Pre-Installation Questions:
How Does Solar Panels Work?
How is the size of my system determined?
What happens to the excess energy?
What is offset and how is my offset determined?
Why is my offset not at 100%?
Will I still receive an electric bill?
When will my panels be installed?
You won’t have solar panels on your property the day after signing a contract. The time it takes before you’re up and running with solar power largely depends on five factors:
- Alternative Solar efficiency
- Local permitting and inspection processes
- Size and type of solar panel system
- Property characteristics
- Utility company and interconnection
Given these various factors, a solar panel system can be up and running in as soon as a few weeks. The average time period most people can expect from signing a contract to running on solar power is approximately three months.
Why are my panels not turned on the same day as installation?
After your solar panel system is installed, a representative from your utility company will need to come to visit your property to inspect the system and approve it for interconnection to the grid. This often involves installing a new meter that will allow you to take advantage of net metering. Similar to the approval process, the amount of time it will take for a utility company to approve a solar panel system interconnection will vary by utility.
A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that it typically takes one to two weeks after the installation dates to officially receive permission to operate (PTO).
When will my panels be turned on?
Once the system is approved for interconnection to the grid you now have permission to operate (PTO).
Can HOA deny my solar panels?
Legally in the state of Texas your project can not be denied per Texas property code Sec.202.010 Regulation of solar devices, see link:
https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._prop._code_section_202.010
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.202.htm#202.010
Post-Installation Questions:
How do I know my solar panels are producing as projected?
The SolarEdge monitoring application enables PV installers and system owners to perform remote monitoring on the go using their mobile device, thus maximizing solar energy harvesting. The application enables users to view the most updated data and be up to speed with their site’s performance. In addition to that you will have quarterly and yearly assessments to make sure your panels are producing as projected. We also highly recommend signing up for Smart Meter Texas to monitor your energy consumption.
Tax Credit?
We highly recommend that you speak with your tax professional for any tax credit questions that you have. Taxes vary person to person and there are many factors that contribute to each person’s taxes.