This page lists common customer questions and helpful tips on how to answer them. This is a sales member resource page and not intended to be shared with customers.
For a great customer-facing page to share, check out: https://palmetto.com/learning-center/why-solar
Question List:
How do I know if solar is right for me?
There are several factors we can look at to determine if solar might be a good solution for your needs, including roof space, home energy usage, credit health, and eligibility for incentives. At Palmetto, we start by calculating a quick savings estimate based on your home, location, and current utility costs. Then, we’ll schedule a meeting to clarify your goals, address any questions, identify purchase options, and outline the solar process. All of this happens before you pay, allowing you to decide if solar is right for you based on a complete understanding of the potential costs and savings.
Where should I start? It seems complicated.
You’re right, solar energy can feel very complex, especially if you’re researching providers, technologies, incentives, municipal requirements, permits, and the list goes on. That’s why Palmetto created end-to-end solar energy solutions that allow you to plug into savings with less time and no hassle. From financing and design through decades of maintenance, tracking, and protection, we oversee every detail so you don’t have to. Visit our product pages to learn more about Palmetto’s solar solutions.
How do I find the right solar energy provider?
Depending on where you live, there may be hundreds of providers in your area or only a few. Either way, it can be difficult to find the right specialist for your solar energy needs and trust that you’re getting the best service. What’s more, many solar companies go out of business in the first few years, leaving homeowners with complex technologies, aging equipment, and no support.
At Palmetto, we vet and partner with the top solar inspection, service, and maintenance specialists in your area to deliver superior workmanship, guaranteed. Our long-term maintenance and protection programs ensure you’re always in good hands with one-stop access to the best specialists in your area.
How do I choose the right solar energy system for my home?
The right solar energy system for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including your current energy usage, the size and layout of your roof, and your preferred level of energy independence. To hone in on the right solution for your home, we always begin with a personal consultation and survey, both of which serve to clarify your goals and outline available options. Should you choose to invest, we’ll design a custom solution to meet your goals and maximize your savings—no haggling, no upselling, just right.
What happens if I produce more power than I need?
If your home is connected to the grid and you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced will flow back into the grid, earning you a credit on your utility bill. If you choose to integrate energy storage with your solar power system, any excess energy that is produced and not immediately used by your household will function to charge your battery. This, in turn, allows you to access stored solar power for your home any time your energy usage exceeds production. Homeowners not connected to the grid often choose to increase their solar storage capacity to enable uninterrupted power regardless of weather or time of day.
If there is a power outage, will my power go out?
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.
If, however, 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.
When will I make my money back?
Most homeowners can anticipate a break-even point or payback period between two and seven years. This is when your total energy savings will exceed your total installation costs, and varies based on a number of factors including the cost of utilities in your area, the amount of energy you use relative to the amount of energy you produce, the size and complexity of your solar energy system, your energy storage capacity, your eligibility for local and federal incentives, and your preferred financing method. That said, while utility rates continue to rise, clean technologies have never been more affordable or efficient. The result: homeowners are seeing a faster return on investment.
Is it risky?
Not at all. During the initial 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. Since solar panels require little to no maintenance and effectively reduce or eliminate your monthly utility costs, we can easily forecast your savings before you buy. Plus, with best-in-class technologies and lifetime customer support, you’re guaranteed risk-free savings for the lifetime of your solar energy system.
Are solar panels expensive to maintain?
Solar panels require little to no maintenance and often reduce the overall maintenance costs on your home by protecting the structure of your roof. To maximize the performance of your solar array, it is important to keep panels free of dust and debris. Natural patterns of wind and rainfall will do most of the work for you, but annual cleanings can help to keep them functioning at their best. Any advanced maintenance required is often due to unusual circumstances such as pests or home renovations and can easily be performed by a licensed Palmetto specialist.
What if something goes wrong?
At Palmetto, we rely on best-in-class technologies that are both durable and easy to maintain. All of our solar panels come with a 25-year warranty. Customers seeking additional coverage can opt into Palmetto Protect, a comprehensive protection program that includes active energy monitoring, dedicated customer support, exclusive discounts, and top-quality maintenance services.
Will solar panels work on my roof?
Before designing your custom solar solution, 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 the overall condition or 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. In some cases, it may be advisable to have your roof repaired or replaced entirely before the installation of solar panels can begin. Once installed, solar panels can protect your roof and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.
What if I move?
While it is possible to remove a solar panel system 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.
Will I end up with outdated technology in a few years?
The first solar cells were manufactured by Bell Laboratories in the late 1950s and are still functional today. Likewise, panels installed on homes in the 1970s and 80s continue to generate power. Most solar modules today have a 25-year power output warranty and may continue to produce power well beyond that point. Homeowners interested in additional protection and savings can enroll in Palmetto Protect and earn quick access to energy monitoring, dedicated customer support, exclusive discounts, and best-in-class maintenance services.
What does it mean to be "off the grid"? Is that what I would be doing?
A home that functions “off the grid” is not dependent on public utilities, namely power, and water. That said, wherever public utilities are available, we recommend maintaining a connection. This allows you to source power from both public utilities and solar panels depending on your usage needs relative to the power generated by your solar array. Homeowners who wish to function “off the grid”, whether by location/necessity or choice, typically require a larger solar array and the addition of a solar energy storage system (also known as a battery storage system).
What about aesthetics? Will solar panels fit the design of my home?
You might be surprised. There have been huge advancements in solar technologies over the last decade alone, resulting in solar panels that seamlessly integrate with the architecture of your home.
Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days? What if I live in a cloudy area?
It’s a common misconception that solar panels won’t work in cloudy, rainy, or snowy areas. In reality, your solar panels can still capture and generate power from indirect light. During the initial consultation, survey, and design process, we’ll examine your overall energy usage relative to your potential solar energy production and structure your array to optimize savings. Geography and weather are key factors in this process. In some cases, we may recommend integrating battery storage with your solar energy system to extend the benefits of energy produced across cloudy and inclement weather.
What if my utility bill is pretty low already?
Utility rates vary by location so some American households benefit from low monthly costs. That said, utility rates are generally on the rise, and the environmental costs of relying on fossil fuels remain.