Frequently asked questions

We will provide you with a zero obligation free estimate for your home or business based on the solar potential for your property and your individual energy needs.

Every property is unique, so we can’t give a definitive answer without giving you a free estimate and assessing the property in person if necessary. If your property receives partial sun, you could benefit from a solar power system.

By requesting a free estimate, you can learn:

• whether a solar power system will work for you
• how much your system will cost
• how much lower your electricity bill will go
• how soon your solar investment pays for itself

The cost of a solar energy system depends on several factors including:

• current energy usage
• how much energy you want to offset
• available unshaded roof space
• the size of your installation
• the location of your property
• available solar energy incentives
• your utility’s net metering policy and other factors

Solar-powered homes appreciated 17%, and sold 20% faster on average than non-solar homes, according to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). A study in California estimated that purchasing a solar energy system could increase the resale value of your home by more than $5,000 per kilowatt added. The average residential system size is 3.1 kilowatt. Returns will vary based on where you live and the size of your installation.

Energy use and the size of your solar energy system will determine your savings. With little or no start-up costs, a solar power system starts paying for itself immediately. Your savings will increase each year as the cost of electricity rises. A typical return on investment is about 15-20%.

With a large enough system, it’s possible to greatly reduce or lower your monthly electric charge down to $0. However, if your system is grid-tied, you will still have a monthly fee. Many homeowners receive “negative” electricity bills by taking advantage of various solar incentives. Their solar panels don’t simply offer electricity savings – they generate passive income day after day. Results will vary season to season – your system will typically generate more energy in the summer than the winter.

Not all solar energy systems are created equal. We offer several types of solar panels to suit your budget and needs. Solar panel efficiencies range from 15-21%. The most efficient panels convert the most amount of sunlight into electricity, maximizing your returns. But, you guessed it — generally, the more efficient the panels are higher in price. More efficient solar panels generate more power than less efficient panels within the same amount of space, so you will need fewer solar panels to produce the energy needed. You can maximize your available roof space by choosing the best, unobstructed location for electricity production.

Every property is unique in terms of its potential solar energy output. Additionally, each home or business owner has different energy needs. Star Solar Specialists will determine the best components for your solar power system following an inspection of your home or business and speaking with you regarding your energy goals and current electricity consumption. You can get this process started by requesting a free estimate.

Shade can be a problem as solar does operate at the optimal output when the system is capturing direct sunlight. Star Solar Specialists can evaluate your specific situation and provide options for you.

On cloudy days, your solar panels will continue to generate energy, however, they will not generate as much energy as they would in full sun.

For nighttime energy use, you have two options:

• Store excess solar energy in batteries. When the sun goes down, you simply use these batteries to power your nighttime electricity needs. This option is generally used by those who are fully “off-grid” on their property.
• Feed excess solar electricity into the utility grid during the day (at a profit) and buy it back at night. Under this arrangement, the entire electricity grid becomes your de facto battery storage.

The solar panels that we use in our installations are guaranteed by the manufacturer for 25 years. Many solar panels have been known to continue performing for 45-50 years. 

Roof repairs after solar installation are rare. This is because we will inspect your roof before installing your solar power system. If repairs are needed, we will make recommendations before installing racks and panels. Solar panels help to protect your roof from normal wear and tear and severe weather.

If your roof happens to need repairs after your solar power system is installed, your system will need to be removed temporarily. Contact us to learn more about this process at (812) 913-0867 or info@starsolarspecialists.com

You can save 30% off the cost of a solar power installation with federal renewable energy incentives. There are countless federal, state, and local incentives available today which will make installing a solar power system affordable for you. The incentives available depend on where you live and the size of your installation.

We will help you determine which incentives are available to you, and will even assist you in applying for the most relevant solar incentives for your property and location. To get started, request a free estimate.