Solar Energy: Q&A with a Solar Expert
What Does Solar Energy Mean for Your Home
Original Content by Carl Johnson & Zach Brigham, Solar Expert
What does it actually mean to have solar panels put on your home? Are there really benefits to it? Does it damage your roof? Do solar panels help or hinder property value? A lot of questions quickly pop into your head when you think of solar panels and your home. We sat down with Zach Brigham, Senior Energy Consultant at Sunder Energy, and asked the questions you've been thinking when it comes to the potential to have solar energy for your property. Follow along to learn more!
What does it actually mean to have solar panels put on your home? Are there really benefits to it? Does it damage your roof? Do solar panels help or hinder property value? A lot of questions quickly pop into your head when you think of solar panels and your home. We sat down with Zach Brigham, Senior Energy Consultant at Sunder Energy, and asked the questions you've been thinking when it comes to the potential to have solar energy for your property. Follow along to learn more!
Q: What are the top 3 benefits of having solar panels installed on your home?
A:
Q: Is solar energy for every home? Can I have panels installed on my commercial building?
A: Solar isn’t the right fit for every property. Factors like roof condition, shading, roof orientation, available space, and current electric usage all play a role. However, there are solutions for many different situations, including ground-mounted systems in some cases. Solar is also available for many commercial buildings and can be an excellent way of review.
Q: Are there options for smaller installs, or is it an all-or-nothing style of panel options?
A: Absolutely. Solar systems are designed around your goals and your home’s energy usage. Some homeowners choose to offset only a portion of their electric bill, while others install a larger system to maximize savings. Systems can often be customized to fit your budget and energy needs.
Q: I feel like I live in an area where there really isn’t that much sunshine. Can you estimate how effective solar panels would be on my house and energy bills?
A: Many people are surprised to learn that solar panels don’t require constant, direct sunlight to produce electricity—they generate power from daylight. Modern solar technology performs well even on cloudy days. The best way to determine your potential savings is through a site assessment with an authorized energy consultant, to evaluate your roof, shading, historical energy usage, and local weather data to provide a personalized production estimate.
Q: What kind of maintenance do solar panels require? How do rain, wind, and snow affect them?
A: Solar panels require very little maintenance. Rain naturally helps rinse away most dirt and debris, and occasional inspections are typically all that’s needed. Panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, snow loads and major hailstorms. While heavy snow can temporarily reduce production until it melts or slides off, systems generally return to normal operation without any intervention.
Q: What are the first steps I should take to see if I would be a good candidate for solar panels on my property? How long does the process take?
A: The first step is a consultation. A solar professional will review your recent electric bills, evaluate your roof using satellite imagery or an on-site visit, and discuss your goals. From there, you’ll receive a custom proposal showing system size, layout and production, and all available financing options, depending on what you and your home qualify for. If you decide to move forward, the entire process—from design and permitting to installation and utility approval—typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on your local permitting office and utility.
A:
- Lower energy costs – Solar can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bill, depending on your energy usage and system size.
- Protection from rising utility rates – Electricity prices have historically increased over time. Producing your own power helps reduce your exposure to future rate hikes. Imagine going back 10 years and locking in your gas prices if given the chance!
- Added home value and energy independence – Solar-equipped homes can be more attractive to buyers, especially when there is battery-backup system installed, and many homeowners appreciate generating more of their own electricity instead of relying entirely on the utility.
Q: Is solar energy for every home? Can I have panels installed on my commercial building?
A: Solar isn’t the right fit for every property. Factors like roof condition, shading, roof orientation, available space, and current electric usage all play a role. However, there are solutions for many different situations, including ground-mounted systems in some cases. Solar is also available for many commercial buildings and can be an excellent way of review.
Q: Are there options for smaller installs, or is it an all-or-nothing style of panel options?
A: Absolutely. Solar systems are designed around your goals and your home’s energy usage. Some homeowners choose to offset only a portion of their electric bill, while others install a larger system to maximize savings. Systems can often be customized to fit your budget and energy needs.
Q: I feel like I live in an area where there really isn’t that much sunshine. Can you estimate how effective solar panels would be on my house and energy bills?
A: Many people are surprised to learn that solar panels don’t require constant, direct sunlight to produce electricity—they generate power from daylight. Modern solar technology performs well even on cloudy days. The best way to determine your potential savings is through a site assessment with an authorized energy consultant, to evaluate your roof, shading, historical energy usage, and local weather data to provide a personalized production estimate.
Q: What kind of maintenance do solar panels require? How do rain, wind, and snow affect them?
A: Solar panels require very little maintenance. Rain naturally helps rinse away most dirt and debris, and occasional inspections are typically all that’s needed. Panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, snow loads and major hailstorms. While heavy snow can temporarily reduce production until it melts or slides off, systems generally return to normal operation without any intervention.
Q: What are the first steps I should take to see if I would be a good candidate for solar panels on my property? How long does the process take?
A: The first step is a consultation. A solar professional will review your recent electric bills, evaluate your roof using satellite imagery or an on-site visit, and discuss your goals. From there, you’ll receive a custom proposal showing system size, layout and production, and all available financing options, depending on what you and your home qualify for. If you decide to move forward, the entire process—from design and permitting to installation and utility approval—typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on your local permitting office and utility.
We would like to thank our solar expert, Zan Brigham for their insights and information.
Senior Energy Consultant - Sunder Energy
(336)554-609 | [email protected]
We hope this article was informative and helpful for you! At Carl Johnon Real Estate we love working with our clients through all phases of home ownership and seeing how the home grows and changes with you. If you would like to learn more about tips for your home CLICK HERE for content on Curb Appeal and your home.
Senior Energy Consultant - Sunder Energy
(336)554-609 | [email protected]
We hope this article was informative and helpful for you! At Carl Johnon Real Estate we love working with our clients through all phases of home ownership and seeing how the home grows and changes with you. If you would like to learn more about tips for your home CLICK HERE for content on Curb Appeal and your home.
