up with a monthly payment that is fixed for the duration of your loan. Once paid, your solar system is now paid in full and you reap the maximum savings each month thereafter.
Are There Permits or Regulations I Need to be Aware of?
Permits are determined by your city and or county. Rural areas may have no permits needed, while suburban (HOA) areas may have this requirement. As far as regulations, you may also want to review your electric providers solar program on their website as well as your HOA documentation for any limitations or restrictions. We must abide by all laws, permits, rules, and regulations before installation. Our licensing requires it!
How Do I Choose a Reputable Installer?
The beauty of this question…is we are the installer! We have found, in our previous lives, that outsourcing installers is an additional expense on both sides. It puts one more hand in the cookie jar! We believe that by cutting out the middleman, we can pass on the savings to our customers. Making Solar even more affordable and obtainable! This saves everyone money. Who doesn’t like that?
By keeping both sales and installation under one roof:
- Cost: allowing consumers to pay lower prices since there are fewer markups and fewer people
- Direct Communication: dealing directly with us can create better communication, clearer terms, and better understanding of the products and services we offer.
- Better Quality Control: you can inquire directly with us about production and all the details
- Customization: allows for more tailored solutions to meet specific needs, rather than settling for generic options
- Faster Transactions: streamlined processes, resulting in quicker decisions and faster delivery times
- Transparency: greater transparency regarding pricing, terms, and product details, helping you make more informed choices
