You're going solar! See resources and next steps.

Question 1

How do solar panels work?

Answer

Solar panels, also called photovoltaic or PV panels, consist of solar cells that are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into clean energy for your home. When sunlight hits your solar panel, the photons of energy are converted into DC (direct current) electricity, which can then be converted into AC (alternating current) electricity for use in your home. Solar panels are often grouped together to form a solar grid or solar array, allowing you to capture and harness the right amount of energy for your needs.

Question 2

How much does a solar energy system cost?

Answer

The total costs for your solar energy system will depend on the size and complexity of your solar array and the amount of energy storage you require. During the consultation, survey, and design process, we’ll work with you to outline your overall costs as well as financing options and any incentives you may be eligible for.

Question 3

Are solar panels really worth it?

Answer

Yes! Whether you're looking to save money, save resources, or protect the natural environment from the effects of climate change, adding solar power to your home can be an effective way to tackle all three. Palmetto solar customers can save thousands over the lifetime of their residential solar power systems—often earning credit on power they generate through net metering programs and recouping costs via various rebates and incentives. Meanwhile, the cost of conventional electricity is only going up. On the environmental front, an investment in sustainable, solar energy allows you to dramatically decrease your carbon footprint and your reliance on fossil fuels. It’s also a great way to boost interest in clean technologies and the economies they support.

Question 4

Why do you need my utility bill?

Answer

Your utility bill helps us determine the best system for your energy needs. It also tells us about your utility provider so we can confirm rates, policies, and incentives in your area.

Question 5

What is a virtual site survey?

Answer

In the survey, we’ll guide you through a short series of questions and ask you to take some photos that give us the information we need to hone your solar project, including design, cost, and savings estimates. For most homeowners, the site survey can be completed virtually—you’ll just need about 30 minutes and access to a camera phone or mobile device.

Question 6

Why is it important to know if I have an HOA?

Answer

Many HOA’s have rules or covenants that dictate the design, placement, and installation of solar panels. If your home is part of an HOA, it’s crucial that we make contact early in the process to expedite approvals and prevent delays. Most HOAs require homeowners to be involved, but we're here to guide you through.

Question 7

Will solar panels work with my roof?

Answer

Before designing your home solar power system, we’ll take a detailed survey of your property and assess the solar energy potential of your roof. Beyond the size, angle, and orientation of your roof, we’ll look at shading, estimated tree growth, materials, ventilation and drain pipes, and overall health. Because solar panel arrays can last 25-30 years without the need for repair or replacement, it’s important the roof beneath is in good shape. Once installed, solar panels can protect your roof and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.

Question 8

Why do I need to replace my roof?

Answer

If your roof is nearing the end of its expected life, it may not be structurally able to safely support the added weight of the solar equipment, which can pose a danger to the installation team, and your home itself after the installation. It's also important to note that the process of removing and reinstalling solar panels is complex and expensive, so it's better to get the roof work done before you add solar panels on top. While a reroof will increase your total installation costs, you may be eligible to fold upgrades into a single solar loan and benefit from combined financing, solar incentives, and shorter permitting and construction timelines.

Question 9

How might a tree removal increase my savings?

Answer

To get the most out of your solar panels, we want to maximize the amount of sunlight that hits your solar array. Adjacent trees can cast shadows, drop leaves and debris, and reduce overall performance. When needed, we recommend tree removal before installation to optimize your savings from day one.

Question 10

Will I get to see my final design?

Answer

Once your custom solar design is complete, you may be prompted to preview the panels on your roof to ensure both system size and panel placement are accurate before approving your design.

Question 11

Will I still be connected to the grid?

Answer

Yes! Your home will remain connected to the grid so you can access power from your electricity provider as needed. This means that you will still receive an electric bill after adding solar, though your electricity costs will be reduced because you are using less power from the grid. In most cases, your electricity provider will install a bi-directional meter after your solar installation is complete and has passed final inspections. The meter provides a safe and accurate way to monitor the flow of electricity both into and out of your home. When your panels produce less energy than you need, your home will draw energy from the grid to meet the needs of your household. When your panels produce more energy than you need, the excess energy will flow back to the grid, and may earn you credit on your electricity bill.

Question 12

How will system size impact my electricity bill?

Answer

As a general rule: The more power you source from your solar panels, the more money you will save on your electricity bill. While a larger system can produce more power and offset a greater percentage of your energy needs with clean, solar energy, the financial benefit you see from that offset is directly tied to the electricity rates and metering programs in your area. High electricity rates translate to greater savings on every unit of power your solar panels produce. The benefits increase if your jurisdiction allows net metering—you can send any surplus power generated back to the grid, earning you credit toward your electricity bill. Many homeowners target a 100% solar offset when selecting the right system size for their home to maximize clean energy savings and impact.

Question 13

If there is a power outage, will my power go out?

Answer

If your solar energy system does not include a home battery, then yes, your power will go out. In the event of an outage, all standalone solar energy systems will automatically shut down in accordance with grid codes and mandatory inverter specifications. If you add a home battery to your solar power system, you can avoid disruptions caused by grid outages. The amount of energy available for you to use in case of an outage will depend on several factors:

The size and production of your solar panels

The size of the battery installed

The battery state of charge when the outage occurs

The areas or appliances in your home that are prioritized to receive power when the grid goes down

Question 14

Are there financing options available?

Answer

Yes, there are several financing options available. Two of the more common options are 1) a solar energy loan, which functions like a home improvement loan, and 2) an energy efficiency mortgage designed to help homeowners fund updates on fixtures and features. If you’re interested in financing a solar energy system, Palmetto’s dedicated Customer Experience Team is available to help clarify your options and identify which solution might work best for your needs.

Question 15

How do solar tax incentives and rebates work?

Answer

The Residential Clean Energy Credit can be applied toward solar panels, solar batteries, and in-home vehicle chargers, and allows you to deduct a percentage of your solar system and installation costs from your total tax liability for the year of purchase. If your credit is higher than your total tax liability for the year of purchase, the difference can be rolled over to subsequent years. To learn more about the tax credit, visit Everything You Need To Know About The Solar Tax Credit. On top of the Residential Clean Energy Credit, many states, municipalities, and electric utilities offer credits, incentives, and rebates. These vary by location but our solar energy specialists are familiar with the offerings in your area and can help you optimize your returns.

Question 16

How does the Solar Tax Credit work with my loan?

Answer

If you’re eligible for the Solar Tax Credit and apply the full value of your savings toward your solar loan within the first 18 months, your monthly payment will remain fixed for the life of the loan. If you choose not to apply your savings toward your solar loan, your monthly payment will increase in month 19 to reflect the full principal of the loan. Please contact your lender to discuss any prepayment, downpayment, or re-amortization options.

Question 17

Why might my loan payment change in month 19?

Answer

Your monthly loan payment amount in months 1-18 is based on the assumption that you are eligible for the full Residential Clean Energy Credit and apply the full value of the tax credit (equal to approximately 30% of your total loan amount) toward your loan in the first 18 months of payments, resulting in a fixed monthly payment for the remainder of the life of the loan. This means in months 1-18, you can also apply any credit from state and local incentives or any surplus cash you have on hand to further reduce your monthly loan payment. Making such prepayments is optional. At month 19 your loan will automatically be re-amortized and your monthly loan payment will be adjusted based on the remaining principal at that time. If you pay more than approximately 30% of your total loan amount, your monthly payments will be adjusted to a lower amount. In order to avoid an increase in your monthly payment, you must make one or more voluntary prepayments equal to approximately 30% of your total loan amount within 18 months following your loan start date. Please contact your lender to discuss any prepayment, downpayment, or re-amortization options.

Question 18

If I choose a cash purchase, do I pay the entire lump sum at once?

Answer

All cash purchases include a 2.9% dealer fee and follow a three-part payment schedule as outlined below. Payments can be made via electronic funds transfer or credit card. Phone payments are not accepted.

Payment 1 - In select states (including California, Nevada, and Ohio), a deposit is required when you sign your contract. The remaining balance is then split across Payments 2 and 3 below. In all other states, Payment 1 is due 0-5 days after your contract has been approved and must be paid to initiate the permitting and approval process.
Payment 2 is due once all pre-installation permits and approvals have been received and must be paid prior to installation.
Payment 2 is due when your system is activated.

In all states that DO NOT require a deposit, the payments are as follows.

Payment 1: 30%
Payment 2: 60%
Payment 3: 10%

In states that DO require a deposit, the payments are as follows.

Payment 1: $1,000 in CA and NV, 10% in OH
Payment 2: 60% in CA and NV, 80% in OH
Payment 3: 40% in CA and NV, 10% in OH

There may be additional payments if site improvements are required. *This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.

Question 19

What if I need to move or sell my home after I’ve installed solar panels?

Answer

While it is possible to remove solar panels and reinstall on a new home, it's often preferable to sell the home with the panels in place. Solar panels increase the value of your home, making it stand out, sell faster, and earn more in the national real estate market. If you choose to lease your solar array, it can easily be transferred to a new homeowner.

Question 20

How do I access my Palmetto account?

Answer

As a new customer, you should receive a welcome email with instructions on how to activate your account. If you have not received that email at the address you provided, please visit home.palmetto.com and click ‘Don’t remember your password?’ to request a new invitation. If you are still having trouble, please contact our Customer Experience Team at 855-339-1831 or [email protected].

Question 21

What are the features of my Palmetto solar account?

Answer

Your Palmetto account is your personal solar dashboard! Easily upload and confirm documents, connect with Support, and track the status of your order. Once your solar energy system has been activated, your account dashboard will offer a detailed view of your solar energy production—available by day, week, or month. You can also request service, send referrals, and manage your account.