HomeFAQs

FAQs

Your Questions. Answered.

How does solar energy work?

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity. An inverter converts that into AC electricity—the type your home or business uses. Excess energy is sent back to the grid (net metering) or stored in a battery for later use. The result: lower utility bills, energy independence, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Do you offer warranties?

Yes, we stand behind our work:

  • 25-year warranty on solar panels (manufacturer)

  • 10 to 15-year warranty on inverters and batteries

  • 10-year workmanship warranty on our installation labor

  • Ongoing performance monitoring to catch issues early

How much does a solar system cost?

The cost varies based on your energy usage, roof size, and panel selection. On average:

  • Residential (The Sunkeeper™): $15,000–$35,000 before incentives

  • Commercial (The Powerforge™): Custom quoted based on system size

After the 30% federal tax credit, most homeowners pay significantly less. We provide free, custom quotes with no obligation.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Yes! We offer flexible payment options for both plans:

For The Sunkeeper™ (Residential):

  • Cash purchase

  • $0 down solar loans (10–25 years)

  • Lease

  • PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)

For The Powerforge™ (Commercial):

  • Cash purchase

  • Commercial loans (5–20 years)

  • Commercial lease

  • PPA

  • ECA (Energy Contract Agreement)

We also help you navigate the 30% federal ITC and state-specific incentives.

What is the 30% federal tax credit and how do I claim it?

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your total system cost from your federal taxes. For example, if your system costs $25,000, you get **$7,500 back** on your taxes. This applies to both residential and commercial systems.

How to claim:

  • File IRS Form 5695 for residential systems

  • File IRS Form 3468 for commercial systems

  • No cap on system size

  • Available through 2032 (stepping down after)

Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.

How long does installation take?

Most residential installations are completed in 1 to 3 days once permits are approved. The full process, from site survey to final inspection and grid connection, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your local utility and municipality timelines.

For commercial systems: Installation timelines vary based on system size and complexity. We provide a detailed schedule during the proposal phase.

What happens during a power outage?

Without a battery, your solar system will shut off during an outage for safety reasons. With our battery storage solutions, your system automatically disconnects from the grid and powers your home using stored energy. We install systems from Tesla, Enphase, and Generac for seamless backup.

Do you handle permits and paperwork?

Absolutely. Solara Contracting manages every step of the administrative process:

  • Local building permits

  • HOA approvals (if applicable)

  • Utility interconnection applications

  • Incentive and rebate paperwork

You don’t have to make a single phone call to the city or utility, we handle it all.

Do I need to clean or maintain my solar panels?

Solar panels require very little maintenance. Rain typically keeps them clean. However, we recommend an annual inspection to check for debris, bird droppings, or any shading issues. With our performance monitoring, we can detect drops in production remotely and alert you if something needs attention.

What happens if I move?

If you own your system (cash or loan):

  • It stays with the home and adds value (4–6% increase in resale value)

  • You can include the remaining loan balance in the home sale

If you lease or have a PPA:

  • You can transfer the agreement to the new homeowner (subject to approval)

  • You can also buy out the system before selling

We provide full documentation to make the transition smooth.

Still have questions?

Our team is ready to walk you through every detail. Whether you’re just curious or ready to go solar, we’ll give you honest, straightforward information.

In-house installation teams

We never outsource your installation to unknown crews. Every Solara Contracting project is handled by our own certified W-2 employees, not third-party subcontractors.

Premium Equipment Partnerships

Every system is built with high-efficiency panels, reliable inverters, and smart battery storage from Tesla, Enphase, and Generac. You get top-tier performance backed by strong manufacturer warranties.

End-to-End Project Management

Going solar involves permits, HOA approvals, utility paperwork, inspections, and interconnection agreements. We manage every single step so you don’t have to.