FAQs - Your Solar Power Questions Answered

FAQs

General

The utility will notify the client and Eagle Point Solar. When Eagle Point Solar is notified, we will reach out to the client to tell them how to turn the array on or schedule a staff member to come turn it on. Eagle Point Solar will monitor the array to ensure it is producing optimally and establish online monitoring access for the client.

For more information, read our blog article Going Solar: What Happens After You Have Signed the Solar Contract?

Capturing the power of the sun using solar technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions (https://nature.berkeley.edu/classes/es196/projects/2013final/ArifM_2013.pdf), which contributes to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

For more information, read our blog article You Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Solar.

A solar system will reduce your electric bill and start to pay it’s self off immediately. Even if you move before your solar investment is completely paid off studies show the remaining value will likely be returned upon the sale of your property. In addition, it can potentially help your property sell faster offering a guaranteed lower electric bill. Warranties are transferable one time to a new owner. Read about it here: New York Times article (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/realestate/solar-panels-and-home-values.html?_r=0) or (https://news.energysage.com/home-solar-power-increase-property-values-across-us/)

For more information, read our blog article Does A Solar Energy System Affect Property Value?

Eagle Point Solar offers an innovative, turn-key solar energy solution offered through a comprehensive process which takes your system purchase from concept to commissioning. There is no faster, easier way to obtain a cost-saving, environmentally friendly solar energy system for your home or facility. Learn more about the Eagle Point Solar Journey process.

For more information, read our blog article Going Solar: What Happens After You Have Signed the Solar Contract?

From day one, solar power offsets some or all of your electricity purchases from your utility and therefore reduces your electric bills. Since there are very few, if any, on-going costs, you also lock in the solar portion of your electricity costs which is a great hedge against inflation and makes budgeting your utility costs a breeze.

You will fully recoup the cost of the solar energy system long before the end of its useful life. Since most components are warranted for up to 25-years and last for 40+ years, you will be reaping the financial and environmental rewards for decades to come.

Additionally, solar will improve public perception as you, and/or your business are demonstrating your commitment to a healthier planet. Environmentally conscious residents and businesses are viewed as good neighbors in any community.

For more information, read our blog article Installing Solar: Harnessing Solar Energy and the Benefits.

The solar panel contains several individual cells which are made largely of two layers of silicon. By design, there is an electronic imbalance between the two layers and when the sun’s photons bombard the cell it knocks the electrons loose. The electrons then “bounce” from the top layer to the bottom layer creating energy. These bouncing electrons are captured as electricity by metal contacts in the panel.

Since the electricity created inside the panel is direct current (DC), it is necessary to push the current through an inverter which creates alternating current (AC). Once converted, this electricity is then routed to your electrical outlets for your use. Watch this short video to learn more about the specifics of a solar cell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxrkht7CpY

Click here to view a graphic on How Solar Works.

While the equipment does have workmanship and production warranties, they do not cover theft or damage from external sources. However, most homeowner insurance policies will cover your solar system. Check with your insurance provider for more information on your policy.

For more information, read our blog article A Guide to Solar Panel Warranties.

Currently, we do not offer design, installation or equipment purchasing for lake or pond aerator systems. However, below are two spec sheets for lake/pond aerator systems and a link to a local firm in Sparta, Wisconsin who we have recommended for these types of projects: https://www.ussolarmounts.us/products/brushless-solar-lake-aerators/

SLA-SD2-spec-sheet

SLA-SD4-spec-sheet

The biggest difference from net metering is net billing customers receive an avoided cost price per kilowatt-hour from their utility versus a credit at retail cost. The avoided cost price which the utility pays for your solar overproduction (per kilowatt-hour) is often equal to or less than the wholesale price which the utility pays for purchasing energy from other energy power plants. In otherwards, it is the “avoided costs” the utility does not have to pay to produce or purchase the same amount of power. When excess solar energy during the month is sent to the utility, each kilowatt-hour is calculated and credited at the avoided cost rate to the customer’s monthly bill. Rural Electric Co-ops and Municipal utilities typically offer net billing to their customers because they are not required to follow IOU policies for net metering. Based on your utility, net metering credits will typically zero out (or true-up) once a year. Credits are stored and used as needed during the month. Any excess credits are carried over month by month until the end of the true-up month.

For more information, read our blog article Utility Net Metering vs. Utility Net Billing.


Solar Terms

An Interconnection Agreement is a contract with a utility for distributed generated systems, including solar photovoltaics. The agreement is a written notice to a utility company of plans to construct, install and operate any system which will be connected to the grid and must be submitted prior to the start of construction. After the utility receives the required documentation, the application is reviewed for approval.

“Net Metering” is an industry term used to describe how a utility company compensates you for any overproduction from your solar array which is sent back to the utility. Net metering simply means the utility gives the customer full retail credit for all energy the solar array produces but is not consumed by the owner and sent to the utility for them to sell to other customers.

If a utility does not “net meter” it generally means they do not give you full retail credit for any overproduction, but rather a lower “avoided cost” payment. Understanding your utilities policy is essential to anyone considering a solar project since it has a dramatic affect on the economics of the project.

For more information, read our blog article Utility Net Metering vs. Utility Net Billing.

The system is synchronized with the electric grid so the power the solar array generates is used first. If necessary, additional power flows through the meter just like it has in the past. If your solar array is generating excess power, this power flows back through your utility meter and back to the utility for them to sell to another customer. The utility company will generally compensate you for this electricity (over production) either through “net-metering” or by paying you an “avoided cost” for your excess power. You can call your local utility company to find out what their policy is regarding over production or simply contact Eagle Point Solar and we can provide you with this information.

For more information, read our blog article Utility Net Metering vs. Utility Net Billing.

An off-grid system is a solar array which is not connected to the power grid. In most cases, power is generated by the solar panels and energy is sent to a storage receptacle like a battery. The property then consumes the power from the battery. The capacity or size of the battery bank determines how often the battery needs to be charged by the solar array in order to provide you with an uninterrupted source of power.

Learn more about solar storage options here: https://eaglepointsolar.com/solar-storage-benefits/

 


Weather

The likelihood of solar panels incurring damage from hail, strong winds, or snow loads is very small. In fact, they are tested and rated to withstand the impact of a 1” hailstone traveling in excess of 50mph and to remain firmly mounted to the ground or roof at wind-speeds in excess of 140mph. Check out this video of a hail impact test at 100 kilometers per hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2RGZzAw3_c

For more information, read our blog article Snow & Your Solar Array or Hail, Wind, and Your Solar Array

It’s true that when your solar panels are completely snow/ice covered, they will only be able to generate a portion of their typical energy output because less sunlight is able to pass thru the snow/ice cover. Don’t worry, this is more than taken care of by the long, sunny summer days. We recommend not trying to clear the solar modules. Getting onto a roof in inclement weather is dangerous and using any type of tool or chemical on the modules themselves can damage the modules, wiring and possibly void any manufacture warranty.

That being said, this is nothing to be concerned about because:

• Solar creates more efficient energy at cooler temperatures.

• Light can still penetrate a thin layer of snow/ice and allow for energy production. 

• The angle of the solar modules and their ability to produce some heat allows for the snow to slide directly off your modules faster than snow would fall off your roof, quickly returning your system to its full potential.

• Snow sliding off panels, as it melts, simultaneously cleans them.

Eagle Point Solar’s design and engineering team factor in shorter days, winter weather, and less direct sunlight into account to optimize your system based on decades of weather data from your local weather station. Therefore, as a percentage of overall yearly production the loss from snow/ice is very minimal.

For more information, read our blog article Snow & Your Solar Array.

Weather plays a role in the amount of power a solar energy system will generate. Bright sun is obviously the most productive scenario, but power is still produced on overcast days. Unless a panel (or series of panels) are completely covered by something, they will continue to produce power. Overall production of energy will be the greatest in the summer months because the number of daylight hours is greater than winter months. Cold, yet sunny, winter days actually allow the equipment to operate very efficiently.

For more information, read our blog article Snow & Your Solar Array.


Financials

Solar incentives change regularly depending on which state you reside in. The most significant incentive is the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives. Additionally, commercial solar is eligible for a 5-year Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) (https://www.seia.org/initiatives/depreciation-solar-energy-property-macrs) depreciation schedule.

Click here for a complete listing of solar incentives for Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

The cost of your solar investment will vary greatly depending on the size of your system, your location and available incentives. In the past several years, solar prices have decreased as much as 70%, making solar a financially sound investment. Economies of scale also can decrease the cost of larger systems when compared to smaller systems on a per kW basis.

By simply collecting some basic information from you, a Eagle Point Solar Energy Consultant can help you analyze how solar can help you reduce and manage your electricity costs with a Free Solar Analysis.

For more information, read our blog article A Reputable Solar Company: How Do You Find Yours?

Solar power usually costs less than traditional power that is sold by the utility company. The increasing cost of traditional power is driving consumers to search for alternative clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources.

The amount of money a consumer will save on a monthly basis will depend not only on the size of your solar energy system, but your household electricity usage. That’s why a professional consultation is so important in getting the right solar array for your home or business. Eagle Point Solar’s Free Solar Analysis will provide you with the financial and environmental information needed to determine if solar is right for you.

In the state of Illinois, solar system owners can create SRECs from the energy produced by their solar panels and arrays. One Illinois SREC equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy generated, or one megawatt (MWh). In other words, every time a MWh is produced by a solar array, another SREC comes into existence. Owners sell their generated SRECs in Illinois for a 15-year contract into a market set up by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). SRECs are sold separately from the actual electricity they produce, which means owners can use the electricity from their solar array to directly lower their home or business’ electric bill and sell the SRECs that get created from that energy to the buyer.

SRECs accrue as solar electricity is generated and are typically paid out either as a lump sum or over a 7-year period. For small residential & commercial systems under 25 kW (AC) the SREC payment will occur in one payment. Large systems over 25.0 kW to 5,000 kW are paid out annually over 7 years. Ultimately, these Illinois solar incentives help stimulate development of new renewable energy resources.

To learn more about the Illinois SREC program, visit the Illinois Shines program here: https://illinoisshines.com/

 


Performance

A grid-tied solar array is synchronized with the existing utility fed into your building. You use the power generated by the solar system first and then if additional energy is needed, the system is intelligent enough to simply pull power through your meter and therefore your equipment will have a full supply of uninterrupted power. There are cases where solar energy is actually “cleaner” than power purchased from the utility, so equipment may run more efficiently.

However, in most cases, your equipment will not know where the electricity is coming from, so there will be no difference in its operation.

Grid-tied solar systems are required by utility regulations to have a built-in shut down mechanism in the event of a power outage for the safety of workers attempting to fix power outages. If blackouts occur regularly in your area a battery backup (or energy storage battery) could be a good solution. Contact your Solar Energy Consultant for more information on how a battery solution could benefit you during a power outage.

The percentage of the power which your solar system generates is often up to you. As long as you have enough space available to properly mount the solar panels and inverters, yes, it is possible to generate most, or all, of the electricity you need.

Eagle Point Solar staff will analyze your site and energy profile to determine how much of your power can be generated by a solar array. Our teams will then design, engineer and build a system which meets your budget and energy consumption needs.

For more information, read our blog article How Man Solar Panels Will I Need?

During the winter the sun is lower, so it doesn’t hit the panels at an optimal angle. Cold weather and fewer daylight hours during the winter can cause your energy usage to be higher and solar production to be lower, making the gap between what you can produce and what you use seem even larger.


Equipment

When quality components are installed properly, solar panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions including wind, rain and even hail. The glass that covers the panels is highly engineered and designed to resist breakage, even from 1″ hail stones impacting the glass at over 200mph. Check out this video of a hail impact test: Solar World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6v2lDa8Hos and JA Solar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2RGZzAw3_c

The size of the solar system you may need should be based on a Solar Analysis created by a licensed and certified solar energy professional. There are many things to consider like available space, electrical usage, current electric utility policy and shading. Working with an experienced solar company to evaluate these factors is critical so you accurately build a system which meets your goals and objectives.

For more information, read our blog article How Many Solar Panels Will I Need?

Yes, as long as your roof or ground has the room for additional panels. Simply contact Eagle Point Solar to begin the design and engineering process.

Solar panel brands are classified in categories, such as Premium (Tier 1), Standard (Tier 2), and Economy (Tier 3). Tier 1 panels often perform the best and are manufactured and warrantied by financially strong solar panel manufacturers. These panels have a higher price tag, while Tier 3 panels are inexpensive but often less durable over time. To maintain the highest level of quality and energy production, Eagle Point Solar is committed to only installing/purchasing Tier 1 solar panels.

For more information, read our blog article A Guide to Solar Panel Warranties.

Although most solar components have a 25-year warranty, they are expected to continue to produce power for 40+ years. There are no moving parts and virtually no maintenance which means longevity also comes with reliability. Major solar module (panel) manufacturers have modules which were installed over 40 years ago and the panels are still producing clean, renewable energy today!

Contact a licensed Eagle Point Solar Energy Consultant for extended warranty options.

Check out this link about a solar modules after 40 years: https://youtu.be/sJPd7oVG9N4

For more information, read our blog article A Guide to Solar Panel Warranties.

 

The innovative design of solar panels take on an integrated look on your roof, ultimately becoming part of the overall design. Panels come in a variety of options including a sleek all black design. The panels functionality to power your home more efficiently will quickly become a look and feel that never goes out of date.

The multicolored lights on the SolarEdge inverter tell us different information about the production and communications on your array. Follow this link to learn what they mean: https://www.solaredge.com/us/leds

A majority of the Tier 1 solar modules Eagle Point Solar installs are from China, Vietnam and the United States. We also install Tier 1 solar modules from manufacturers in Germany, Korea and Canada.


Solar + Storage

Solar + Storage is a solar array combined with a solar compatible battery. This combination is designed to provide electricity at night, during outages or at peak Time of Use. During the day, if your solar array is producing more energy than you consume, the extra energy is pushed to the battery to be stored before sending any excess energy back to the grid. After the sun sets and your solar array is no longer producing enough energy to cover your consumption, or you have Time of Use billing (peak demand pricing), electric energy is pulled from the battery instead of the grid. Thus, allowing you to use your free, renewable energy produced from your solar array at any point during the day or night. In summary, your solar array will charge the battery when electricity prices are low (off-peak pricing) and discharge the battery when prices are high (peak demand) which often is during the evening hours.

For more information, view our Typical Workday Energy Cycle graph.

Most storage battery manufacturers have a 10-year performance warranty for at least 60% of the usable capacity or 10,000 cycles. As more battery options and manufactures enter the supply chain, warranties may vary. Contact a Solar Energy Consultant today to learn more about Eagle Point Solar’s battery options.

Residential storage batteries have a lifespan between 5-15 years. While this may seem like a wide range of dependability, longevity of the battery is determined by the type and size of battery and amount of self-consumption. Lithium-ion battery systems have a higher depth of discharge (DoD) and higher energy density. This allows lithium-ion batteries to hold more energy at greater efficiencies than lead acid batteries. Therefore, you can use more of the energy within the battery without having to charge it as often. Batteries used for power outages typically last longer than batteries which are used daily.

Yes, many leading battery and/or inverter manufacturers, depending upon your system components, offer their own app to monitor production as well as battery storage capacity.

View a SolarEdge solar + battery monitoring example here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGsbsTFWM1w&t=35s

For more information, read our blog article The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.

Yes, storage batteries are designed to work during a power outage. When a solar + storage system detects an outage from the grid it disconnects itself from the grid and isolates itself. A combination of your solar and storage battery can be used to power critical loads within your home such as a refrigerator, computer, TV, lights etc. until the power is restored.

Yes, it is possible for a home to be completely “off-grid” or entirely powered by solar and storage batteries. However, it is not possible to power your entire home with one battery. Typically, a single battery is used to provide power for critical loads during an outage or to off-set demand during peak pricing hours. Depending on your energy consumption demands and the capability of your array to produce clean, renewable energy from the sun, multiple batteries may need to be combined to store and release the energy you are demanding. The number of batteries needed to power an entire home is determined by the amount of energy you consume.

Each storage battery brand and model have different chemistry and components which determine the best placement based on interior and exterior climates. Some batteries cannot be placed in hot climates, while others cannot not handle freezing temperatures. The ideal placement for increased longevity and greatest performance is often an interior space like a garage or utility room.

Yes, a storage battery can be used to charge an electric vehicle just like they can be used to power a refrigerator, TV, computer and lights.

For more information, read our blog article Electric Vehicles + Solar Panels, The New Dream Team.

Each battery model has a unique capacity for storing your access solar energy. Typically, storage battery systems range between 10–13.5 kWh of storage capacity. Another factor when considering your battery storage capacity is the Depth of Discharge (DoD). Not all battery systems will allow you to use them until there is no charge left. The discharge is often limited to aid in prolonging the lifespan of the battery.

The length of charge depends on the size and type of the battery, the amount of energy being consumed, the quantity of storage batteries you have and the amount of renewable solar energy being sent to the battery during use. An average home drawing 750–1,000 watts of power per hour with a 10-kWh storage battery at full charge will last approximately 10-12 hours. A 13.5-kWh storage battery will last approximately 13.5–16.8 hours per battery. If your storage system is designed to only cover critical loads, the time duration of usable energy can greatly increase.

Yes, but not every storage battery can be added to every solar array. Some storage batteries can only be installed with compatible solar equipment. Most major storage battery manufactures have varying degrees of compatibility with other equipment manufacturers. The degree of difficulty and cost to integrate a battery storage solution is often dependent on whether your system was initially designed with the intention to add battery storage at a later date. A detailed list of your existing equipment, onsite inspection and general knowledge of your use for a battery is often the first steps in deciding if a storage battery is right for you. Contact a Solar Energy Consultant today to learn more about battery storage options for your solar array.

A storage battery system can be programed to pull energy from the battery during certain hours or periods of the day, rather than consuming energy directly from the utility. This configuration helps solar + storage owners avoid paying for expensive electricity during peak pricing periods. While you may not completely stop purchasing energy from the utility, you can certainly purchase utility power when it is less expensive and save money.

For more information, view our Typical Workday Energy Cycle graph.

To receive an accurate estimate for a battery storage solution, Eagle Point Solar teams need to understand your goals for incorporating  battery storage to design an optimal solution for your needs. Is your goal to offset peak utility energy rates during certain hours of the day? Is your goal to have power during utility outages and only provide power to certain essential household devices? Do you want to power your entire home or business if there is an outage? Do you want to keep more of your renewable solar energy versus sending it to your utility when not being consumed? Once your goals are defined, a battery storage energy solution can be designed and engineered to effectively enhance the capabilities of your solar array. To get started, simply contact us.

For more information, visit our Storage + Solar Benefits page.


Installation

We know the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but in the Midwest, the sun is always to the south. So ideally, the more we can point panels facing due south, the better. However, in some cases we are not able to have panels facing directly south. No worries, you can still capture power from the sun with east and west solar panel placement. Our licensed and certified Eagle Point Solar design and engineering team is uniquely qualified to supply you with the necessary energy production designs and reports for your particular solar project to help answer these questions.

For more information, read our blog article How Many Solar Panels Will I Need?

Roof mounted solar arrays are common because they are utilizing space not used and often the roof receives minimal shading. Solar can be mounted on a frame which is built on the ground or in some cases single poles can be used as a mounting mechanism. Which solar mounting or racking system is right for you greatly depends on your home or business location, local building codes, covenants etc.

For more information, read our blog article 5 Questions to Help You Decide To Go Solar.

Check out our solar array installations here: https://eaglepointsolar.com/projects/

It is not recommended to install your own system. The process requires qualified electrical and roofing expertise to ensure the system is safe and optimally designed for maximum production. Often, solar equipment manufacturers will require a certified expert for the installation due to the equipment warranty specifications.

When the best design and installation practices are followed your roof will maintain its integrity. With many roof types there are no additional attachments to the roof facing.

Most often, the answer is no. More than 40 states have Solar Access Laws providing varying degrees of protection against restrictions anyone can place on your solar energy system. Work with a certified installer to learn more about the laws and policies in your area. Eagle Point Solar can certainly work with you and your Home Owners Association to provide solar education.

There are several factors that determine whether your home is a candidate for solar power.

Your roof design matters, the best roofs for solar are those south-facing with enough space for solar panels. The solar panels need to retrieve the sun;s ray;s most of the day and not be shaded by trees or other obstructions. Our team conducts an assessment of your property in order to provide you with the best possible solar energy system.

The process of installing a solar array is usually done in one or two days for a residential system. Before our crew can install an array, it takes several weeks to prepare a project from permit approvals to equipment procurement to have the smoothest installation possible. Whenever possible, Eagle Point Solar teams will do the permitting and paperwork work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way.

There are some jurisdictions that require you to post the building/electrical permit in a conspicuous place (normally so it can be seen from the road) once you start the project.  The permit can be removed after the project is complete and a passed inspection report is received from the issuing jurisdiction.


New Home Construction

When designing your new home, a 7/12 roof pitch with a larger portion of southern exposure is optimal for a roof-mounted solar array. Systems can be installed on various roof pitches as well as east or west-facing roofs. In doing so, more panels are often required to achieve the best performance to reach your energy production goals.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

Planning the placement of conduit during the new home construction process is a great idea and can save you money on the installation of your solar array. Installing a 2″ metallic conduit from the attic to the location of your electrical load center will allow for DC wiring to be easily installed from your roof-mounted solar array to your load center. If you plan to build a ground-mounted solar array, place conduit underneath any cement, patio, landscaping etc. where the wires will enter the home or meet with the existing utility meter.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

If you plan to install a ground-mounted solar array once your new home is complete, try to keep all public and private utility lines out of the trench path from the array location to the utility meter. This will help reduce labor cost and ensure a safe work area.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

If you plan to build a ground-mounted solar array after your new home is complete, prepare a section of your property to be flat (if possible) with an approximate pad of 50′ x 20′ for a typical residential array. This will help save money on installation time and ensure your array is installed to achieve maximum production.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

To ensure a simple connection in the load center, we recommend installing a 225A Square D Homeline load center, with a 200A main breaker. The solar breaker is a two pole breaker and will need two free slots on the opposite end of the bus bar from the main breaker. Approximately 90% of all standard-sized residential installations will be able to be made in this size of load center.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

Leave about 4′ of wall space inside the home on either side of the electrical load center for placement of the solar array inverter. Additionally, leave about 3′ of exterior wall space on either side of the utility meter for placement of the utility disconnect required for your solar array.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

The solar array inverter will be connected to your home internet service for online monitoring. We recommend placing your internet router adjacent to your load center to ease the communications install and connectivity.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

If you are considering solar+storage or simply adding a battery at a later date, you will want to leave 5′ of extra wall space on either side of the load center. Don’t forget to take into account space for the inverter next to the load center which requires an additional recommended 4′ of wall space.

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.

When building your new home, planting a tree in the yard or adding smaller trees along your landscaping helps to quickly beautify your property. When adding trees to your property (or choosing to keep existing trees), consider the size of the tree in 25-30 years. Could it potentially shade your roof or ground solar array causing loss of production in the future? Our designers and engineers can typically work around minor shading issues and build an array which meets your production goals. Keep in mind you can always contact us before planting to walk the site with you and provide our recommendations for the best placement of your new tree(s).

For more information, read our blog article Building A Solar-Ready Home.


Monitoring

If you agreed to provide internet in your solar array contract, you will receive two emails: one from the monitoring portal provider, and one from Eagle Point Solar. The email from the monitoring portal will give you a link to register your email address. The email from Eagle Point Solar will have a short walk-through description for setting up your account and explanation of the monitoring portal. If you do not receive this email from Eagle Point Solar within 5 business days from the time your array is turned on, please email: support@eaglepointsolar.com

For more information, read our blog article The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.

Eagle Point Solar provides monitoring clients with email instructions on how to access monitoring after Power To Operate (PTO) is granted. If you do not receive this email from Eagle Point Solar within 5 business days from the time your array is turned on, please email: support@eaglepointsolar.com

Yes, Eagle Point Solar offers the capability to provide internet-based (online) production monitoring of your solar array. This provides us (and you) the ability to monitor the solar production and to troubleshoot anything which may need attention.

For more information, read our blog article The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.

Monitoring your Eagle Point Solar array can be done with the correct app and online access using most electronic (desktop and mobile) devices running Apple, Android and Microsoft operating systems. Application monitoring capabilities depends on the software development provided by the manufacturer. Often, manufacturers offer online portals through a web browser as well as mobile apps.

For more information, read our blog article The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.

Only energy which travels through your meter appears on your utility bill. The utility bill does not show the total energy produced by your solar energy system. Not all the energy you produce is sold to the utility, only the left-over energy, as known as Net Energy. Your bill reflects net sales not net usage. If you are producing energy at the same time you are consuming energy it will not appear on your utility bill.

For more information, read our blog article Utility Net Metering vs. Utility Net Billing.


Maintenance

In the event of a fire or flood, there is nothing special you need to do for your solar array. If you would normally turn off electricity in either situation, your solar array can be turned off at the electricity shut off switch located by your electric meter.

Generally, there is no need to clean the panels as Mother Nature takes care of that in the Midwest. Spring rains and winter snow will provide the best glass cleaning for your solar panels.

For more information, read our blog article Snow & Your Solar Array.

A solar panel has no moving parts. Additionally, when quality components are used, your solar array will require very little maintenance. In fact, a glass solar panel remains relatively clean by naturally being exposed to the rain and snow.

For more information, read our blog article Service and Support for Your Solar Array.

If you believe your solar array needs service or support, simply complete our online Service and Support Request Form and we’ll be in touch.

There are a variety of options you can choose for landscaping underneath ground mounted solar panels. Plants such as wildflowers, vegetables and grasses often grow well under solar panels. Shaded plants require less water and help to keep the temperature under the panels cooler, in turn maximizing the panels efficiency. Other options include rocks or mulch on top of landscape cloth to reduce the possibility of unwanted growth for a cleaner lower maintenance appearance.


Service & Support

This will be different, depending on your installation:

  • For hardwire customers, it should be as simple as plugging the CAT-6 cable back into the new router.
  • For customers with hardline directly to inverter, this cable will need to be plugged into the new router.
  • For Zigbee customers, you will plug the ethernet cable into the new router.
  • Engenius customers will need to plug ethernet cable into the new router.
  • CDMA customers should not be affected by this.
  • For ECU customers, this will require a service call to Eagle Point Solar.

For more information, read our blog article The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.

First, check your internet router/connection. This is the same as if your internet on a computer goes out. Second, check your solar array owner’s manual for your specific communication systems directions.

If you have an Enphase Envoy communications unit (LCD, S/IQ or IQ Combiner) and show (Web-) on the screen, select your unit below for instructions on reestablishing a connection to the internet.

Old Style (LCD) Envoy: https://enphase.com/en-us/support/envoy-offline/envoy-r?_ga=2.8080690.1889439192.1614868724-1192004261.1603296516

Envoy-S/IQ Envoy: https://enphase.com/en-us/support/envoy-offline/envoy-s

IQ Combiner (Envoy built in): https://enphase.com/en-us/support/envoy-offline/iq-combiner

If you are still having trouble with your solar array communications, simply complete our online Service and Support Request Form and we’ll be in touch.

Most solar components carry a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 25-years. As with any other products you may purchase, warranties can be driven by the quality of the equipment you are considering. Cheaper equipment can mean shorter warranties and more issues regarding the need for service and support.

Eagle Point Solar generally warrants our workmanship for 5 years. Added warranty extensions are possible during the development of the initial contract.

For more information, read our blog article A Guide to Solar Panel Warranties.

Between hours (before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. / M-F) please complete our Service and Support Request Form here: https://eaglepointsolar.com/contact/

Once the form is submitted, it will be received by a member of the Eagle Point Solar Service & Support Team during our hours of operation. A member of the team will follow up with you to offer assistance.

The utility bill shows the net difference between energy produced and energy used. If that month you use more energy than you produced, your bill will show an amount due for energy consumed from the utility. If you produce more solar energy than you consume, your bill will show a credit.

For more information, read our blog article on Utility Net Metering versus Utility Net Billing.

Your existing solar array is certainly a valuable investment and you have enjoyed the benefits of clean, free solar energy… now you need to make an informed decision with regard to your new location. 

 Option 1: Take the system with you

Before you jump into this option it is necessary to look into building codes, rules and regulations for the new property. Some properties are simply better candidates for solar than others due to shading, roof specifications, utility policy and new local rules and regulations which may have been put in place since your solar energy system was purchased and installed. There are situations were the cost of removing, transporting and reinstalling your existing system may be equal or more than installing a new system at your new location. 

 Option 2: Leave the solar energy system behind

Without a doubt, selling the house with solar will make your life easier, help it sell faster and for more money. Solar is a great selling feature for homeowners who are interested in living green or who want a low electric bill. The funds generated from a higher selling price can be used to purchase a new system designed and engineered specifically for your new property location. A new solar energy system will provide new equipment warranties, greater efficiency and may be eligible for incentives, grants or other programs to help further offset the cost. Here are some reasons why you should consider leaving your existing array behind.

• Your existing array was professionally designed, engineered and custom built for your current property. It was designed specifically for your roof or ground layout taking into account the geography of the region with regard to sunlight exposure, shading, weather data and your home’s energy usage. 

• Your new home may consume more or less energy than your existing system was designed to produce. Either way, you will need to assess your new property and have it properly examined by a solar design and engineering expert to achieve optimal results using your existing equipment. A new design, plot plan, contract, interconnection agreement  and construction documentation will be required to be completed using your existing equipment.

• Your new home may not have a similar roofline or ground space to maximize positioning of the panels to capture the same amount of energy. You may need to add more panels or equipment to obtain a similar amount of energy offset as your previous location.

• If you remove your existing system, you could greatly reduce the current value of your property since it is no longer capable of producing clean, renewable and sustainable energy for the future homeowners.

• If your existing system is roof-mounted, you will need to patch and repair any roof sections once the system is removed. For a ground system, you will need to fill in the holes where the support beams where pounded into the ground.

Eagle Point Solar recommends leaving your solar energy system at the property it was first installed on. It typically makes the most sense to leave the old system behind and purchase a new, more efficient system, custom designed for the new property to achieve the best solar energy results. 

When a property owner installs solar panels, they will typically become a net metering customer. Net metering is a policy used throughout most of the country that credits solar customers for excess energy produced by their solar panels. This changes the way these customers’ bills are calculated. After installing solar, a customer’s bill may include some of the following terms:

Net Meter Balance (Parallel Generation): The net difference between energy produced, carried over balance and energy used.

Total Received Generation: The energy produced by the solar array which is not immediately consumed and sent to the utility grid.

For more information, read our blog article on Utility Net Metering versus Utility Net Billing.

Select a link below to review details explaining your utility bill terms and definitions:

Alliant Energy (WI & IA)

MidAmerican Energy

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS)

Excel Energy

ComEd

Ameran

We Energy

If your SolarEdge inverter is displaying error codes or is not communicating with the internet, power cycling can help. Power cycling is the inverters equivalent to shutting down and restarting. Download the PDF for instructions on how to power cycle your SolarEdge inverter.

For most solar owners, it simply means you transition by building a relationship with a new local installer who offers turnkey solar energy solutions and is certified and experienced to work on your specific brand of equipment. Think of it similar to switching your auto mechanic or heating and cooling company.

For more information, read our blog article What Happens If Your Solar Company Relocates, Merges Or Goes Out Of Business?


Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

The solar array is paid for in full by the Investor (Co-Owner) who will then sell the electricity coming off the solar array to the Energy Consumer (Buyer) at a lower rate than they are paying the utility.

The Investor (Co-Owner) will own the solar array through the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The Investor (Co-Owner) will take advantage of the tax credits and will also be selling the power coming off the solar array(s).

The Investor (Co-Owner) is responsible for any maintenance the solar array(s) require. Maintenance of issues with the physical solar array does not include maintaining the grounds around the solar array.

The Investor (Co-Owner) will own the solar array during the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and is responsible for the insurance on the solar array.

Any damage or malfunction of the solar array during the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is the responsibility of the Investor (Co-Owner).

Each solar array is monitored for its energy production. The Energy Consumer (Buyer) will receive a bill from the Investor (Co-Owner) for the electricity coming off the solar array. Because the Energy Consumer (Buyer) will still be tied to the utility grid for a portion of their consumption, they will also receive a bill from the utility. The combination of these two bills will be lower than what the buyer is currently paying for electricity from the utility.

Yes, this is correct. The only downside to the Energy Consumer (Buyer) is the space being taken up by the solar array.

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