Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have some questions about how Solar Panels work and what it’s like signing up with SFE Solar. We’ve provided answers to your questions below, please review and get in touch if you have any more questions!

General

What’s the catch? How can my system not cost anything?

No catch. Simply put – we own and maintain the solar system, so you don’t rent or pay for it. You’ll only pay for the electricity your home generates and definitely save money with SFE Solar.

What will a solar installation do to my curb appeal?

Our sleek solar system designs will be custom-designed for your home, and will only be installed once you are happy with them. Also, the system will inspire your neighbors to get eco-friendly inexpensive electricity too, and that’s the whole point – SFE Solar wants to encourage the use of renewable energy! The appeal of helping the environment and your electricity-generating, money-saving home’s potential will be the word on the curb!

How can I save money with SFE Solar? How does it work?

Most of your electricity will be generated by the sun through the SFE Solar System. With our sleek new solar system, you will start enjoying electricity rates that are lower than your utility’s. Plus with SFE Solar there are no delivery fees for your electricity. You get cheap electricity because you’re no longer relying on electricity flow from the utility.

Am I still with my utility?

You are still a customer of your electricity utility, even when your home is generating its own electricity.  If you need more electricity than our system generates, you will still draw power from your utility seamlessly. This grid connection also allows for net metering in case you over-produce electricity.

Do I still pay my monthly utility bills?

Your utility will continue to generate a monthly statement for you. You are still their customer so you will still pay your customer charge, plus, if the utility has to supply you with any electricity you will see it on a monthly statement from them. According to the utility, customers on certain rate plans are charged a fixed fee for service, regardless of the amount of energy consumed, as well as charges based on usage.

What is net-metering?

Net-metering (or net energy metering, NEM) is a system in which solar panels or other renewable energy generators are connected to a public-utility power grid and surplus power is transferred onto the grid, allowing customers to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility.

Your utility smart meter tracks how much electricity your home is drawing from the power grid, should the solar system not generate enough electricity to cover your needs that day. You can choose to pay your utility bill monthly or annually, however we recommend you continue to pay any monthly amounts to your utility to avoid a year end ‘true up’ bill.

Can I sell electricity to the grid and make money?

When you use less electricity than you generate, your utility will ‘buy’ excess electricity from you. They will do this at the wholesale rate, meaning you will not make a lot of money on any excess production from your system through your utility’s Net Metering process. That is why your system is designed to produce no more than 105% of your estimate consumption, as determined by your historical usage provided by your utility.

How long is the installation process?

The end to end process can take anywhere from 60 – 90 days due to permitting, survey, design and all necessary paperwork. The actual solar system installation on your home takes between 1-3 days depending on the system size. A SFE Solar Project Coordinator will manage all aspects of the process for you, and will be available to answer any questions you might have, throughout the process.

Who insures/maintains and repairs the system?

SFE Solar insures, maintains and repairs the entire system at no additional cost to you.

What is a solar inverter?

A solar inverter converts the direct current output of your solar panels into alternating current, which can be distributed through your home and fed into the electricity grid.

What happens if I move?

If you move you may transfer this agreement to the purchaser of your home.

What happens at the end of 20 years?

Most customers will want to continue to enjoy low cost electricity so they will renew their agreement for 5-10 years. Alternatively, they can choose to buy it at a low cost depreciated value.

Can I use a solar system to heat my pool?

Your pool will not be heated by electricity generated from the SFE Solar System. It will continue to be heated the way it is now, which is likely through water-filled pipes that run across your roof and are already heated by the sun.

Can I cancel my solar system agreement?

You can cancel the transaction without any penalty or obligation no later than prior to midnight of the third business day from signing the agreement. During the term of your agreement, you may buyout the agreement, or transfer the system to a new homeowner.

Who monitors the system?

We do, at no extra charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We also give you access to an online portal where you can monitor the amount of power the Solar System delivers to you, and track your consumption using your computer or smartphone.

Does your company use subcontractors?

Yes, we use fully licensed and insured solar installation experts. The work is being done according to code and by highly skilled professionals.

Who do I contact for repairs?

You call SFE Solar at 1-888-771-2989 and we take care of everything for you.

Solar System Details

What is the standard kW amount of your installed systems?

Each home is sized based on its individual electrical consumption needs.

What is the outright purchase cost of your system installed? Is this even offered?

System cost will vary depending on system size. We do not currently offer up-front purchase options for our system. We will value the system only after the 20-Year Term at Fair Market Value, to provide you with options to renew or terminate your agreement.

Where are your solar panels made?

We use panels from a number of leading manufacturers including LG and Hannah.

What visible surface color are your solar panels?

The panels are in black frame with deep purple or black tint.

What happens when the power goes out?

The system shuts off and restarts automatically when the power comes back on.

Is there an option to create energy when the power goes out?

The option would be to buy power storage, batteries or generator, which would not be very costly and not cost efficient. SFE Solar does not recommend it.

While the SFE Solar system is "grid tied", are there batteries supplied and installed for storage?

No, but if you choose to purchase a solar battery storage system, it will not interfere with the SFE Solar system installed. They will be independent systems that do not need to work together.

How long is your Solar Agreement term?

20 years

Do customers have to legally transfer their SFE Solar agreement upon sale of home?

Yes, the new homeowner will need to take over remaining term of the agreement.

What length of time is the entire system warrantied for?

The entire Solar System is under warranty for the entire term of the agreement.

What is the warranty?

When you have an SFE Solar System, we warranty all parts and labor for the entire term of your agreement. SFE Solar insures the System against all damage or loss, unless the homeowner is negligent, or the panel damage is caused by ball strikes.

Is there 24/7 monitoring of the system?

Yes. SFE Solar monitors the system for you and give you access to the system through an SFE Solar Monitoring portal, 24/7, free of charge.

What impact does the installation have on Home insurance?

There is no requirement to obtain additional insurance on the solar panels. Insurance is covered by SFE Solar.

Still Have a Question?

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