Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions related to solar power.
How much does solar energy cost?
Today, solar energy costs less than traditional electricity in many markets. While the greatest savings occurs from an upfront purchase, many customers are able to reduce their monthly electrical cost even after the price of financing. Actual savings will depend on several factors including utility rates, electrical usage, and available sunlight.
What are the upfront costs if I don’t finance?
10% of the total is due at the time of contract signing, 60% is due on the first day of installation with the remaining 30% being due at final inspection and approval of all permits.
What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?
The Federal Solar Tax Credit is an incentive that allows you to claim a tax credit for 26% of the total cost of installing your solar power system. If the credit exceeds your total tax bill, your taxes for that year will be completely eliminated, and the remaining credit can be applied to future tax bills. To take advantage of this incentive, simply fill out this form, and submit it with your federal tax return.
How does financing impact the tax credit?
Solar loans are typically structured to take maximum advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which you have the option to either keep or use to pay down your loan.
What happens to financing terms if the Federal ITC cannot be captured in total after year 1?
In situations where the entire Federal Tax Credit can not be applied in the first year, the unused credit amount will roll forward indefinitely.
Does Nova Solar offer lease agreements or power purchase agreements/PPAs?
No, nor do we recommend them. For customers wanting a zero down option, financing represents a much better value.
Does Nova Solar offer financing?
Absolutely – using lenders with competitive rates is one of the most crucial steps in making financed solar lucrative. We work with both Dividend Finance, Sungage Financial, Sunlight Financial and Atmos Financial who are some of the lowest rate solar financiers in the industry, all of whom offer zero-down options.
Who is your lender and what terms do they offer?
We work with multiple lenders to offer the most competitive rates. Among these are Atmos, Halo, Sungage, and Sunlight. Our partners offer a wide array of financing options to cater to homeowner’s unique needs; whether you have excellent credit or are working to improve it, our flexible options ensure there’s a suitable plan for everyone looking to make the switch to solar energy.
Why is the installer loan cost higher than the cash purchase amount?
Many solar loan options include a buydown, which enables borrowers to obtain lower interest rates by accepting a larger borrowed amount. While a cash purchase may seem more straightforward in terms of cost, the installer loan provides the advantage of spreading the expense over time, making solar more accessible without the need for a significant upfront payment. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing option to fully understand the associated costs and benefits.
Where would I find details on financing rate/payoff time etc.?
Anytime you receive a quote from Nova Solar, you will also receive our Financing Sheet with all options we offer as well as what these options would look like for you, in terms of monthly payments and total cost. Additionally, our staff can answer any questions you may have via phone or email.
I have secured funding with an outside lender, can you work with them?
Homeowners are more than welcome to finance their system through their own lender. These deals are structured the same as cash contracts in respect to the solar system.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a stipulation that requires utility companies to give you credit for any excess electricity your system produces. For example, a home that consumes 30 kWhs of grid electricity during the night, and produces an excess of 30 kWhs of solar electricity during the day would register as having used no grid electricity at all. The value of net excess generation over a billing cycle can be applied to future months.
Can I sell my extra energy back to my electrical company?
It depends where you live.
In D.C., net excess generation (NEG) is credited to customers’ accounts at the full retail rate (in dollars). It can then be used to offset any future charges on that account. However, the credit is never paid out.
In Maryland, NEG energy credits (in kWh) are rolled forward month to month to be used for future use. If credits still exist after a 12-month period, they will be paid out at the generation rate.
In Virginia, NEG (in kWh) are rolled forward month to be used for future use. If credits still exist after a 12-month period, they can be rolled over to the next 12-month period, up to a limit.
In both Maryland and Virginia, it is not a good idea to design a system that produces significantly more electricity than is used. This is not necessarily the case in D.C., where the incentives are so substantial that NEG can provide a positive investment even if the energy credits are never used.
How is payback time calculated?
We tabulate the estimated cash outlays (i.e. buying the system) and cash inflows (utility savings, SRECs, ITC) for each year. The payback occurs when the value of inflows exceeds the outlays
How do I request a free quote?
You can request a free quote here.
My home has not been built. Can I still get a solar installation estimate?
Yes, we would be happy to provide a solar quote for your new construction project. We need four things in order to do so:
- Energy usage report: You can use this Home Energy Calculator, download the results to a PDF and attach it to your email reply
- Number of solar eligible roof faces: this includes any roof face with between a 90°-270° orientation with no shading obstructions
- The dimensions, slope, and orientation of the roof faces from #2
- House plans
Read this blog post for more in depth information on going solar during/after a new home build.
What are standard test conditions?
Standard Test Conditions (STC) refer to the fixed set of conditions under which solar panels are tested and named (e.g. a 300W panel). The three factors are temperature of the cell (25°C), solar irradiance (1000w/sq. m) and mass of air (1.5 atmospheric units) and they approximate what a panel would produce at the equator at noon during equinox. Because these are extremely ideal conditions, they can generally be considered the maximum a panel could produce.
Because these factors are constantly fluctuating, the actual output of panels with different amounts of sunlight exposure in different parts of the world during different times of the day will almost never reach STC. This is also the reason why properly designed systems will have greater solar panel capacity than they will inverter capacity (see next FAQ).
How does permitting work? Do you handle it all or do I have to take action?
Your project manager will handle all the permitting responsibilities for your solar system.
What all does Nova Solar handle?
Our goal is to make every homeowner’s transition to solar as fun and easy as possible. A big part of that means us handling pre-installation approvals like zoning, building, utility interconnection, HOA, historic district, etc. as well as post-installation items like tax incentives, warranty registrations, SREC applications, and so on. We do need homeowner assistance from time to time for things like property plats and neighbor signatures, but we keep these items to a minimum as best as we can.
If a panel/panels need to be removed for roof repair, who would remove them and how much would it cost?
The cost of complete or partial solar system detach-resets are based on the specifics of the project.
What are some of the safety concerns, i.e., are there increased chances of fire?
All construction projects involve inherent risk during installation and operation, and solar is no exception. We use highly-trained designers, top-of-the-line materials, and experienced installation crews to ensure we have safe, reliable systems.
Do you provide an app for real-time monitoring of the system?
Our Enphase microinverters come with production monitoring. Both the app and the website provide real-time monitoring of your solar system and the status of each individual panel, making troubleshooting much simpler, if ever needed.
What would happen to our system if Nova Solar goes out of business?
The equipment we install, including the racking, inverters, and modules is not only backed by our 25-year installer warranty but also with a 25-year manufacturer warranty which would be useful even if we went out of business.
If I want an EV charger down the line, how would the system need to be changed to accommodate that?
Both EV chargers and battery backup are very easy to add to a system at any time with no additional changes necessary.
Should I check with my mortgage company before getting solar panels?
The addition of solar panels should not affect the mortgage agreement with your home lender, although you may want to make sure that your home insurance covers your solar system.
How do I get my new meter installation from my utility company?
Your utility company has 31 days from the day of passed inspection to come install your new two-way meter.
If I plan to get an EV in the future, should I get a larger system now?
Probably- although solar systems are expandable, installations should be done in one stage whenever possible. Splitting the average solar system into two separate installations increases the total cost by more than $11,000. There are a variety of solutions for things like unknown usage (new construction, recent purchase), future usage (electric vehicle, hot tub, etc.) or limited budget that should be explored before resorting to splitting a system.
Should I replace my roof before installing solar?
We heavily recommend roof replacement when going solar if your roof has less than 10 years of life left. This will help ensure that your system does not have to be taken down and reinstalled later down the road, which typically costs several thousand dollars. If you are unsure about how much life your roof has left, we recommend having evaluated by a professional roofer.
Does Nova Solar do roof replacements?
We don’t do roofing ourselves, but we are happy to send an introductory email to our roofing partner. These costs can typically be added to your solar loan, enabling you to get a new roof and solar with no money down.
How do solar energy systems work?
Photovoltaic (PV) systems work by converting light emitted from the sun into electrical current. It’s the same technology found on pocket calculators, just on a larger scale. Modern systems do this by using crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells made of multicrystalline, and monocrystalline silicon. These cells are housed in panels that output direct current (DC) electricity, which is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter. The current is then sent to your existing electrical panel where it is distributed throughout the home.
Is my home a good candidate for solar power?
The DMV has a great climate for solar power, receiving nearly the same amount of sunlight per year as places like Jacksonville or Atlanta (who are known for their torrid climate). Other important considerations include the layout, orientation of your roof (with moderate-slope southward facing roofs being optimal), and items that may obstruct sunlight getting to the panels (trees, adjacent buildings, etc.).
If your home is located in Northern VA you can use the Northern VA Solar Map to get an idea of your potential to benefit from solar. Click here to access the map. If you are located in DC, Virginia, or Maryland you can use Google’s Project Sunroof to research your home’s solar potential. Click here for a link to Project Sunroof.
Are there different panels that produce more energy?
The LS550BL is the highest producing all-black module that we know of.
How do your panels compare to some of the other top manufacturers?
We made the switch from other top manufacturers to became a single-panel provider a few years ago and the benefits have been bigger than we ever imagined. LA Solar is an extraordinarily innovative American company with exceptionally powerful panels that carry a 25-year product and performance warranty. Not to mention, 550w is one of the largest residential panels on the market!
Are Enphase microinverters reliable?
Yes, Enphase microinverters have a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rate of 600 years, which essentially means that if you had 600 microinverters you would expect that one (1) of them would malfunction over a one-year period.
Can I expand my solar system later?
Although solar systems are expandable, installations should be done in one stage whenever possible. Splitting the average solar system into two separate installations increases the total cost by more than $11,000. There are a variety of solutions for things like unknown usage (new construction, recent purchase), future usage (electric vehicle, hot tub, etc.) or limited budget that should be explored before resorting to splitting a system.
How long will my solar energy system last?
When properly installed, a PV system will last 25-35 years. During that time, most systems require little to no maintenance.
Can a solar/battery system handle high loads, or would they have to be utility power-fed only?
There is no upper limit on what loads can be supplied by solar. Most batteries do have a maximum current draw.
Do you offer the type of inverters that provide power during the day in case utility power is offline?
Like batteries, we do not recommend Sunlight Backup. We think that EV backup (see article here: https://novasolar.com/the-future-of-energy-storage/) is a much more promising technology. We have experienced a high number of malfunctioning Sunlight Backups units with the systems that we have installed. Given Enphase’s reputation, we expect these issues to be worked out eventually but still think it is not a very pressing technology. The current system is also compatible with Sunlight Backup if you want to add it later.
Why is inverter capacity less than solar panel capacity?
Homeowners reviewing solar system specifications may notice that the aggregate capacity of their inverters in alternating current (AC) is less than the aggregate capacity of their solar panels in direct current (DC). The reason for this is that solar panel nameplate ratings are based on generic laboratory conditions rather than real-world, site-specific conditions.
Because laboratory conditions almost always exceed real-world conditions and because inverters are more efficient when operating close to capacity, a properly designed solar system will have an inverter capacity less than the solar capacity. Matching the capacity of the solar panels and inverters (DC/AC ratio = 1.0) prevents the inverters from operating at maximum efficiency and results in unnecessary additional cost for the customer.
How can I get more information on the Enphase inverters you use?
Click here for detailed information on Enphase Microinverters.
Do solar systems work during grid power outages?
The vast majority of solar systems in the US are grid-tied systems, which are required to shut down when the utility power goes out to avoid back feeding power into the grid while it is being repaired. Energy storage systems can provide emergency electricity when the grid is down but are generally regarded as inferior to other technologies that serve this purpose.
Should I get a solar attic fan?
Probably not. Although many installers love to use these as a quote differentiator/up-sell item, they cause ventilation short circuits. Attic ventilation is a more delicate science than many people realize and adding additional vents inhibits the proper function of a home’s existing ventilation system.
I am thinking of going with an electric car. Do you offer the plug as an add-on option?
Yes, we do offer EV plug options. The prices are contingent on the specifics of the site. Please let your site surveyor know that you are interested, and your project manager can get you a quote.
How will the solar system interact with the generator system?
We design all our systems to be compatible with a generator at no additional cost. This prevents the generator or solar from damaging each other and allows the generator to function as it normally would.
Is there any need to be concerned for the equipment as the roof can get very hot?
Modules and inverters are required to pass strict tests to become UL Certified, including ambient temperature test of 104° and operating temperatures of 185°.
What does the warranty include?
With our 25 year bumper-to-bumper warranty, if anything were to break on your system, we come out to replace it free of charge. We handle reimbursement from the manufacturer so there is not paperwork required on your end! Our exceptional reputation for warranty service stems from the high-quality of products we use, the extensive training and experience of our installers, and our general dedication to customer service even when something does go wrong.
What would a warranty claim with Nova Solar be like?
A typical warranty claim comes in the form of a customer emailing us saying that one of their microinverters is not producing power, which is visible from their online portal. We investigate the issue, contact the manufacturer for a replacement, and place the service work into scheduling.
Does the warranty cover the service call, shipping, and labor?
Yes, the warranty covers replacing defective parts at absolutely no cost to the homeowner.
Is hail and/or wind damage covered by Nova Solar’s 25 year warranty?
Solar systems are designed for specific criteria, which come from your local jurisdiction, for example 110mph winds and 25mm hail. Damage that is caused by anything within these criteria would be covered under warranty. Damage caused by tornadoes, lightning, trees, etc. would be covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy.
In the event of damage to my roof during installation, how is this handled?
Any penetrations we make to your roof are under warranty for either ten years or for the lifetime of the roof, whichever is longer.
Do you have production warranty?
As a small, independent installer, we do not have a production guarantee due to the administrative burden of processing monthly utility bill reimbursement claims. However, our modules do carry a 25-year product and performance warranty.
What are SRECs?
SRECs, or Solar Renewable Energy Credits, are a way to incentivize and promote the production of solar energy. Think of them as certificates, or rewards you get for every amount of electricity your solar system generates. These are valuable because they can be sold on a market to utilities and other entities that need to meet renewable energy requirements set by governments.
How are SRECs converted into money/savings?
There are several different ways to convert your SRECs into more money, depending on your location and the available markets. These ways include, but are not limited to state SREC markets, utility programs, aggregators or brokers, independent trading platforms, and more. Depending on how they are sold, profit from SRECs may be upfront and all at once or over a period of time.
How will the SRECs be managed? Am I on my own or will you manage in some capacity?
We will handle the SREC application and brokerage account setup with SRECTrade. After that, you can manage your SRECs through the SRECTrade platform.
Do you handle SRECs or does that require active engagement from me?
We recommend leaving your SREC brokerage account on the default setting of automatic sales, which maximizes the amount of money you receive and does not require any active engagement.
The proposal lists ’30 years cost savings’, what are the year-by-year pricing assumptions for the SRECS?
All our quotes include a Detailed Annual Financial Table, which you should be able to select under the Net Financial Impact section of your proposal.
Are SRECs paid out over a period of years or in a lump sum? If not a lump sum, how many years do SRECs pay out in Maryland?
SRECs are paid over a period of years unless you sell the rights to your SRECs upfront. SRECs continue to generate over the lifetime of your system.
When would the SRECs amount be released?
SREC payments are typically made monthly.
If the power is out from the utility, and the sun is out, can the panels still power the house without a battery?
Most solar systems power down in the event of a grid outage. We do offer systems with Sunlight Backup, although we do not generally recommend them based on customer feedback.
Are storage batteries logical in terms of retaining power when the weather cuts down solar cell efficiency?
Because we have net metering in our region, homeowners get a one-to-one credit for any energy they export to the utility grid. In that sense, the grid serves as a free battery with 100% roundtrip efficiency so a battery can only reduce the financial benefits from solar in our region, unlike other regions.
If my power goes out for several days, will I be able to use my solar during the day and then use the battery at night?
Typically, batteries can’t take on the energy load of a household for more than half a day, which is why we recommend a home generator or waiting for the release of the Quasar2 bidirectional charger.
If I wanted a power outage option, what is your recommendation without a battery?
Our professional recommendation is either a home generator or waiting for the release of the Quasar 2 Bidirectional charger (link). With nothing like it on the market, this EV charger will serve as the best storage option and will allow customers to pull energy from your car and send it back to the grid or use it to power your home. Described as very versatile, we expect it to be compatible with our systems and easy to install.
What would it cost to add battery backup? What are the benefits of having that?
We do not offer batteries for a few different reasons: Batteries can typically only power a fraction of household loads for a limited duration (around half a day), plus, homeowners in our region miss out on the financial benefits from batteries (time-of-use optimization, feed-in tariff avoidance) that residents in other states receive. Additionally, prices of battery systems are expected to decrease by 30-40% in the next 5 years and can be installed retroactively when they are more cost beneficial. You can read more here: https://novasolar.com/do-i-need-batteries-for-my-solar-power-system/
How will snow affect my solar panel system?
Very minimally. We have answered this question in greater depth here.
What happens if it hails on my solar panels?
We only use modules that have been hail impact tested.
Will solar panels be allowed by my HOAs?
According to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, homeowners’ associations are not allowed to prohibit the installation of solar panels.
We also dive into this topic on our blog post here.
I have solar installed and I’m wondering why the figures from my monitoring aren’t matching the ones from my utility?
The reason that the figure from your solar monitoring is different from the export figure from your utility meter is because the first measures how much energy your system produces while the second measures how much energy is being exported from your home. The two numbers would only be the same if the home were not using any electricity. As an example, if your system is producing 9000 watts of power and your home is consuming 9000 watts of power, no electricity would be flowing through your meter and, therefore, no power would be exported.
Does Nova Solar use subcontractors?
The widespread use of EPC agreements (where one company sells a system and another designs and installs it) and subcontracting (where one company sells and designs a system and another does the physical installation) in the solar industry causes skepticism among homeowners about who will actually be designing and installing their system. We are a fully licensed solar and electrical contractor. We design and install all our systems in house without the use of subcontractors.
What are some of the environmental benefits of going solar?
A typical solar power system in our area will offset 122 tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, and produce enough electricity to eliminate the need to burn 221 tons of coal.
