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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a solar energy system work?

Every day, light hits your roof’s solar panels with photons (particles of sunlight). The solar panel converts those photons into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity passes through an inverter which converts the electricity into an alternating current (AC) which is the form of electricity used to power your home and appliances.

What are the benefits of having a solar energy system?

There are so many benefits to going solar and we’ve highlights a few of the key benefits for you below:
1. Immediate savings on your utility bills – Solar systems will reduce the power you consume from utility providers resulting in lower utility bills
2. Federal, state and utility incentives – Reduce your solar energy systems costs by taking advantage of federal incentives that cover up to 65% of a solar energy systems cost. State and utility incentives vary by state but can further contribute to covering the cost of a solar energy system
3. Protection against rising utility rates, which have historically increased at a rate of 3%-5% annually
4. A positive contribution to combating global environmental issues by producing clean and renewable solar energy

Will my solar energy system be connected to the grid?

Yes! We use “on-grid” systems which means that you will always be connected to the electrical grid. On-grid solar energy systems are necessary to transfer excess power produced by your solar energy system into the grid, resulting in a credit to customers in some states. You can also access additional power from the electrical grid when the sun is not out and your panels are not producing electricity.

How do I know if my home or business is a good candidate for a solar energy system?

Just give us a call so we can help determine if your home or business is a good candidate for our solar energy systems. Some of the key criteria we use to evaluate whether solar is a good fit for you include:
1. Shading on your roof from surrounding objects (trees, other buildings, etc.…)
2. The strength and stability of your roof
3. Identifying obstructions on your roof (HVAC systems, pipes, etc.…)
4. The size of your roof available for solar panel installation
5. Pitch and direction of your roof

What are the different steps to getting solar installed on my property and how long does it take?

The time required to install a solar energy system will vary based where your property is situated, the size of the solar energy system to be installed and the speed of local government in providing permits and final inspections. Larger commercial or business installations can take longer depending on size, complexity and special mounting.

Below are the key steps involved in getting your solar energy system installed:
1. Initial on-site visit to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a solar energy system
2. Preliminary evaluation of your home or business’ energy consumption profile and determination of the solar energy system size required
3. Sign contract
4. Engineering and design work
5. Permitting
6. Installation
7. Final inspection
8. Utility Interconnection
9. Monitoring and maintenance once the system is producing

What happens to my solar energy system if there is a power outage?

Many people considering going solar ask if a solar system works during a power outage. If you have a solar battery system as well as a solar PV system, your power will continue to work. However, if your system is grid-tied, for safety reasons, if there is a power outage your solar system will automatically shut off when the power goes out.

Does the solar energy system require any maintenance?

Yes, but most systems require little to no maintenance beyond removing leaves and hosing off debris. We also provide an option to enter into an operating and maintenance contract with our trusted partners that will maintain and monitor your system on your behalf.

Will the electricity production from my solar energy system degrade over time?

Yes but only slightly. System production degradation is due to weather, sun exposure and other environmental factors. Our panels come with a 25-year linear production warranty that ensures that the power generated by your panels in year 25 is not less than 80% of the power generated in year 1 of the system operating.

Should I replace my roof before installing solar?

Solar energy systems can last over 25 years. If your roof requires maintenance or replacement in the near-term, we recommend you complete it prior to having a solar energy system installed. Our installers can help you determine whether your roof should be replaced prior to going solar.

Will installing a solar energy system cause my roof to deteriorate at a faster rate?

No! Our solar panels are not attached directly to your roof, but rather are mounted to a railing system. They actually help to protect and preserve the roof from leaks or collapses as our installers employ sealants to help serve as a barrier from the elements.

How long does a solar energy system last?

Most solar energy systems will produce electricity for 30-40 years depending on the environmental conditions in your area. However, our solar panels come with a 25-year linear production warranty, 10-year panel and inverter warranty, 2-year installer workmanship warranty and complimentary third-party insurance (on panel warranties only).

What are the warranties provided on the solar energy systems?

Below is a list of warranties available for your solar energy systems:
• 25-year linear production warranty
• 10-year panel and inverter warranty for product defects in material and workmanship
• 2-year installer workmanship warranty
• Complimentary third-party insurance (on panel warranties only)

Do solar energy systems produce electricity at night?

Solar energy systems work best during daylight hours when the sun is shining directly on the panels. At night, the panels will not be producing electricity and you will be using electricity from the utility grid and/or from your solar battery if one is installed. In some states, it is possible that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for some or all of the electricity consumed at night as some utility companies provide credits for surplus electricity fed into their grid from your solar energy system during the day (known as net-metering).

What quality solar panels does U R Energy use and do they include a monitoring system?

We exclusively uses Tier 1 solar panels sourced from top tier manufacturers as rated by Bloomberg. We pride ourselves on the quality of our panels and have an extensive catalogue to meet the needs of any of our customers. Our solar energy systems come with web-based performance monitoring that allows you to track the production of your system remotely from anywhere in the world.

What is the environmental benefit of going solar?

Many residential, commercial and non-profits go solar because they want to minimize environmental issues like climate change and health problems related to carbon emissions. Solar energy systems produce clean, pure energy from the sun which helps your home or business combat greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.

The Economics of a Solar Energy System

What financial incentives are available to help cover the cost of a solar energy system?

There are a number of financial incentives available that cover up to 65% of a solar energy systems cost. Incentives can be categorized into 3 categories: federal, state and utility. State and utility incentives vary by state while federal incentives are available to anyone in the United States. The most significant federal incentives are outlined below:
1. Income Tax Credit (ITC) – A 30% tax credit for solar systems on residential and commercial properties representing a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your income tax liability. The IRS allows you to carryover the ITC in order to help you monetize as much of it as possible.

2. Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS) – Allows you to depreciate the cost of a solar energy project over a 5-year period.

3. Bonus Depreciation – Allows you to take an additional 50% depreciation on top of the accelerated depreciation in your first year of owning a solar energy system.

*Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals. Please consult your tax professional and/or accountant to determine the most up-to-date incentives available in your state.

Aren’t solar energy systems expensive?

There has never been a better time to invest in a solar energy system with strong federal incentives covering up to 65% of a solar energy systems cost and the cost to install solar dropping by more than 70% over the last 10 years. Combined with the savings realized from a reduced utility bills, solar energy systems pay for themselves and in most circumstances provide a positive return on investment.

How much money can I save by going solar?

The number of panels that can be installed on your property, how much electricity your property consumes and your current utility rate are major factors in determining your overall savings from going solar. Additionally, purchasing the system with cash, through a loan or a Power Purchase Agreement or Solar Lease will all have an impact on the amount you will save. Use our Solar Calculator to get a estimate of the potential saving you could realize by going solar. One thing we know for sure is that you’ll save money and we’ll be there to help you navigate through the decision making process.

What is net metering?

Net metering policies differ by state and credit solar energy system owners for the electricity they produced that is fed back into the utility grid. You pay only for the electricity you use from the utility grid beyond what you fed into the grid.

What happens to the excess electricity produced by my solar energy system that is not consumed by my property?

The excess electricity produced by your solar energy system will be fed back into the utility grid. Whether you get compensated for excess electricity depends on the net metering laws and utility provider in your state. In states with net metering laws, excess electricity generated may roll over as a credit toward the next month’s bill, or paid to you as a refund. In states without net metering laws, individuals potentially may not be compensated.

Is it better to buy a solar energy system or enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

One needs to think carefully about their goals and access to cash or a financial institution loan to determine whether an outright purchase, PPA or Lease is best.

If you want to maximize the financial benefits to you, take advantage of federal incentives and have cash on hand or access to a financial institution loan than you should strongly consider buying the solar energy system.

On the other hand, if you are looking for immediate savings on day 1 of the solar energy system running and do not have access to capital to fund the project than a solar PPA or lease may be your best option.

U R Energy Global will help you navigate the various options to ensure you maximize your financial returns, can go solar and join the renewable energy movement!

What happens to my solar energy system at the end of my Power Purchase Agreement term?

There are a few options you may consider which include an extension of the existing PPA or Lease contract, purchase the solar energy system at fair market value or request that the system be removed (at no additional cost).

Is power produced from a solar energy system less expensive than energy from my utility provider?

Power produced by a solar energy system often costs less than the power provided by your utility provider. You will find that installing a solar energy system is a simple way for you to take control over your utility bill by producing clean and renewable solar energy at affordable rates. When electricity rates associated with fossil fuels inevitably go up, the savings from your solar energy system will increase.

How do I find out how much I am paying for electricity from my current utility provider?

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity and how much electricity you use per month is to look at your utility electricity bill. Prior to any site visit we will ask to be provided with copies of your utility bills which allows us to better determine an initial estimate of the solar energy system size required for your property and so that we can better understand your electricity consumption profile.

What if I want to sell my property with a solar energy system under a Power Purchase Agreement?

If you are a solar PPA or Lease customer, all you have to do is give us a call and we will provide a simple transfer agreement that both the seller and buyer are required to sign in order for us to transfer the PPA or Lease agreement.