A PPA is an alternative financing option where the customer doesn’t own the solar system. It’s a bit like renting out your roof to produce power.
Not owning the system may seem like a disadvantage at first, but there are a lot of benefits: it means you don’t have to worry about maintenance or repair (or any potential associated costs), for one.
But perhaps the most impactful benefit is the fact that you don’t have to pay for the system upfront. Instead, you buy the power it produces at a less expensive rate than your utility company offers.
This effectively reduces your power bill, and you don’t have to pay anything for the equipment.
Project Solar's PPA options are tailored to provide ideal savings for each customer. Our Customer Experience Team can help determine what plan is the best option for your situation.
Right now, we only offer PPAs in California—however, we’re working to expand our service area for other customers as soon as possible.
The EverFixed Plan is the most basic PPA option we offer.
With EverFixed, Project Solar customers will pay a fixed monthly cost. This payment is based on a set rate per kWh, multiplied by the average projected monthly production of the system.
The EverFixed Plus plan works the same as the EverFixed plan, but a backup battery is added. This battery can store electricity for the evenings, when it typically costs more.
This allows customers to use even less grid power, further reducing costs. Systems with backup batteries can also disconnect from the power grid during outages, which means that your system will keep powering your home if the grid goes out.
In some areas, a backup battery isn’t necessary, but a consumption battery can be beneficial.
A consumption battery uses smart technology to arbitrage energy. Basically, it will store energy for use during peak usage times, when power is most expensive, as well as export energy during the times that provide the highest buyback rates.
This battery option doesn’t include a System Controller/grid transfer switch, meaning it cannot disconnect from the grid and provide power during outages.
Our PowerShift PPA option features all the benefits of the EverFixed plan, plus a consumption battery to provide further savings and minimize grid usage.
For further information on the difference between consumption and backup batteries, check out this article in our help center.
Interest rates are expected to improve as inflation goes down, and financial situations in general can change unexpectedly.
Regardless of the reason why, purchasing/refinancing your system down the road is definitely possible.
To do this, you’ll need to be over 5 years into your agreement. You can also purchase the system at the end of the agreement if you wish.
If you do decide to purchase your PPA system, a third party appraiser will determine the price.
To get started with a Project Solar PPA and lower your energy costs, click here.
There is one main difference between a Power Purchase Agreement and purchasing a solar system with cash/a loan:
With a PPA, you don’t purchase the system at all - it’s more like a lease.
This may sound confusing, especially since the word “purchase” is literally in the name, but entering into a PPA means purchasing the power that the system produces rather than the system itself.
Imagine you wanted to plant a large garden on your property to provide fresh, organic produce for your home - but you couldn’t afford the landscaping or upkeep required to plant one. Instead, you allow a farmer to use your land to plant crops.
This farmer will be responsible for the upkeep of the garden, and will sell you produce at a much discounted rate.
This is basically how a PPA works (with solar power, obviously, not vegetables). The solar company places the system on the customer’s home and is responsible for maintenance and upkeep, while the customer purchases the power produced at a much lower rate than the utility.
So yes, the system itself technically doesn’t cost the customer a dime - however, the customer won’t be able to use the power it produces without paying the agreed-upon cost per kWh.
Project Solar has always offered transparent pricing with no sales commissions, and these values extend to our PPA offerings.
Our PPA options cost $0 upfront, and have absolutely no escalators. Your energy costs will be locked in against inflation for the entire duration of the agreement. We offer options with or without batteries, and we’ll tailor your design to your roof and usage to maximize the system’s production and savings.
To learn more about how Project Solar’s Power Purchase Agreement option can save you money, get started here or contact our Customer Experience Team.
Solar panel quality is generally assessed based on factors such as cell type, efficiency, wattage, and industry ratings. Let's explore these measures and how Project Solar stacks up against them:
We source exclusively high-quality monocrystalline solar panels, which means each solar cell in our panels is cut from a single silicon crystal, rather than from multiple melted crystals (hence, the “mono”). This single-crystal structure has three main benefits: efficiency, low degradation, and uniform appearance.
The purity and clarity of a single silicon crystal means that our modules are all-black, with a sleek, consistent appearance. It also means that electrons can move more freely, increasing efficiency and lowering degradation rates.
For more information on monocrystalline panels and other cell types, check out our article on the subject.
Our black-on-black monocrystalline solar panels offer around 20% efficiency, compared to the average residential panel efficiency of about 18%.
It is true that higher efficiency panels exist, but they’re pretty rare and expensive, and we believe they often come at a premium that isn’t usually justified by marginal gains.
Additionally, most of the panels we source now are bifacial, which means they can not only capture solar energy from their skyward-facing plane, but also their underside. Bifaciality allows panels to capture light that bounces back from your roof, particularly when the sun is lower in the sky. This further increases efficiency.
Project Solar uses panels with Tier 1 ratings and IEC 61215 certifications - the gold standard for the industry. These certifications show that the panels can withstand tough conditions, and are built to a quality standard.
Perhaps even more important, they also ensure the manufacturers of our panels are legitimate and reliable, indicating a strong ability to meet their 25 year warranty requirements.
Inverter quality is crucial for converting solar energy into usable power. Factors like inverter type, expandability, and failure rate should guide your choice.
We use Enphase microinverters, known for their reliability and panel-by-panel efficiency. Unlike string inverters, microinverters prevent a single point of failure for your system and offer longer warranties, which is especially ideal for customers who are purchasing their systems (rather than leasing).
Each panel has its own inverter in a microinverter system. This greatly simplifies system expansion. It also means that if one panel or inverter goes out, the rest of the system is unaffected while the problem is investigated. To learn more about the different types of inverters, check out this article.
Additionally, Enphase boasts a 25 year warranty for their microinverters: twice as long as the industry standard for string inverters. This shows that Enphase has great confidence in their low failure rate.
Racking and mounting equipment quality matters for stability and long-term performance of your system, especially if you live in an area with high winds.
We use IronRidge and Unirac components for our systems’ racking, depending on the roof type. Both are ISO and UL-2703 certified, among other industry certifications.
Manufacturers who make an effort towards certification are much more likely to be reputable companies with high quality components.
Our racking equipment comes with a 5-year finish and a 25-year product warranty, which means they’ll retain their structural integrity for 25 years. This guarantees performance over the long haul.
For those considering battery storage, examining factors like continuous power rating, depth of discharge, round-trip efficiency, and warranty is essential.
As we use Enphase’s microinverters, an obvious option to integrate with our systems are Enphase’s IQ 5P batteries. These offer a robust continuous power rating of 3.84kW, enabling reliable appliance usage.
We also offer the Tesla Powerwall 3, which can provide a higher output power (11.5kW).
Depth of Discharge (DoD) refers to how much of the battery’s capacity that can be used. Generally, the higher the DoD, the higher-quality the battery. Premium batteries have 90-100% DoD.
Enphase IQ 5P batteries and the Tesla Powerwall 3 both have the best DoD possible: 100%.
All batteries will use some of their power to function, though, which means they aren’t 100% efficient. Round-trip efficiency (RTE) is the percentage of power that you’ll get from your battery from the amount you put in, and a higher RTE also denotes higher battery performance.
Enphase’s IQ has an RTE of 96%, and the Tesla Powerwall has an RTE of 90% - both very high options.
Tesla Powerwalls include a 10 year warranty by default, while Enphase IQ batteries come with a 15-year/6,000-cycle warranty. Both companies provide promising longevity and performance.
Enphase batteries are one of the safest types of lithium ion battery: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). The addition of iron to the chemistry reduces heat production, which in turn increases efficiency and safety.
The Tesla Powerwall also uses lithium ion battery chemistry, but utilizes a slightly different type.
Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) batteries, like the Powerwall, have a higher energy density. This allows for a higher power rating.
At Project Solar, we prioritize equipment quality to provide you with reliable, efficient, and durable solar solutions - all without breaking the bank.
Our commitment to transparency goes beyond our pricing, and we strive to help homeowners make an educated decision to buy solar.
Transparent low pricing, premium equipment, and top-tier performance and product warranties set us apart from the industry; we’re here to illuminate your path towards a brighter, cleaner energy future.
It’s been a rough few years for the economy, especially in a post-Covid-19 world. Inflation has been shooting up since the shortest recession on record—and, when costs go up, the Federal Reserve responds to drive them back down.
They do this by raising Federal Interest Rates, which, in theory, slows consumer spending and forces corporations to lower prices. During 2022 and 2023, interest rates were increased 11 different times, from 0.25% to 5.50%.
Even though they’ll statistically help in the long run, nobody likes high interest rates. They affect everyone and every market, but most directly those that often require loans (obviously).
Home sales, auto sales, and (you guessed it) solar sales all rely heavily on financing, because they usually have a large initial investment.
In this economic climate, though, inflation has caused energy costs to skyrocket as well. Solar is one of the most effective ways for consumers to save on energy, but the cost of living means most homeowners don’t have a lot of money to spend on a system (even worse, a system with a high interest rate).
As you can probably tell, this becomes quite the paradox. Luckily, there are a few ways to navigate these high interest rates and save money on solar AND energy. Keep reading to learn more:
It may seem obvious, but a great way to save money on your solar system is to get a good price.
This isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially with deceptive salespeople and many details to consider. Low costs can sometimes correlate with low-quality as well.
At Project Solar, we’re dedicated to providing the best investment we can, without any salespeople. Cutting out the sales reps also cuts out their commissions, providing a lower cost.
Our top-tier, reliable equipment and warranties further demonstrate our commitment to transparency and offering the best bang for your buck.
To save even more, handy homeowners can opt for DIY installation. While it may sound daunting at first, installing a solar system is relatively simple, and we’re there to help out through the process.
We also handle all the design, engineering, and permitting for your project--online. We have reps available to provide install support if you have any questions or concerns.
At the end of the day, interest rates are what they are, even if you find a good price on solar. Solar loan rates can get even higher, depending on term length and other factors. There are some alternatives that can provide a lower rate, though:
-Your own personal bank/credit union
Sometimes, your own bank or credit union will offer a better financing rate than can be found elsewhere, particularly if you have good credit or a good relationship with the bank. When shopping around for solar, make sure to check with them to see what they have available.
-Paying with a large down payment/cash
Obviously, not everyone has the money to purchase a solar system outright or make a large down payment. However, if you can, the ROI and savings are vastly better. Interest adds up, and the more you can avoid it, the quicker your system will pay itself off.
-Home equity options
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives you the option to add a line of credit for large purchases. As these aren't a traditional loan, they normally come with a much lower interest rate than standard. The only downside with these options is that rates can change with the market, making payments less predictable. When considering a HELOC, you should take into account market conditions and how the Federal Reserve expects interest rates to adjust in the near future. For example: rates have been projected to start declining in the next few years, so a HELOC may be a good option at the moment.
A very popular option in the solar industry right now is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Dishonest sales reps have given it a bad name in the past, but at this point in time it can be a very cost-effective option when done correctly.
PPAs are more of a lease, where you pay for the power that your system produces at a much discounted rate, rather than the equipment itself. This means that the solar company owns the system, completely removing any upfront cost for the customer.
Because there's no upfront cost, PPAs are an amazing alternative for customers who can't afford a solar system. The only thing that can make PPAs difficult is that they vary from company to company, and some companies may have more advantageous rates and features than others.
To account for inflation, some providers even charge an annual escalator, which increases the cost per kWh yearly.
At Project Solar, we've launched a PPA without any annual escalators, meaning you can lock in your electricity costs at a low price for 25 years. As utility prices rise, you can enjoy a steady rate.
Plus, our PPA comes with a comprehensive warranty for the entire 25-year agreement term, meaning you won't have to worry about any maintenance or upkeep for the system.
If you have savings to spend, purchasing a system outright can be a worthwhile option to avoid interest entirely: it provides a home value increase, and you can claim the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) for 30% of your system’s cost. Installing your system DIY is another way to reduce upfront cost.
For financing, using your own bank and/or utilizing Home Equity options can help you reduce interest.
For the lowest cost option, a PPA is the way to go: no upfront cost, no interest, and no maintenance.
You can also use a Project Solar PPA as a lease-to-own system. Anytime after year 5 of your agreement, you can refinance to purchase your system–this is a perfect way to avoid current high interest rates and take advantage of the market when things improve down the road.
Whether you’re purchasing your system, financing your system, or entering into a PPA, you won’t find a better deal than Project Solar. Get started now!
Project Solar provides affordable solar to many areas throughout the contiguous United States. While we strive to serve a wide range of areas and are constantly working to expand our install network, there are variations in our offerings based on location.
In this blog post, we'll break down our service availability by state, shed light on the options you have, and guide you through the process of determining what's right for you.
We're thrilled to offer our Full Install services in the following states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- Wisconsin
It's important to keep in mind that the availability of Full Install does not mean every corner of these states is eligible. Our service may be limited in some regions or come with additional travel costs.
To find out if Full Install is an option for your specific location, our convenient online calculator provides tailored recommendations based on your address. You can also reach out to our dedicated Customer Support Team through the chat bubble on our website, available from 9 am to 5 pm Mountain Time, Mon-Fri. Just share your zip code, and you'll receive precise information about the options available in your area.
Project Solar offers DIY (do-it-yourself install) projects to most areas within the contiguous United States.
With DIY, Project Solar takes care of essential aspects such as design, engineering, permitting, and equipment procurement. The customer assumes responsibility for the installation process or can choose to subcontract a third party to complete the task.
This option is also available to customers in areas with installers available - completing a DIY project cuts out the installation cost and increases ROI.
It's important to be aware, however, that DIY install may not be allowed in all areas. One example of this is New Mexico, which currently prohibits DIY solar installations. If you're uncertain about the regulations in your jurisdiction, our Customer Support Team can provide further information.
Project Solar does not operate in Alaska, Hawaii, or any US Territories, though we can ship our off-grid store products to areas within the contiguous US.
Project Solar is committed to providing affordable solar solutions across the United States, whether through Full Install or DIY projects. To see what solar would cost for your home, get a quote from our online calculator or contact us.
When installing a home solar system, it’s essential to make informed decisions. There are thousands of solar sellers in the US, and while local solar sellers may seem like a convenient option (they come right up to your door, most of the time!), there are several reasons why you should exercise caution when choosing a vendor, particularly if they're just an offshoot of a major sales company.
This article will explore the top 5 issues with “local” solar sellers, and explain why a salesman-free seller is usually a better choice.
Over-promising is perhaps one of the most well-known issues within the solar industry. A lot of companies tend to tout their equipment as “the best”, but it’s always beneficial to do your own research.
Cheaply made panels, faulty string inverters, and short-term warranties are anything but few and far between: in fact, they’re more common than not for residential solar in the US.
Lower volume restricts local sellers, as they don’t have a low enough cost of goods sold (COGS) to offer premium equipment; at least, not for a competitive price. If they skimp on equipment quality, measly 10-year warranties are pretty typical for cheaper panels and string inverters.
Performance warranties for these panels are pretty grim, too: the panels can degrade at more than twice the standard rate of 0.55%, especially if they’re blue polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are typically black, and both perform and look much better.
String inverters typically have 10-12-year warranties (at most), and the way they work causes issues with your inverter or even one single panel to shut down your whole system, or at least a large portion of it (if you have a large system with multiple strings & inverters). Microinverters, on the other hand, will pair with each individual panel: even if one panel or inverter goes down, the remainder of the system is unaffected.
Low quality equipment choices yield systems that require more service and equipment replacement, which can drive up costs even more and decimate any solar savings you might have seen in the first place.
More established solar companies can get volume discounts, allowing them to offer higher-quality equipment with longer warranties.
Though it’s definitely a problem with the industry as a whole, local solar pop-ups are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to unethical sales practices.
It’s genuinely shocking how common and transparent these tactics can be, but local solar companies often fall under the radar of the FTC and other organizations that try to protect customers.
Just a few of the most crafty capers we’ve seen include:
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when dealing with any commissioned salespeople is that they get paid directly from your purchase. Sales commissions motivate sellers to upsell and charge you as much as they can, in the most effective way possible: dishonestly.
Just because someone might spend a lot of time and energy selling to you, it doesn’t mean they deserve your business; especially if they don't have a superior product or service.
Plus, many "local" solar companies are just offshoots of big-name dealers, with none of the same warranties, support, or reliability.
You’ve probably heard of more than a couple of solar sales companies abruptly going out of business, disappearing after only a few years. Then, they open their doors under a different name, run themselves out of business again with poor policies and service, and pop right back up.
It’s a vicious cycle that’s become a get-rich-quick scheme in the US, especially for greedy solar salesbros who want even higher commissions.
What happens when your solar company goes out of business? Warranty issues become a lot harder to deal with, especially when it comes to labor. You’ll need to find another company that’s willing to service your system, and you will most likely have to pay out of pocket.
The bottom line is that local sellers don’t often have the expertise or resources to provide reliability and peace of mind. Without a track record of proven service, it’s hard to know whether they’ll be available or responsive to any post-install and/or warranty support requests.
There's a reason that local solar sellers use a door-to-door sales model almost exclusively: it encourages immediate, uninformed decision-making.
Door-to-door sales can lead to pressure tactics that are designed to push consumers into commitments before thoroughly evaluating their options or doing their research.
Without giving you time to look anything over, salespeople tell you that their contract and offer will expire right as they walk out your door. Since solar contracts are usually multiple pages of detailed information, this gives you almost no time to read through.
It also doesn't allow you to shop around and get other quotes to compare your price, which means you can't know if the price you're paying is genuinely competitive.
The "human touch" is valued and often preferred by consumers in sales, which door-knockers take advantage of. However, that human touch gets a bit tiresome when there's an 18-year-old earnestly trying to prevent you from making an informed decision in the living room.
It may surprise you, but pricing is something that local solar companies typically do not advertise. Try going to any solar company's website: do you see any listed pricing? Any price per watt information?
The reason for this is that local solar sellers don't usually have a set pricing rate. Each project is priced separately, based on the customer's utility bill, and there's no way to determine whether you're receiving a fair rate.
SPOILER: You're probably not.
The standard practice for solar salesmen is to offer you a system that will offset your utility bill for a monthly payment that is slightly less than your current utility bill. This means that companies can have margins as large as they like.
For example:
Imagine you have a $100 monthly utility bill, and a local solar seller comes to offer a solar system. This system is expected to offset your $100 monthly electricity costs. The system's actual cost is about $65 per month, but, since you don't know, the sales person offers you a loan for $90 per month.
You're still saving $10 per month, but the other $25 per month that you could have saved goes directly into the salesperson and their company's pockets. They're making more from your system than you are.
After dissecting some local solar sellers' tactics and motivations, they may not be the best option for your solar needs: with questionable equipment quality, unethical/high-pressure sales practices, unreliable service, and high pricing, it's clear that many local solar sellers aren't always interested in offering a beneficial investment.
Project Solar's philosophy involves offering solar at the best price point possible, without compromising on quality - on your terms.
How do we do it? Education, efficiency, transparency, and a set pricing model.
Project Solar's policy against invasive sales outreach translates to no sales commissions, but it also fosters a more trustworthy, transparent environment. We believe that customers should make educated decisions, especially with a solar investment, and we've built a database full of solar knowledge to assist with that.
Our Onboarding Team works with each individual customer to find the right design for them. However, the customer has the final say on everything, and we are more than happy to provide any needed resources or answers to questions.
We offer top-of-the-line equipment, including Tier 1 rated, black-on-black, monocrystalline solar panels that are warrantied for 25 years. The best inverters out there, Enphase microinverters, are bundled into our systems by default; they also include a 25-year warranty, compared to the 10-12-year industry standard for string inverters.
At Project Solar, we use trusted local providers to install our systems, and we double-back all equipment warranties, as well as our installers' 10-year warranty on workmanship for Full Install projects. This means that even if your installer/manufacturer is unable to provide warranty service, you'll still be covered by Project Solar.
Because of our salesman-free advertising practices, we're able to keep our customer acquisition cost remarkably lower than most companies. In combination with the volume discounts we receive on equipment, this allows us to provide pricing as low as 50% of the national average for solar.
Additionally, we use a set pricing model: unlike most solar companies, we won't inflate our pricing from project to project to bolster profits. We list our pricing structure clearly on our website, including a list of any added costs ("adders") that may apply to your project.
Ready to see some real solar savings? Get started with Project Solar's quote calculator:
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The solar industry is ripe with abusive pricing models.
For most companies, the price they're charging is directly tied to the benefit solar offers. In areas with more sun and/or higher electricity rates, traditional solar companies charge more. . . even if their costs are the same.
These abusive companies price as high as they possibly can while still saving you 10–15%. This approach makes the customer feel like they're being offered a win-win opportunity, but in reality, people are way overpaying for solar.
Picture this: If GM was charging twice as much for the same 4x4 truck in snowy Salt Lake City, UT as they charge in warm and sunny Phoenix, AZ, consumers would 1) be outraged and 2) probably go to Arizona to buy their truck.
The pricing difference isn't justifiable—the product is the same and the shipping from Detroit isn't significantly different.
While most would agree that the truck example is clearly unfair, this discrepancy happens ALL THE TIME in solar. Unfortunately, companies take advantage of local conditions.
At Project Solar, we believe in flat pricing—the same pricing for all. We don't manipulate our pricing based on your state incentives or your high utility rates (looking at you, California).
The truth is, flat pricing is hard. In order to have the same price for all, we had to price based on the lowest denominator. We needed solar to make sense—even in states with the lowest utility costs and mediocre sunshine.
Door-knocking salespeople making $300k/year simply does not work with our goals. To make our flat and fair pricing a reality, we needed a breakthrough in efficiency. We needed the internet.
THIS is how Project Solar was born.
Unfortunately, there is variability in the raw cost of going solar.
Permit fees vary by locality, and there are many fixed costs such as site design, engineering, and electrical hook-ups. These fixed costs are the same whether you are installing a 3 kW system or a 15 kW system.
These fixed costs, spread out over larger systems, reduce the total amount on a cost per watt basis. So while you can reasonably assume that a bigger system costs more in total, the cost per watt will go down. These are basic economies of scale.
Therefore, to maintain a fair and flat pricing model, we also need to charge customers on a sliding scale where smaller systems are more expensive per watt and larger systems are cheaper. However, the range does not need to be dramatic to offset the relatively low amount of fixed expenses.
Our DIY pricing is simple: Any system larger than 13 kW is priced at $1.80/watt, and small systems begin at $2.10/watt at 4kW (systems below $4kW will have small system size adder).
Anything in between is priced at a sliding scale, so it's equally and fairly proportionate to the upper and lower bounds.
NOTE: These prices per watt reflect what we actually charge and do not take into account state and federal incentives. Those incentives belong to you, are designed for you, and we do not charge more based on them. An average DIY install is less than $1.40/watt after incentives.
Equipment costs are reducing globally as the industry matures, and we update our pricing to reflect the improvements. That being said, pricing has appeared stable in the last 2 years as maturity (pending any technological breakthroughs) seems to have been reached.
The incremental improvements in pricing/efficiency are lower than the missed opportunity costs of going solar now.
For full-service install, we use our DIY pricing as the base and simply add on the EXACT cost we pay our install partners (with whom we have negotiated amazing rates). In most states, this is 50¢/watt, but in a few states (most of New England area), the price is 70¢/watt for installation to adjust for government/union cost impact.
We like to focus on a solar project's return on investment (ROI).
Other companies like to make ROI claims that have been calculated in many different ways and often with many assumptions about how utility rates and home values could increase over 20 years.
We determine ROI more simply by calculating as follows:
[year 1's energy cost saving / cost of going solar]
For my house (Project Solar CEO), it looks like this...
That is $1,430.91 saved a year on a $9,655.51 investment. Or a 15% ROI. Pricing is based off utility and PS pricing as of March 2020.
This ROI beats S&P 500 averages, real estate, and most other investments in both total return AND stability. This return doesn't even take into consideration how your home value will increase with a solar system, which conservative estimates place at at least $2.50/watt.
So, let's take this example one step further and say that I plan on moving in 5 years.
When you install solar, you will more than triple your investment in 5 years and basically earn your place amongst the Wall Street elite as a premier money manager! Congrats!
In general, we do NOT recommend batteries for the average homeowner. The technology and/or price is simply too high to make financial sense. For most, "net metering" with your local utility company offers a far better return on your investment. If you have low net metering rates (below 3¢/kWh) or if you live in an area of frequent power outages, then batteries may be for you.
To learn more about the pros and cons of batteries, click here. To learn more about net metering, click here.
If you plan to install a backup battery, you will need one Enphase IQ System Controller (in addition to installing the battery itself). If you're interested in installing a battery that won't provide backup, but rather maximize savings on electricity, a System Controller is not necessary, lowering the cost. Learn more about the difference between backup and consumption batteries here.
There could also be added permitting costs depending on jurisdiction. The Enphase IQ System Controller enables you to disconnect from the grid, charge your battery, and power your home from your battery at the same time, taking full advantage of your solar power in the event of an outage.
Important Note: The Enphase IQ System Controller is required for backup battery configurations. In almost all cases, only one System Controller is required for multiple batteries. This means additional backup batteries will not require an additional System Controller, and the pricing will therefore be lower (as stated below).
These prices are before the 30% federal incentives.
Base Install Rate Default State* | $0.50/watt |
Base Install Rate for IL,OR,WA* |
$0.60/watt |
Base Install Rate for CA* |
$0.65/watt |
Base Install Rate for CT,DC,DE,GA,MA,MD,ME,NC,NH,NY,PA,RI,SC,VA* |
$0.70/watt |
Site Survey (if you are unable to provide pictures) | $200 |
Metal Roof | $0.10/watt |
Roof Pitch ≥ 35° (For CT,CO,DE,GA,MA,ME,NC,NH,NJ,NY,IL,OH,PA,RI,SC,TX,VT and WI projects) |
$0.12/watt |
Roof Pitch ≥ 30° (for all states not listed above) |
$0.12/watt |
Flat Roof (<10°) | $0.24/watt |
Critter Guard | $0.05/watt |
Attic Run (Shingle) | $0.05/watt |
Attic Run (Tile) | $0.15/watt |
200A/225A Main Panel Upgrade | ≈ $3,000 |
400A Main Panel Upgrade | ≈ $5,000 - $15,000 |
Main Breaker Derate/Install | $300 |
Add Subpanel/ Subpanel Relocate | $800 |
Line Side Tap/Load Side Tap | $450 |
Meter Service Drop + Meter Upgrade | ≈ $500 - $5000 |
Electric Panel Derate | $300 |
4 or more planes | $300 |
Outside Install Area (Travel Adder) Tier 2 | $1,000 |
Outside Install Area (Travel Adder) Tier 3 | $3,000 |
Same Day Install Cancellation | $1000 |
4.5kW or less system size | $1,000 |
Enphase IQ 5P, backup configuration (with System Controller, includes installation) | $8,500 |
Additional Enphase IQ 5P Battery, backup configuration (without System Controller, includes installation) | $5,500 |
Enphase IQ 5P, consumption offset configuration (only available with select utilities; includes installation) | $4,500 |
Additional Enphase IQ 5P, consumption offset configuration (only available with select utilities; includes installation) | $4,500 |
Tesla Powerwall 3 (includes installation) | $13,000 |
Additional Tesla Powerwall 3 (includes installation) | $9,500 |
Enphase CT Consumption Meter (pricing assumes factory wiring as sufficient, otherwise adder will be refunded/re-quoted based on additional work required) | $400 |
*Auto included in the Project Solar quoting calculator if applicable.
]]>Record moisture levels in the western US, unprecedented wildfires in Canada, intense storms throughout the globe--natural disasters and extreme weather events like these affect millions of Americans yearly, and they oftentimes threaten or damage the power grid.
Increases in population and electrical usage have caused strain on an already outdated system--the White House reported last year that approximately 70% of the US power grid is over 25 years old.
Though there is legislation in place for a few tune-ups, it's hard to know how much effect they will have, particularly with climate change causing an increasingly volatile environment.
While traditional generators may seem like a viable option, concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning and fuel accessibility cannot be overlooked. This is where solar power shines.
Although solar systems are not completely immune to factors like clouds, storms, and heat, integrating a battery with your solar setup provides two invaluable features:
1. Increases your system's reliability
Having somewhere to store the extra energy that your solar system produces means that you have a reserve in case there is an emergency outage.
2. Allows you to disconnect from the grid.
Most solar systems that include batteries have the ability to disconnect from the grid and function autonomously. Regardless of whether there's an outage or not, a battery will decrease your reliance on the grid. Storing your extra energy prevents it from being sent into the grid, which is especially beneficial in areas with less beneficial net metering programs (or none at all).
While a complete home solar system may not be feasible for everyone, affordable alternatives like portable solar battery kits or other power generation devices can still offer security and peace of mind.
According to the US Environmental Information Agency, utility rates increased from around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in March of 2022 to almost $0.16 per kWh in March 2023, and experts predict that these increases will continue.
Since their introduction, residential solar systems have been a way for customers to reduce their utility costs, but exact savings are dependent upon utility companies' net metering policies (especially for solar owners that don't have battery storage).
In a broad sense, net metering is a policy that allows solar customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid. This policy has been very beneficial for homeowners, as it allows them to claim credit for the power that their system has produced--even the power they don’t use.
Unfortunately, some states are considering changes to net metering that would reduce the value of solar credits. Under these changes, credits are focused more on a dollar amount, rather than on the power generated.
In California, for example, a new policy called NEM 3.0 was passed in 2022 and implemented earlier this year. Previously, California solar customers received a one-to-one credit for exported energy: the credit that they received for each kilowatt-hour would match what they pay for each kilowatt-hour.
Now, however, customers can expect to receive around 75% less for credits under NEM 3.0's Net Billing policy, as exported energy will be metered and credited at a predetermined sell rate, based on the market cost of the energy.
This applies to all three of California's major utility providers (PG&E, SDGE, and SCE). This change is forecasted to increase the average solar payback time in California from 5-6 years to 9-10 years.
California has always been the leading state in residential solar developments, and NEM 3.0 creates a precedent that some states are considering following.
The North Carolina Public Utilities Commission approved similar changes in March of this year, though their cost reduction for credits is not as extreme as California’s. Arizona, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, and Nevada have already moved away from net metering to other compensation methods that reduce benefits for customers, and more states are poised to join--namely, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan.
There is some good news, though: most of these changes include options for some customers to be grandfathered into the current programs, though spaces are often limited by program requirements, deadlines, etc.
Even if you can't be grandfathered into a more beneficial net metering program, there are steps you can take to optimize your investment, like purchasing a battery or sizing your system for daytime-only usage. Click here to see how much you can save on your utility bills.
When purchasing a solar system, most customers choose to finance their projects, largely due to the initial upfront cost of the system. Financing payments can basically become a consistent power bill supplement after the system is functional.
In fact, there are some solar companies that have such high prices that they don’t even offer options to purchase upfront. Obviously, not all customers will be able to pay upfront for their systems, but this is one of the best ways to accelerate your payoff time and get the best value from your investment.
For the past decade or so, Americans have become used to borrowing money for a very low cost, with federal interest rates typically staying below 3%.
Multiple times in recent months, however, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates as a response to severe, widespread inflation throughout the globe. This has caused borrowing costs to increase significantly across the board.
Increased rates and fees can be particularly difficult for prospective solar customers--spending more money on financing increases your system’s overall price, leading to a longer payback time for your system.
However, there are still some lower-interest choices available for solar financing, such as Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs). HELOCs can be one of the most cost-effective options in this case, as they typically have a lower rate than other loans.
Going through a bank or credit union you know can be another beneficial alternative, and Project Solar accepts any independent/third party financing options. Check out our free AI calculator for full information on the financing options in your area.
When purchasing a solar system, most customers choose to finance their projects, largely due to the initial upfront cost of the system. Financing payments can basically become a consistent power bill supplement after the system is functional.
In fact, there are some solar companies that have such high prices that they don’t even offer options to purchase upfront. Obviously, not all customers will be able to pay upfront for their systems, but this is one of the best ways to accelerate your payoff time and get the best value from your investment.
For the past decade or so, Americans have become used to borrowing money for a very low cost, with federal interest rates typically staying below 3%.
Multiple times in recent months, however, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates as a response to severe, widespread inflation throughout the globe. This has caused borrowing costs to increase significantly across the board.
Increased rates and fees can be particularly difficult for prospective solar customers--spending more money on financing increases your system’s overall price, leading to a longer payback time for your system.
However, there are still some lower-interest choices available for solar financing, such as Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs). HELOCs can be one of the most cost-effective options in this case, as they typically have a lower rate than other loans.
Going through a bank or credit union you know can be another beneficial alternative, and Project Solar accepts any independent/third party financing options. Check out our free AI calculator for full information on the financing options in your area.
Solar energy continues to shine as a valuable option for homeowners and businesses, even in uncertain times. From economic savings and consistent to reliable backup power and protection against rising utility rates, the advantages of going solar are undeniable.
However, especially with high interest rates and net metering policy changes looming, it's important to make sure you're not overpaying for your solar system.
By cutting out the commissioned salespeople, Project Solar is able to offer the same premium equipment and warranties at prices much lower than most companies--close to 50% of the national average.
We source only Tier 1, black-on-black monocrystalline panels, paired with the best microinverters out there: Enphase IQ. All our standard equipment is warrantied for 25 years.
If you opt for a full service installation, we include a 10-year workmanship warranty and will facilitate the installation of your system for you. Otherwise, handy homeowners can save even more by choosing a DIY (do-it-yourself) install. Don't worry--we still handle the engineering and permitting process, and our install support team is available remotely to ensure you have the resources to complete your project.
As it stands currently, batteries are more beneficial than ever before for solar. Not only do we offer battery options for home solar systems, but we also provide portable, off grid solar battery kits to non-solar customers at an affordable price.
If you are considering solar, do your research and compare quotes. Consider the impact of of the industry's recent changes and plan your investment accordingly.
We're happy to provide resources, assistance, and answers to questions wherever we can, and we've built a customer Knowledge Base to make the process of going solar as transparent as possible.
Check out our online calculator for a salesman-free quote:
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The majority of solar panels are made of wafer-based solar cells, or photovoltaic cells. These cells are devices that convert energy from light to electricity.
Each solar panel will have multiple solar cells, usually encased in a glass or other protective material.
Most residential solar panels use cells that fall into one of two categories: monocrystalline or polycrystalline. These are a type of first-generation photovoltaics, and monocrystalline panels are generally preferred over polycrystalline panels in current residential settings.
Thin film cells, a different, non-wafer-based type of cell that is increasing in popularity, are classified as second-generation photovoltaics.
This article will explore the different solar panel cell types--including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film--as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Monocrystalline Solar Cells:
Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal - hence, the “mono” in the name. Silicon is a crystalline metalloid that creates a photovoltaic effect, where voltage levels change with exposure to light.
Since silicon cell wafers are cut from a single crystal, they have a pure, homogenous structure, which allows for an easy flow of electrons and therefore high efficiency.
Additionally, using cells made from single crystal sheets means a more seamless, clear cell. Monocrystalline cells are most commonly used for all-black panels, as they are dark in color and do not usually have any blue hues.
Monocrystalline solar cells
Polycrystalline Solar Cells:
Just as “mono” refers to “one”, the “poly” in polycrystalline means “many”. Polycrystalline cells are made from multiple silicon crystals.
To do this, the crystals are melted and blended, and the resulting blend is cut into cells. Because they are blended, however, the interior structure is less efficient for electron flow: borders in the grain of the crystal blend act similar to a maze.
This translates to a decrease in efficiency for power production, and polycrystalline cells can be recognized by their visible grain borders. These give the cell a multifaceted, almost iridescent appearance and a blue hue.
Because manufacturers can use smaller, less expensive crystals to make these cells, they’re typically less expensive than monocrystalline cells.
The multi-crystal structure of the cells in polycrystalline panels can be seen by the naked eye. These visible grain borders don't allow electrons to move as freely as monocrystalline panels.
Thin Film Solar Cells:
Thin film solar cells are a more recently developed type of cell. They are usually made with calcium telluride, amorphous silicon, or another photovoltaic material, which is deposited on metal or glass in a layer that can be as thin as a few nanometers.
One of thin film solar cells’ main advantages is their flexibility and light weight. This makes them well suited for building-integrated photovoltaics, where standard construction materials like windows, metal sheets, and more are replaced with photovoltaic components.
This can add solar power to a building without needing more conspicuous solar panels.
The main reason thin film cells are not quite as popular today is that their efficiency and degradation are less advanced, partially due to the fact that they’re a newer technology.
Most thin film solar cells will degrade at twice the rate of standard silicon wafer cells, as they’re much thinner.
Thin film solar panels
When comparing the different types of solar cells, it’s important to remember a few things that could vary based on the type utilized:
Lifespan & durability:
When it comes to lifespan and degradation, monocrystalline panels are the winner. Polycrystalline blends cause panels to degrade at a higher rate.
According to the reports from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), standard silicon based panels have a median degradation rate of 0.5% per year, while thin film solar panels will degrade at twice that rate.
Degradation leads to a shorter lifespan - thin film panels will last for about 10-20 years, significantly shorter than the 25-30 year lifespan of polycrystalline modules and the 30+ year lifespan of most monocrystalline modules.
Additionally, while thin film panels’ flexibility can be beneficial, it can also cause difficulties with durability, a problem that the more robust crystalline panels don’t experience as often.
Efficiency:
Monocrystalline cells have a homogenous structure and are the most efficient of the three types we’ve discussed in this article.
The homogenous structure provides more space and less barriers for electrons. Polycrystalline panels have grain barriers that prevent electrons from moving freely, which makes them produce less energy in the same amount of time.
On average, efficiencies for monocrystalline panels range from 15% to 25%, while polycrystalline panels are only 14-18% efficient.
Thin film solar panels have an efficiency of between 7% and 18% in most cases, though higher efficiencies have been achieved for commercial applications.
Performance in various weather conditions:
Clouds and heat are common things that can affect your solar system’s performance, but these will affect some cell types more than others.
It may seem counterintuitive, but heat actually can damage a cell’s solar production. All cells are affected by this, but polycrystalline cells the most. Monocrystalline cells fare better, but thin-film solar panels are the least affected.
This, in combination with high low-light performance, makes thin film panels a good option for utility-scale solar farms in desert locations, where space is available.
Monocrystalline solar panels, especially bifacial monocrystalline panels, can also perform relatively well in low-light conditions.
Though they are not able to capture as much energy in low light, bifacial technology can also improve the performance of polycrystalline panels.
Cost:
Solar costs can vary widely, but generally monocrystalline cells are the most expensive out of the three types discussed in this article.
Since they’re less efficient and cost less money to manufacture, polycrystalline cells are also less expensive than monocrystalline cells.
Thin film solar panels are generally the least expensive, with the highest payback time. However, their lower lifespan means you will need to replace them much more often than standard panels.
If you know Project Solar, you know our top commitment is to providing the best price and investment possible.
We believe that the best solar panels are the ones that will provide you with the most value over the long term. That's why we recommend and exclusively offer monocrystalline panels, rather than polycrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline panels are more efficient, meaning they convert more sunlight into electricity. They also last longer and have better performance in various weather conditions. For these reasons, they are the best choice for most homeowners.
Thin film solar panels are a newer technology, and they are not yet as efficient or durable as monocrystalline panels. Until significant improvements are made in lifespan and efficiency, they're not reliable enough for our standards.
We source our panels from Tier 1 manufacturers, which ensures that they are high-quality and reliable. For a list of our equipment, check out our Equipment Specifications Page.
So, is solar energy renewable? The answer is yes, solar energy is undeniably a renewable source. It harnesses the power of the Sun, which NASA predicts the Sun will be around for another 5 billion years. In just one hour, our planet receives enough solar energy to fulfill the world's energy needs for an entire year, making solar the most abundant renewable resource.
Solar energy is not only renewable but also regarded as a "green" energy source due to its environmental benefits. Here's why solar is a greener option compared to nonrenewable resources:
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions: Solar energy helps combat climate change. Unlike nonrenewable sources of energy like fossil fuels, solar power doesn't produce harmful greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), when generating electricity.
Conserves natural resources: By harnessing the power of the Sun, we can save our precious natural resources. Traditional energy sources rely on mining and drilling for fossil fuels, which damage ecosystems and deplete Earth's resources. Solar energy, on the other hand, allows us to generate electricity without harming the environment or consuming valuable resources.
As we mentioned before, renewable energy is much more affordable, unlike traditional energy costs. If you're considering installing solar panels, you'll be glad to know that at Project Solar, our prices are only half of what most people pay nationwide. You can easily find out how much it would cost for you by using our online calculator. If you're curious about how we manage to offer such low prices, you can read about how Project Solar pricing works.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Renewable energy and solar power specifically have become popular investment tools, and there are many ways to reap the benefits of renewable energy investments.
SRECs, or Solar Renewable Energy Credits, are a lesser-known incentive for solar systems, partly because they can get a little confusing. Here, we'll discuss SRECs and the SREC market:
What is an SREC?
Are SRECs available in all states?
SREC Markets and Trading
How Do I Claim SREC Credits?
"SREC" stands for "Solar Renewable Energy Credit" or "Solar Renewable Energy Certificate". They're basically just what they sound like: credits that you receive for producing renewable energy.
The amount SRECs you can receive depends on how much energy your system produces: each SREC is equivalent to one megawatt hour (MWh) or 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh).
SRECs have been implemented to help some states with their Renewable Portfolio Standards. Renewable Portfolio Standards require a specific percentage of a state's energy to be generated from renewable sources. Utility companies buy Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to meet these guidelines, proving that they are either producing or purchasing green energy.
Since utilities are seeking these RECs to meet state guidelines, a market for them has been developed that solar customers can take advantage of. SRECs, a type of REC, are also bought and sold on this market--akin to a micro-wall-street.
Currently, 8 states have an SREC market, and so does Washington DC:
Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington DC have all implemented SREC programs.
Additionally, areas in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia are available for the Ohio SREC market. Exact policies and rates will vary from state to state.
SRECs are not currently available in other states, though some states either already have or are in the process of developing similar state programs for energy credits.
Like the stock market, SREC value also fluctuates with supply and demand. Rates will also vary by state, and can be further affected by things like winter seasons (lower solar production), the amount of customers purchasing solar, recent legislation/widespread news involving solar, and more.
The Renewable Portfolio Standards discussed earlier play a big part in SREC pricing as well--states with a Renewable Portfolio Standard have fees for utility companies that fail to meet requirements, called an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP).
For this reason, SREC prices stay lower than the ACP: why would the power company pay you more for your SRECs when they could pay a lesser fee?
With all the different factors, trading these credits can easily become quite the task, which is part of the reason why the majority of customers don't trade their SRECs themselves.
The other reason is that utilities don't like to purchase individual customers' energy very often; making the least amount of purchases is most cost affective.
To combat this, most customers use an SREC aggregator or broker to trade SRECs. An aggregator does exactly what the word suggests: collect and combine SRECs to trade and sell with utility companies. They'll perform this service as part of an agreement in exchange for a fee.
An alternative is to have your solar installer purchase your SRECs from you, as some installers do offer this. This can be a good option in some cases, as it helps offset the upfront cost of the system--unfortunately, this also means that you won't be able to receive the benefits of selling them at their highest value.
With an aggregator, your SRECs are traded and monitored by professionals, and can be strategically sold at high-value times.
Larger systems will produce more energy and therefore be able to earn more SRECs. EnergySage provides a helpful estimate for how much can be earned from SRECs in some states.
If you live in a state with SRECs, one of the best way to register for SRECs is through a broker or aggregator, as some of these will offer this service as part of the agreement.
As mentioned earlier, some solar installers will purchase your SRECs for a flat cost, but this can mean missing out on more valuable credits in the future. Perhaps the most common aggregation provider, SRECTrade.com, is a great resource for registering, trading and selling SRECs.
Project Solar does not currently purchase SRECs--our customers are free to register for and claim them as they choose. Remember that the value of and policies for these credits can vary, based on a few factors. We recommend contacting a a trusted aggregator or broker to facilitate your credits.
If you're interested in starting a solar project so you can produce your own SRECs, check out our online calculator.
“What direction should solar panels face?" is an important question for optimal sunlight exposure. The best way to position solar panels depends on where you live. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, it's best to face the panels southward. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, facing them northward is more ideal. This is because the sun tends to be higher in the sky towards the south in the Northern Hemisphere, and towards the north in the Southern Hemisphere. By aligning the panels in the right direction, they can capture the most sunlight, resulting in better energy production.
You also need to think about any obstacles that could cast shadows on the panels. Buildings, trees, or even nearby hills can block the sun and affect the panel's performance. So, it's a good idea to get advice from experts or use special tools that consider shading and the sun's path to determine the best direction for your panels.
The angle, or tilt, of the panels is also important because it affects how directly the panels face the sun. The best tilt angle depends on your location. As a general rule, setting the tilt angle equal to the latitude of your home is a good starting point, which is usually somewhere between 30° - 46°. Here's a list of cities and their recommended angles:
City
Latitude
Best Angle
Houston, Texas
29.7°
30°
Portland, Oregan
45.5°
46°
Kansas City
39°
39°
Los Angeles
34°
34°
Chicago, Illinois
41.8°
42°
Charlotte, North Carolina
40.7°
41°
Baltimore
39.2°
40°
Atlanta
33.7°
34°
New York City
40.7°
41°
Salt Lake City
40.7°
41°
You can also adjust the angle of your solar panels to generate more energy during specific times of the year. This is especially important if you have a flat roof because you'll need to tilt the panels more in order to capture more sunlight. So, here's how to tilt your panels based on the seasons:
Winter: Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15°. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, so you should increase the tilt angle of your panels to capture more sunlight. In regions with snowfall, it's also advisable to tilt the panels more vertically to allow snow to slide off easily and prevent snow buildup.
Summer: Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15°. During summer, the sun is higher in the sky, so you should decrease the tilt angle of your panels to maximize exposure to direct sunlight. A flatter angle helps ensure that the panels receive sunlight more directly, especially during peak hours.
Spring and Fall: Tilt the panels to your latitude. The exact angle depends on your specific location.
Both the direction and angle of the solar panels are important, but if we had to choose, the direction matters a bit more. Getting the direction right ensures that the panels receive sunlight for the longest period during the day, which is essential for generating more energy.
The angle of the panels also plays a role, but it's impact is slightly less significant. Adjusting the angle can help optimize energy capture during different seasons, but it doesn't have as big of an effect as the direction.
At Project Solar, we use Aurora software, which utilizes LIDAR technology to create detailed, three-dimensional visualizations of your home and its surroundings. With this accurate representation, our designers can precisely map out your roof's layout, taking into account factors such as shading, irradiance levels, fire-code setbacks, and even your aesthetic preferences.
If you're curious about how our software precisely calculates these factors, you can find more information by reading our article "How did you decide the panel placement for my project? Can I have input on panel placement?".
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Solar energy has gained worldwide popularity--not only as a renewable energy source and a beneficial investment, but also as a blackout protection solution.
In this article we will delve into what happens to solar systems during a grid outage, and explore the available options that can help you have access to the electricity you need.
What Happens to a Solar System During a Grid Outage?
Battery-Free Options
Solar Batteries - Nighttime Protection
Grid-Independent Options
Recommendations
During a grid outage, most solar systems are designed to shut down, which seems counterintuitive at first--why would I install a solar system if it's going to become inoperable during outages, like everyone else's power?
However, this is actually an important safety feature implemented to protect utility workers who may be working on downed power lines or other grid components. Solar systems can produce more energy than required, which is usually sent back into the grid. If the grid is being serviced, this process could create dangerous and unexpected live wires.
Besides, most areas don't have frequent or extended outages; according to the EIA, electricity customers in the US experienced 7 hours of power interruption on average. Even without backup options, solar has proven itself as a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Still, some areas experience more power interruptions than others. Areas with regularly occurring large storms, such as hurricane zones in Florida, can benefit greatly from blackout protection.
Luckily, there are a few solar options to provide backup power that are completely safe, and won't create dangerous grid conditions.
The obvious choice for solar backup is a battery--we'll get to those later. First, let's discuss options that don't require this additional purchase.
Systems that provide functionality during an outage generally do this by creating a "micro-grid", or a localized electric grid that can disconnect from the main grid to operate autonomously.
The most prominent example of a micro-grid without a battery is Enphase's "Sunlight Backup" feature. Sunlight backup uses Enphase's IQ8 microinverters and System Controller 2 (essentially an automatic grid transfer switch), enabling customers to utilize their solar system for powering specific outlets when the grid is down.
It is important to note that this functionality is contingent upon the system's production of electricity, which means the results can vary. If it's cloudy outside, production will be less, and this option cannot be used during evenings or nighttime after the sun has set.
This feature also only provides power to a maximum of 8 outlets, and costs around $5,000. As this tech is still relatively new to solar, it's expected to improve in the future.
For now, though, It's usually more cost effective to add a battery.
Solar panels do not generate electricity at night, which means options like Enphase's Sunlight Backup cannot provide nighttime protection.
To ensure power availability during the night, especially during outages, a battery becomes essential. Integrated solar batteries typically include a grid transfer switch—Enphase’s IQ Batteries are no different, as they require the same System Controller 2 that is used for Sunlight Backup.
The System Controller can disconnect the system from the grid, routing excess energy to the battery/batteries instead.
Solar Without Batteries
Solar With Batteries
After the excess solar energy is captured, it can be used at night or during power outages. This allows you to keep your lights on and essential devices powered, providing a reliable energy source when the grid is down.
Solar batteries have come a long way, and now many of them also include features like uninterrupted backup power, storm detection planning, and grid use minimization--all accessible from an app on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Another method for backup that won’t create dangerous backfeed is an off-grid system or a grid-independent power source like a portable power station or a generator. Since they’re not connected to the main power grid, off-grid systems continue to supply power even during outages—however, they’re often quite expensive, particularly with the amount of battery backup required.
True off-grid systems will usually require enough battery backup for around 3 days, and costs can stack up quickly. For areas without frequent or extended outages, this doesn’t always make sense.
An off-grid power station or solar generator, like our Power Bank, is a good affordable alternative for battery backup.
These batteries work similar to a gas generator, where devices are connected directly. Some generators can be connected to your home’s essential loads with a manual transfer switch.
Unlike gas or diesel generators, however, solar generators are environmentally friendly, emit no harmful emissions, and do not require fuel, making them a convenient and sustainable off-grid power solution.
One of these power stations can harness solar energy from standalone solar panels, the grid, and even vehicles. They are perfect for providing power for appliances and devices during outages or in remote locations.
Plus, you don’t even need a home solar system to use one.
Solar energy systems can continue to function during power outages with the right equipment and configurations. If you're interested in backup power, we highly recommend investing in a solar-integrated battery system or purchasing a portable power station.
It's crucial to assess your budget and energy needs before deciding on the best option for your circumstances.
Portable power stations typically cost less, and can be used even without a home solar system, while integrated solar batteries will usually provide longer, more seamless backup at a higher price.
At Project Solar, we offer both integrated solar batteries and portable backup solutions. Check out this article, "Our Top Picks for Home Solar Backup", for more information on which option may be best for you.
Learn how to calculate the payback period for your solar panels and find out how long it will take for your energy savings to cover the upfront cost. Consider factors like your electricity usage, system cost, tax incentives, and panel efficiency.
To calculate your payback period, start by subtracting any incentives or rebates you qualify for from the total cost of your solar panels. Then, divide the remaining cost by the amount you save on your yearly electricity bill. Whatever number you get, that’s how many years it’ll take to make back your investment. Here's how to do the math:
Total Cost of Installation - Rebates and Incentives = Investment
Investment / Yearly Savings on Your Electricity Bill = Solar Panel Payback Period
Determine how much electricity you use per month, so you can estimate your potential savings for when you go solar. Here’s the formula you can use to calculate your savings:
Your Utility Company Rate * Yearly Usage = Annual Utility Cost
Keep in mind that electricity prices tend to increase over time, so choosing solar power will not only enhance your long-term savings but also shorten your payback period. In the United States, the average annual rise in electricity rates over the past decade has been approximately 1-3%.
To figure out your total solar panel system cost, you’ll first need to know what size of a system you’ll need. Your electricity usage will help you determine whether you require a larger or smaller system. Larger systems cost more, but they help you save more on your utility bill. You can determine sizing based on your annual electricity usage and how many kilowatt-hours you get per kW of solar in your area. Here’s the formula you can use to find this out:
Yearly Electricity Usage (kWh) / Kilowatt-Hours per kW of Solar = System Size (kW)
Now that you know what system size you’ll need, you can start looking into prices. On average, systems 2.5 - 10kW average to be about $4.25 per watt. At Project Solar, our upfront costs are 50% less than the national average, which means our customers benefit from paying off their panels twice as fast.
There are financial benefits for going solar that you can get from the government or your utility company to help bring down the cost of your solar system. Here are some examples:
Incentives: There are many government incentives that are meant to encourage the adoption of solar energy. For instance, the federal solar tax credit, introduced in 2005 by Congress, offers a 30% credit on the total cost of installing a solar energy system. That credit deducts from what you owe on taxes that year.
Net Metering: With net metering, any excess electricity your solar panels generate can be fed back into the grid. This can earn you credits that can offset your future energy bills. For example, if your solar panels generate 500 kilowatt-hours more electricity than you consume in a month, you would receive a credit for that excess energy, reducing your future energy costs.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Some states have programs that require a certain percentage of electricity to come from renewable sources. Homeowners with solar panels can earn income by selling Solar Renewable Energy Credits. For example, you might earn one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of solar electricity generated, which can be sold to utilities or other entities participating in the SREC market.
Over time, solar panels naturally become a little less efficient, which means that as they get older, they may not generate as much electricity as they did before. This can result in you still needing some electricity from your regular electrical provider. So, towards the end of their lifespan, the panels may not be able to completely cover all of your electricity needs.
When we talk about solar panel production, it's important to understand the idea of "offset." Basically, it means how much of your electricity usage the solar panels can replace. Some calculations assume that the panels can completely offset all of your energy consumption, but that's not always the case. Depending on the size and efficiency of your system, it might not be able to generate enough power to cover all of your needs. On the other hand, in some cases, the panels might actually produce more electricity than you use, and that excess energy can earn you credits on your electricity bill through a process called net metering.
Another factor to consider is the amount of sunlight your state gets. Different states have different levels of sun exposure. For example, in Hawaii, where there's plenty of sunshine, solar panels can pay for themselves in a shorter period of time compared to a state like Washington, where there's less sunshine.
Solar panels typically have a lifespan of around 25 years, and with regular maintenance, they can even last longer. When we talk about the "payback period," we're referring to the time it takes for the savings you get from using solar panels to equal the cost of installing them. Ideally, a "good" payback period would be 12.5 years or less, which is half of the panel's lifespan. This means that for at least 12.5 years, you can enjoy monthly savings that go directly into your pocket.
Here at Project Solar, we take pride in offering high-quality solar panels that guarantee a production rate of at least 85% even after 25 years. This means that our panels will continue to generate a significant amount of electricity throughout their lifespan. Additionally, our prices are 50% lower than the national average price of solar panels, which means our customers can pay off their panels in half the time compared to other providers. This allows you to start reaping the benefits of savings much sooner.
Once you've finished reading this article, you'll be able to calculate the estimated payback period for solar panels. It's important to note that the formula we gave earlier in this article provides a simple estimate and doesn't take into account factors such as potential increases in electricity costs or panel degradation over time.
One of the great benefits of solar panels is that they can do more than just save you money on your utility bills. They can also increase the value of your home by up to 5%. If you're interested in finding out how much return on investment you can expect from installing solar panels and how they can boost your home's value, we have a quick online calculator that can help you get those numbers.
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Residential solar panels offer a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for generating electricity.
However, one of the concerns that homeowners may have when it comes to solar panels is their performance when the sun isn't out–this past winter has set a record high for precipitation in many areas throughout the western United States, and rainy weather leads to less direct sun exposure.
This article will discuss how a solar system fares in cloudy, snowy, and rainy weather, as well as recommend equipment for low-light conditions.
It’s no secret that solar panels produce less when there’s an abundance of clouds in the sky, and it makes logical sense: clouds block and reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of light that can reach solar panels.
However, clouds rarely block out all sunlight, so it's not as if the panels stop working altogether. On cloudy days, solar panels typically produce about 10 to 25% of their rated capacity.
One way to improve solar panel performance in darker conditions is to install bifacial panels, like the ones we source here at Project Solar: Q-Cells’ Q-PEAK DUO modules.
These panels have solar cells on both sides, which allows them to generate electricity from light that is reflected off the ground or nearby surfaces. This means that bifacial panels can generate more electricity than traditional solar panels, which is particularly beneficial in cloudy weather.
Snow can also impact solar panel performance, as it can cover the panels and prevent sunlight from reaching them.
However, in most cases, snow will slide off the panels relatively quickly due to the panels' smooth surface and the heat they generate. Waiting it out is almost always the safest option to remove snow from your system.
However, in the event of very large snowstorms, it may be necessary to remove snow from the panels–some homeowners use a roof rake, which can help pull snow off solar panels from down on the ground.
Solar panels include electrical components, but these are encased in glass, making them virtually waterproof. However, this glass coating doesn’t extend to your roof faces, so it’s important to make sure your panel racking is secured, sealed, and waterproofed as well as possible.
Project Solar offers a workmanship warranty of 10 years, which will warranty your roof against leaks or other issues that could arise.
In addition, most inverter manufacturers recommend that homeowners install additional surge protection to protect their systems from lightning strikes. Inverters commonly include some surge protection, but not on the scale of a lightning strike.
Installing a surge protector can prevent damage to the panels and other components of the solar panel system. Work with a local electrician to determine what’s right for your situation.
While solar panels do generate less electricity on cloudy days, they can still produce a significant amount of power. By choosing bifacial panels and ensuring proper protection and maintenance, homeowners can maximize the performance and longevity of their systems.
When considering a solar installation, weather patterns can play a big role in the quality of your investment. At Project Solar, we use design software that takes into account the average weather patterns in your area.
This allows us to provide you with the most accurate possible estimate of how much electricity your solar panels will generate throughout the year, taking into account factors like cloud cover, snow, and other weather conditions.
By monitoring the energy output of your solar panels, you can determine if they need some maintenance. If there is a significant and prolonged decrease in production, that is a clear indication that maintenance is needed. Although solar panels generally experience a decline in performance as they age, any reduction in the early stages of their lifespan is more likely due to panel obstruction or dirt buildup.
Since solar panels decline in performance over time, many solar panels production level declines to 50% after 25 years. Project Solar only uses panels with a much higher performance level. We exclusively utilize Tier 1 panels that hold a warranty with a minimum 84% production level by the 25th year, depending on the specific panel used. By keeping up with regular maintenance, achieving an even higher level of productivity may be possible.
The frequency of cleaning required for solar panel maintenance depends on various factors, such as the environment they are exposed to and weather conditions. If your panels are located in a dusty or pollen-rich area, you may need to clean them more frequently. In general, it is recommended to clean your panels every six to 12 months. However, if you live in a dry and dusty area, cleaning them once every three to six months may be necessary.
Solar panels should be cleaned when they are not generating electricity, typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not shining directly on the panels. Cleaning during the day when the panels produce electricity increases the risk of electric shock. It is also essential to ensure that the panels are cool to the touch before cleaning to avoid potential burns and the water and cleaning products evaporating too quickly, leaving residues that will reduce your panels' efficiency just as much as dirt can.
Cleaning solar panels is a simple process that can be done with a hose, a bucket of soapy water, and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage or leave residue on the panels. Make sure to use a safety harness before you climb onto your roof. If you are not comfortable climbing onto your roof, you can hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you.
Solar panel maintenance is critical to ensuring your system operates efficiently and generates clean energy for your home or business. Following the recommended cleaning and maintenance practices, you can keep your panels free of dirt and debris and monitor their energy output to maximize their performance.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. As a symbol of American power and prestige, it's been at the forefront of many technological innovations and environmental initiatives.
One of the most notable efforts to promote renewable energy at the White House can be seen in the repeated addition of solar panels. This article will explore the history of administrations' decisions to install or remove solar energy, the current status of solar as a government-used power source, and some basic solar history.
Solar panels as we know them today were technically invented in New York in 1883 by Charles Fritts, when he successfully produced the photovoltaic effect with selenium cells.
However, this discovery was not deemed viable at the time, as his solar setup boasted a whopping efficiency of less than one percent. Later, after Russell Shoemaker Ohl started experimenting with silicon in the 1940s, scientists were able to achieve up to 6% efficiency--an amazing development at the time, but less than half the efficiency of most PV panels today.
Due to the high expense and low efficiency of PV panels, the first solar panels that graced the White House roof were actually thermal collectors, which use solar energy to heat water. This installation was ordered by President Jimmy Carter as part of his energy policy, and were seen as a symbol of America's commitment to innovation and renewable resources.
At the dedication of the installation, President Carter predicted "In the year 2000 this solar water heater behind me, which is being dedicated today, will still be here supplying cheap, efficient energy…. A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people."
After cuts to the Department of Energy's budget, the panels were removed during West Wing roof maintenance in 1986 (under the Reagan administration).
Jimmy Carter's Solar Dedication Ceremony, 1979 | Public Domain from the US National Archives
During the Bush administration in 2002, the National Park Service oversaw the installation of three separate solar installations.
The first included 167 PV panels placed on the roof of the central maintenance building. A smaller thermal collection system was placed on this building as well to provide hot water for the grounds maintenance staff. The third system was placed on the White House pool cabana roof to heat the hot tub and shower, with excess energy being sent to the pool.
In 2010, President Barack Obama announced that he would add solar panels on the White House residence roof as part of his effort to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The panels were installed in 2013, and are now providing a portion of the electricity used in the White House.
The installation of solar panels on the White House has been seen as a symbolic gesture, and the installation also sends a message to the American public that renewable energy is a viable and important option for meeting our energy needs.
The South Facade of the Residence, where the White House's current rooftop solar installation is visible
The White House's solar history is one example of the growing trend toward renewable energy in the United States.
Also interesting to see is the evolution of solar as a whole. The solar industry has leapt forward significantly since Charles Fritts first managed to produce a photovoltaic effect in 1883, but the American invention still provides renewable energy--now to millions of households across the country.
In recent years, solar and wind power have become more affordable and more widely available. The White House solar panels serve as a symbol of the importance of clean energy, and as a reminder that every individual and institution can make a difference in keeping our Mother Earth healthy and happy.
As the industry expands, the commonality of solar power and other clean energy in America is only expected to increase, including installations on government buildings. In 2022, 22% of power generated in the USA was from renewable sources.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a higher energy density compared to other battery types. This means that they can store more energy in a smaller volume or weight. With an energy density of around 130-140 Wh/kg, lithium iron phosphate batteries have a four times higher energy density than lead-acid batteries, which have a 30-40 Wh/kg density.
The higher energy density of lithium iron phosphate batteries allows for a more lightweight and compact design in portable devices such as phones, laptops, and off-grid batteries. As a result, devices that use lithium iron phosphate batteries are easier to carry around and more convenient to use.
For example, the Power Bank 2000 utilizes Grade A lithium iron phosphate cells and packs a massive 1920Wh of power. Despite its high capacity, it weighs only 48.5lbs and comes with an EZ Cart for easier portability.
In terms of longevity, lithium iron phosphate batteries outlast most other battery types before they start to deteriorate. Unlike deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries that may start to deteriorate after just 100-200 cycles, lithium iron phosphate batteries can endure up to 1,000 cycles, making them an ideal choice for long-term use.
The Power Bank 2000 can maintain 80% of its initial capacity as a lithium iron phosphate battery even after completing 3,500 charge cycles. This indicates that it's designed to last and provide a dependable power supply for off-grid living.
Safety is a top priority for batteries, and lithium iron phosphate batteries are known for their excellent safety record. They are less prone to thermal runaway and other safety issues than other battery types so you can use them with peace of mind.
As a comparison, lead-acid batteries may emit toxic fumes such as hydrogen sulfide, posing a risk to health and safety. Lithium-ion-phosphate batteries (Li-ion) are also prone to thermal runaway, overheating, and combustion, which can be dangerous.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are maintenance-free, which makes them an excellent choice for users who don't want to perform regular maintenance tasks. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which require topping off the electrolyte levels with distilled water and cleaning the terminals to prevent corrosion, LiFePO4 batteries are sealed and entirely maintenance-free. This means that you won't need to worry about any maintenance tasks, saving you time and hassle.
While lithium iron phosphate batteries are low-maintenance, it's still essential to periodically inspect them for signs of damage or wear. By doing so, you can identify any potential issues early and take steps to address them before they become more significant problems.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are an environmentally friendly option for powering devices because they are recyclable. The recycling process of these batteries involves extracting valuable materials, which can be reused in the production of new batteries. This approach reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources, and helps to promote a circular economy.
And with longer lifespans, Lithium iron phosphate batteries help minimize the number of batteries that need to be disposed of over time, eliminating waste.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are well-suited for outdoor use due to their wide temperature range. It's crucial to operate batteries within their recommended temperature range to avoid adverse effects on performance and lifespan. Extreme temperatures, such as high temperatures that speed up aging, reduce capacity, and increase the risk of thermal runaway, and low temperatures that lower efficiency and capacity, can negatively impact battery performance.
The Power Bank 2000, which uses lithium iron phosphate technology, can last specifically within a temperature range of -20°C to 45°C ( -4°F to 113°F), making it an excellent, long-lasting option for use in varying temperature environments.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
When customers see our prices, they’re often amazed—and sometimes even skeptical. Solar sales has historically been a Wild West of competing offers with widely ranging prices, equipment offerings, financing options, etc.
We’ve carefully analyzed each part of a solar quote to bring you the best value. If you’re choosing between Project Solar and a competitor, here are the most important factors to consider to make sure you’re receiving the best bang for your buck:
Solar systems are sized in watts or kilowatts. Generally, the higher the wattage of the system, the more power it will produce. Traditionally, residential solar systems have cost close to $4.00/watt, with some of the highest prices coming in at $6.00/watt.
To calculate the price per watt for a solar quote, take the total quoted price and divide it by the system size in watts (1 kW = 1,000 W).
For example, a 15kW system priced at $35,000 would cost about $2.33/W. That’s a pretty good deal! (And close to Project Solar’s pricing).
Project Solar decides price per watt based on system size. Bigger systems cost less, and small systems cost more. To learn about our pricing model, check out this blog post.
Project Solar offers high-quality equipment:
Black-on-black panels from Tier 1 manufacturers with high industry ratings and 25-year warranties, Enphase microinverters that allow for panel-by-panel monitoring, and IronRidge racking and mounting with a proven track record for waterproofing.
Especially when you’ve received a quote for a low price per watt, checking the quality of the equipment you’ve been offered is essential.
Check out this page to learn more about our equipment offerings.
At Project Solar, we offer 25-year warranties on panels, inverters, and racking, as well as a double-backed, 10-year workmanship warranty. This means that you’re covered if something goes wrong with your system.
We’ve chosen our warranty lengths and terms carefully to maximize value for our customers. For instance, almost all issues with workmanship become apparent within 5 years, so a 10-year workmanship warranty covers the vast majority of customers.
Some companies offer longer “bumper-to-bumper” warranties that cover everything for 25-30 years, but the price of the quote usually reflects the additional security that they offer, and most customers won’t take advantage of them.
Just like when buying a new car or phone, where you’re often offered “extended warranty” options, you’ll need to decide how to balance the risk that a problem with your system is not covered by warranty with the cost of security.
Check out this page to learn more about Project Solar’s warranties.
A solar install is not as simple as some people think—thanks to permitting laws and the need for interconnection with your utility, there is significant planning, approval, and paperwork involved beyond the labor on the day of install. You need a company that is familiar with this process—look for one that has completed multiple installs in your state.
In addition, you’ll want to be aware of the company’s track record for customer service and the health of their business (especially if you intend to rely on them for warranty support). In some areas, small solar companies have been known to pop up and go out of business quickly, leaving customers with warranties high and dry. Other large solar companies have also closed after high volumes of complaints and legal action.
At Project Solar, we’re not perfect, but we are committed to providing the best customer experience in solar. Our team works with any customer complaints to personally to resolve their situation. We have completed thousands of installs across the United States, and we’ve maintained a 4.2-star rating on Google reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When blackouts happen, the Project Solar Home Backup Kit acts as a portable backup power solution for your home. This kit ensures your family stays safe, comfortable, and connected, offering peace of mind and uninterrupted power to keep your home running smoothly. In this article, we'll take you through everything you need to know to set up your Home Backup Kit, including what's in the kit, what the kit can back up, the tools you'll need for installation, and step-by-step instructions.
The Home Backup Kit includes three devices: the Power Bank 2000, Transfer Switch Sub-Panel, and Expansion Pack 3000. The Power Bank 2000 is the battery for backup power, while the Transfer Switch Sub-Panel connects it to your home sub-panel, enabling you to restore power.
You can also opt for an Expansion Pack 3000, depending on the type of kit you choose. You can add up to two Expansion Pack 3000s to increase the capacity of your Power Bank 2000. For easy transport and stacking of these devices, the EZ Cart is available.
To install your Transfer Switch Sub-Panel, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Unscrew the cover on your home sub-panel with a screwdriver, exposing the wiring. Keep the screws and cover somewhere safe.
2. Turn off the main breaker on your home sub-panel to prevent getting shocked. Use your voltmeter to confirm the power is off by touching the probe to the wire connected to the breaker.
7. Use your screwdriver to screw the cover back onto the home sub-panel.
Once your Transfer Switch Sub-Panel is up and running, you can rest assured that you can quickly restore electricity in case of a disaster. Just grab your Power Bank 2000 and Expansion Pack 3000(s), connect it to your Transfer Switch Sub-Panel, and boom — power is back!
By taking advantage of solar tax credits, you could get up to 30% off the price of a Home Backup Kit. So why wait? Click here to get your Home Backup Kit today and be prepared for any power emergency.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
On December 15th, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously approved the “NEM 3.0” proposal, a decision that has been the subject of debate for over a year.
This updated policy for net metering in California makes solar less beneficial for homeowners, as the value of exported electricity is set to decrease.
However, solar can definitely still be a viable investment, even with these changes (especially compared to some other states’ net-metering policies, or lack thereof).
The specific impacts of this proposal will vary by utility company. Customers in other states will not be affected directly, but this decision may set a precedent that could be followed by other areas in the future.
Based on this decision, the value of exported solar power in California is expected to drop by about 75%, according to the California Solar and Storage Association.
Luckily, proposed “grid participation” fees and other so-called “solar taxes” were removed from the proposal, so there won’t be additional fees for solar customers.
Previous net metering policies in California (NEM 1.0 & NEM 2.0) have allowed customers to receive one-to-one credits for excess energy from solar production that is pushed into the grid.
With the new NEM 3.0 policy, California customers will be paid at the avoided cost for energy, using a Net Billing arrangement.
Under Net Billing, exported energy will be metered and credited at a predetermined sell rate, based on the market cost of the energy. These rates will be adjusted regularly.
Unfortunately, the market cost of energy is much lower than the retail rate that most customers pay, meaning customers will not receive nearly as much credit for their exported electricity as they do under the previous NEM policies.
Due to the massive influx of applications, California’s utility companies will be bogged down and have much slower processing times until they’re able to catch up.
This backlog will likely lead to some project delays for customers with a submitted NEM 2.0 interconnection application, and customers who are looking to install solar under NEM 3.0 may also feel the effects.
California’s pre-NEM 3.0 high net-metering rates were some of the best in the country, but solar is still a popular, effective investment in other states with less advantageous Net Billing programs.
Solar will still pay for itself in California, just not as quickly as it has in the past--according to EnergySage, the average payback period will increase to 9-10 years, from the previous 5-6 year average.
Plus, there are still some things you can do when planning your investment that can help you decrease your payoff time:
Many electrical and/or energy efficient appliances can become very cost effective when paired with solar.
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, you can receive tax credits on purchases for electrical appliance purchases.
Residential customers with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) or Southern California Edison (SCE) who apply for interconnection before the end of 2027 will receive the Export Compensation Adder, which increases export rates for 9 years--though, this does not apply to homes that are required to add solar (new construction homes/ADUs).
Additionally, low-income families who are part of the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs will receive a higher adder.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers are not included in this, as their utility rates are higher and therefore provide higher savings to solar customers.
At Project Solar, we’re proud to offer high quality, low-cost solar. We aim to make solar accessible to all homeowners, and don’t use commissioned salesmen.
Our no-salesman model allows us to offer pricing at nearly half of the national average, which helps increase ROI and decrease payoff times.
You can also save an additional $3,000-$5000 on solar by using our DIY install option. Our standard equipment is warrantied for 25 years, and full install projects will include a 10 year workmanship warranty.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable solar system, there’s no better place than Project Solar.
As a company that specializes in low cost solar, we understand the importance of making renewable energy sources accessible and affordable to everyone. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a great resource for homeowners to save money while helping the environment.
The ITC offers a 30% credit on the total cost of a solar panel installation, including qualified battery storage and any additional necessary equipment.
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act extended this credit until 2034, and edited the language surrounding battery backup to describe a “Qualified Battery Storage Technology Expenditure” as:
This means that batteries must be installed in connection with your home and have a capacity of 3kWh or greater to qualify for this credit--however, this also means that standalone batteries are eligible.
Our solution is the Expanded Home Backup Kit. This kit includes a Transfer Switch that is installed in tandem with your home’s electrical system, which can provide backup for 4 circuits.
The Power Bank 2000 alone has a capacity of less than 3kWh (at 1.92kWh), but this kit also includes at least one Expansion Pack 3000, bringing the total capacity to 4.992kWh. Customers can purchase and connect an additional Expansion Pack 3000 as well, bringing total capacity to 8.064kWh.
Without at least one Expansion Pack, the Power Bank 2000 does not meet the minimum capacity requirements outlined above.
To claim the tax credit, you must file IRS Form 5695, "Residential Energy Credits", with your taxes.
This credit is non-refundable, meaning that it will offset your tax liability. If the credit exceeds your tax liability, you won't receive a refund for the excess amount, though any unused credit can be carried over to future years.
As always, Project Solar always recommends consulting a tax professional for full information and to determine your eligibility for tax credits. We do not offer tax advice.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Having a backup plan for electricity is a no-brainer in today's world: almost everything we do involves electricity. Plus, with increased extreme weather events, power outages are becoming more and more common.
Integrated solar batteries are one solution to this, and they do a great job, too--especially our top pick, the Enphase IQ 10. If you've read our other blogs, though, you'll know that we don't always recommend batteries with our systems. There are two main reasons for this:
We're thrilled to announce a new product to combat these issues: the Power Bank Solar Battery Kit. With an expandable capacity of up to 8,064Wh, this portable battery is a perfect affordable option for DIYers and even off-grid regulars.
The best part about this storage alternative is its versatility: even if you don't have a home solar system, the Power Bank and its accessories can move you one step closer to energy independence.
The Power Bank doesn't just protect you from outages, either--it can also make life in your day-to-day easier, especially if you live off-grid or on the road.
Keep reading to learn the various solutions this battery can provide:
As much as we like to avoid them, emergencies happen, and it's good to be prepared.
In recent years, wildfires, hurricanes, arctic freezes and more have caused extensive damage throughout the US. Just in 2022, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported $165.1 billion in damages from natural disasters.
These disasters have put historic levels of stress on the power grid, and power outages have increased by 64% in the past 10 years when compared to the previous decade.
There are already a few options to provide you with backup and also relieve stress from the power grid--most of which involve a generator powered by natural gas, diesel, or gasoline. The main issue with gas generators is that their fuel needs to be purchased, and with fuel costs skyrocketing as of late, this is not ideal. Gas generators also need to be run outdoors, as they create toxic carbon monoxide fumes.
Conversely, the grid-independent Power Bank is able to both charge and perform indoors or outdoors, in -4 to 113 degree conditions (F). It can be charged from your home, car, or from solar panels.
With standard AC outlets, USB-A ports, USB-C ports, and even a wireless phone charger, you can power almost any standard 120V home appliance while also making sure your devices stay topped up.
These disasters have put historic levels of stress on the power grid, and power outages have increased by 64% in the past 10 years when compared to the previous decade.
There are already a few options to provide you with backup and also relieve stress from the power grid--most of which involve a generator powered by natural gas, diesel, or gasoline. The main issue with gas generators is that their fuel needs to be purchased, and with fuel costs skyrocketing as of late, this is not ideal. Gas generators also need to be run outdoors, as they create toxic carbon monoxide fumes.
Conversely, the grid-independent Power Bank is able to both charge and perform indoors or outdoors, in -4 to 113 degree conditions (F). It can be charged from your home, car, or from solar panels.
Project Solar Power Bank 2000 | Inputs and Outputs
With standard AC outlets, USB-A ports, USB-C ports, and even a wireless phone charger, you can power almost any home appliance while also making sure your devices stay topped up.
Project Solar Power Bank 2000 | Inputs and Outputs
If you want to take outage protection one step further, you can directly connect your Power Bank to specific essential loads. Project Solar offers a Transfer Switch SubPanel that can switch your power source from the grid to your Power Bank.
Once your subpanel is installed, all you need to do is plug in your battery and flip a switch, and it's been integrated into your home. You can power lights, outlets, Wi-fi routers, etc. without needing to unplug appliances or use extension cords.
Project Solar's Power Bank is a reliable storage solution with many useful capabilities. It can provide electric backup for a variety of situations, including off-grid activities, rented properties/apartments, outages, emergencies, and more.
With more and more natural disasters and a high societal reliance on electricity, having a backup plan is becoming increasingly important in today's world. This kit offers backup and also solar savings options for peace of mind in unpredictable times.
Whether you're looking to charge a lantern in a national park or blow-dry your hair during a power outage, Project Solar's Power Bank is an affordable, accessible, and DIY-friendly solar alternative.
You can view and compare the specifications of our Power Bank models with the graphic below, or you can check out our Equipment Specifications page here.
Choosing the right solar panel can be an important and anxiety-inducing step in the solar design process. Luckily, we do the heavy lifting for you, optimizing our equipment list for optimal performance and ROI. There are A LOT of panel options, but here we'll go through why Project Solar offers the solar panels we do.
At Project Solar, our mission is to make solar not only affordable, but the best-performing investment in a household's portfolio.
By cutting out commissioned salespeople (often door knockers) and focusing on efficient and scalable business practices that leverage technology and internet marketing, we are able to drastically reduce the cost of solar--often below commercial rates.
Our customers are seeing ROI ranging from 18-45% (depending on the project and state).
When selecting panels, brand rarely yields a better return. A Rolls Royce could be affordable to some, but that doesn't mean that it's a good investment.
When it comes to equipment, having the "Rolls Royce" of panels won't yield you any greater return or kWh output; you just end up paying more for what should be considered a commodity.
There are 3 primary attributes we look for when selecting panels for our customers.
We set out to find the best panels for ROI. This entails reviewing and balancing three main categories:
A panels build quality is our first priority. At Project Solar, we only use Tier 1 panels with 25 year performance warranties and IEC 61215 ratings. "Tier 1" is a rating on the company's ability to honor its 25 year commitment, and the IEC rating is a testing certification showing the panels ability to withstand time and weather conditions.
Performance can be broken down into 2 aspects: output and efficiency. The "output" of the panel is the metric most people are familiar with. For example, a 400W panel is a panel that will produce 400W DC power in favorable conditions. Don't confuse this number with how many kWh this will produce in a day (read more about why here).
Higher wattage is not always better--18 400W panels will produce the same amount of power as 20 360W panels (a total 7.2kW system). Pairing a properly sized panel with the right microinverter is more important than wattage and can save you from potentially wasting a lot of money. Project Solar sources the best microinverters out there, from Enphase, and we can help you decide what's right for your system.
"Efficiency" is the ratio between the surface area of the panel and the output it produces. Most panels range from 18-22%. Occasionally, with higher efficient panels, you can squeeze more panels into a smaller roof space. But the specific dimensions of the panels often create a bigger issues with spacing that outweigh the small difference that a higher-efficiency panel can provide.
Aesthetics are another criteria we factor in. We only use aesthetically pleasing black-on-black panels. This is almost always preferred in residential applications, and we provide them by default. Our black-on-black panels are also monocrystalline, which is a more efficient option than polycrystalline panels, the alternative.
With these requirements in place, we then optimize the panel selection for the best possible investment. To learn more about our pricing model, check out our Solar Pricing with Project Solar blog post.
To maximize your return on investment (ROI), we break down the price of equipment into price per watt (PPW).
PPW is a standardized metric that allows consumers to compare pricing of a system. 10kW of solar produces more than 5kW of solar, and costs more too.
So how do you compare a quote for a 5kW system at $15,000, vs a 10kW system for $20,000? The best way is to convert to price per watt.
As you can see, the larger system in this example has a lower PPW, making it a better deal (assuming the additional generated power is needed).
The same calculation is used to evaluate panels. We maximize our relationships and volume discounts on select panels to optimize for the lowest price per watt.
Due to global supply chain shortages, we've forced to remain fluid with panel options - meaning we reserve the right to decide and switch panels on all projects. We keep a list of our panel options on our equipment specifications page. All panel selections and or changes will be communicated to customers beforehand, and nothing is forced (ie. if a panel change is required and not acceptable to the customer, customer may cancel without penalty).
Any substituted modules will also be Tier 1, black-on-black, and monocrystalline.
We stand behind all our equipment selections, and we double back the manufacturer's warranty for our products.
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Batteries and energy storage will be hot energy topics of conversation and R&D throughout the 2020s. . . not solar. Solar has already proven itself to be the most cost-efficient energy generator.
The biggest problem with solar is not the cost to produce the energy, but what to do with the energy at the time of production.
Solar produces the majority of its energy during the same 4-6 hours every day— we call these peak sun hours. However, we pesky humans tend to have the highest energy demands in the evening when the sun doesn't shine.
This is where batteries dominate. We overproduce in midday, and batteries help spread the energy out into the evening hours and early morning until our panels can begin generating all over again.
Batteries should be viewed as a solution for 2 scenarios:
One of the most common requests from Project Solar customers is for us to sell them a battery to go "off-grid."
In reality, going off-grid requires much more than a single battery (more on this later in "Off-Grid").
People generally add 5-20 kWh worth of batteries, primarily for optimizing time of use.
The majority of homes are connected to utility grids that charge different rates based on the time of day the energy is being used. So, early morning or midday are usually the cheapest times, and then energy rates can skyrocket in peak hours, often 5-10 pm—the time when people are home from work using their TVs, dryers, AC, and other power equipment.
Most homeowners strategically size their solar systems to generate close to as many kilowatt hours a month as they use, but that can leave them overproducing at the times of highest production and underproducing at times when they use it most.
Batteries smooth this out, since they algorithmically optimize when to use battery power to minimize your pull on the grid during the expensive peak times. This can result in significant savings for some customers.
Let's look at an example. If your daily consumption is 40 kWh, and you have an 9 kW system, your solar should generate enough energy to offset your bill if you have a 1-to-1 net metering agreement (9 kW * 4.5 sun hours = 40.5 kWh). For those with low net metering rates (looking at you, AZ), pairing your system with a battery should make it so YOUR solar-generated energy lasts the entire day.
Without a battery, you risk selling your excess energy back to the utility at the wholesale rate and then buying it back at the retail rate (in states with unfavorable net metering policies) when needed.
Our choice battery to optimize time-of-use is the Enphase IQ 5P. Working in tandem with our Enphase microinverters, this battery can automatically store energy during low usage times for use during high traffic hours.
Batteries are great when they financially make sense for your situation. At Project Solar, we can provide Enphase IQ 5P batteries (which have 15-year warranties) and Tesla Powerwall 3 batteries (10-year warranties) at the prices below.
In addition to installing the battery (or, batteries) itself, you will need one System Controller, which will enable your system to keep functioning during outages.
Important Note: The Enphase System Controller is required for battery jobs. The below battery price includes the required System Controller components. If you already have a System Controller and/or just want to purchase a battery, the price would be less.
Product |
DIY Pricing (Before Any Incentives) |
Full-Service Install Pricing (Before Any Incentives |
First Enphase IQ 5P Battery + 1 System Controller (Backup Configuration) |
$6,500 | $8,500 |
Each Additional IQ 5P Battery (Backup Configuration) |
$3,500 | $5,000 |
First Enphase IQ 5P Battery (Consumption Offset Configuration)* |
$3,500 | $4,000 |
Each Additional IQ 5P Battery (Consumption Offset Configuration)* |
$2,500 | $4,000 |
First Tesla Powerwall 3 |
N/A | $13,000 |
Each Additional Tesla Powerwall 3 |
N/A | $9,500 |
IMPORTANT: We do not provide DIY install support for Enphase batteries. For a battery to be commissioned, customers will need to become Enphase certified. The process of battery installation can be much more complicated than solar installation, and the batteries weigh around 150lbs each.
We offer the Power Bank & Expansion Packs as another battery option--these are more off-grid-friendly, and are fully portable. They're also expandable up to 8.064kWh at nearly a third of the price of our Tesla Powerwall 3 offering.
For more information on Power Bank and how it measures up to other solar batteries, check out our blog posts on Power Bank's use cases and our top picks for battery backup.
Here's a general estimate for how much battery capacity you will need:
For every 5 kW of solar, you'd need ~10 kWh of storage. Other details like amp load of heavy duty equipment may affect this number, especially on the smaller single 10 kWh battery systems.
Determining if a battery makes financial sense is the big question. For some, it may not when strictly reviewing ROI. A general rule of thumb for determining IF a battery makes financial sense for you is to subtract your kWh rate from your net metering credit rate (in UT it's 10¢ - 6¢ leaving a 4¢ net).
If the net rate is lower than the 6¢, then we'd advise no battery. Remember, in most states with tiered prices based on consumption, your average will most likely be billed in the lowest and cheapest tier. Use this lower price as the starting point.
If you do have low/no net metering benefits, a battery is sometimes a worthwhile investment to provide higher savings on your utility bill. One example of this is NEM 3.0--this policy has lowered the value of exported energy in California, meaning batteries can actually decrease system payoff time.
With the recent chaos in Texas and the frequent blackouts in northern California, demand for "off-grid" has never been higher.
However, we need to define what "off-grid" actually means.
Unless you are completely disconnected from the grid and fully reliant on solar and batteries, you are not technically considered off-grid. It is important to be aware that many states discourage off-grid living through local laws and regulations.
Having 10-30 kWh of storage could certainly cover the majority of your energy usage, spreading out what you collect from solar into the evening and early morning when the sun is not shining.
However, unless you have enough capacity to cover you through a winter storm, you won't have enough to be "off-grid" and truly disconnected from city power. You'll still be 90% + (weather permitting) energy independent, but off-grid typically requires a much heftier investment.
The rule of thumb when designing an off-grid system is to have 2-3 days worth of storage. To calculate this, simply look at your monthly kWh usage and divide by 30 to get your daily usage rate. Then multiply by 2-3 (days), and that is your storage need.
For example, I use about 2,100 kWh a month at my house. 2,100/30 = 70 kWh a day on average. Multiply that by 2.5 (I'm in UT which is relatively sunny), and that equates to 175 kWh of needed storage.
Most people looking for true off-grid solutions do so for mountain homes or other remote locations where grid tie wouldn't even be an option if they wanted.
Off-grid homes are usually smaller, and most will opt for lead acid batteries over lithium ion. Lead acid batteries are a little more high maintenance and can't necessarily compete with a lithium ion battery's longevity, but they are considerably cheaper.
If you're looking for off-grid storage without going completely off-grid, less batteries are needed.
At Project Solar, we offer the Power Bank Home Backup Kit as an off-grid battery solution--this Lithium Iron Phosphate battery kit can be expanded up to 8.064kWh, and can be tied into your home's essential loads with a Transfer Switch.
We even offer solar panels for purchase to charge these batteries, so you can take advantage of green energy even without a home solar system.
For more information on off-grid solar systems, check out our blog article titled "How Does Off-Grid Solar Actually Work?"
]]>A do-it-yourself installation with Project Solar can save you thousands of dollars. However, it is not a good fit for every customer interested in solar. While a DIY system’s savings are attractive, we recognize that not everyone wants to (or is able to) invest the time and effort required to complete a DIY solar installation.
For this reason, Project Solar also offers full-service installation, which is actually the route 90% of our customers take.
If you’re on the fence, read our articles on the DIY installation process: “Installing Solar in 4 Basic Steps” is a quick read, and “How to Install Solar Panels” goes a bit more in-depth. These will help give you a better understanding of what the process requires.
The great news is that DIY installers are not the only ones who can benefit from choosing Project Solar. Project Solar’s prices are half the national average with full-service installation typically costing between $2.30-2.60/watt (before federal and state incentives).
To make our full-service installations possible, we have partnered with NABCEP-certified installers to provide a quality product. If you'd like to read more about which states we service currently, check out this article.
A Full Service Install allows us to provide you, the customer, with the best, most experienced solar installers in your area at a lower price than you can find elsewhere.
At Project Solar, we've streamlined the solar sales process by cutting out the commissioned salesperson and by optimizing procedures through technology.
To get started, a customer interested in a full-service installation can obtain a quote online through our free quote calculator and review sizing options. Once a system has been decided upon, we'll request the necessary information to draw up engineering plans and submit them for permits with your jurisdiction.
Then, engineering, permitting, and equipment procurement can take place.
On installation day(s), the Project Solar partnered contractor installs the system and completes the interconnection grid-tie.
Project Solar systems use Tier 1 all-black panels, Enphase IQ microinverters and IronRidge racking equipment. We also offer Enphase batteries and the Tesla Powerwall 2, though we do not require battery backup for our systems.
If you opt for a full-service installation, you will have a 25-year production guarantee and 10-year workmanship warranty with your installer. This means that in addition to your system’s 25-year product and performance warranties, you are also covered if the installer makes a mistake.
We want to ensure that any potential issues caused by your solar installation are taken care of in a timely manner. Furthermore, Project Solar fully backs your warranties as well.
This means that you, as the customer, will always be covered if you experience any issues一you won’t be left to fend for yourself.
Project Solar will work as your advocate to enforce the installer’s contract and warranty, but ultimately, we take full responsibility to get the job done if the installer doesn’t pull through.
For example, if your installer goes out of business or moves, Project Solar is responsible for finding a new installer to make the warrantied repairs.
A common concern among homeowners is that there will be leaks in areas where installers have drilled into the roof to mount solar panel rails and anchors. Racking technology has come a long way, and includes sealant methods that are nearly foolproof and unlikely to cause leaks.
That being said, things happen, so we make sure that your installation will be securely warrantied through the installer and through Project Solar.
If a piece of the solar equipment needs to be replaced, your installer will be available to facilitate the equipment swap within 30 days of the new part being received.
If the source of the damage or defect is due to an issue outside of the workmanship warranty, the customer will generally need to pay the installer, according to the contract, $250 for a site visit (depending on the exact situation).
In most states, the cost of the installation itself is $0.50/watt. However, there is occasionally additional work that needs to be done to install your system--these are called "installation adders", and are paid in addition to that $0.50/watt.
For a comprehensive list of our adders and their costs, click here. To research more about these adders, what they entail, and whether they will apply to your project, check out our FAQ.
(Be aware that adder prices can also vary by state in some cases).
With an experienced installer and a strong workmanship warranty, a full-service installation from Project Solar is a great way to get started on your solar journey. You can feel confident in the quality of your installer's workmanship as well as the assistance you will receive down the road.
]]>Panel and microinverter replacements are rare, but at Project Solar we have established efficient processes to smoothly and quickly replace damaged or defective solar equipment.
Project Solar’s standard equipment includes Enphase microinverters and premium black on black tier 1 panels. Both microinverters and panels follow a similar warranty claim process, but we will outline the basics of each.
Even though microinverter and panel replacement situations are few and far between, Project Solar is prepared to make the process as smooth as possible. Your system will be producing at its full capacity again before you know it!
Read straight through the article if you want to know about both microinverter and panel replacement processes, or skip ahead by clicking on sections that apply to your situation.
Microinverters are a vital part of your solar system. They convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) at the panel level. This conversion allows homes to actually use your solar system's energy.
Project Solar exclusively uses Enphase microinverters. These Enphase microinverters have strong 25-year warranties and are considered the best of the best in the solar industry. As an Enphase customer, you will use the Enphase app to monitor your system’s status and production levels.
With the Enphase app, you can know exactly how much energy your solar system is producing, even when you're away from home.
Since this app allows you to monitor energy production, you should use it as a tool to identify your system's issues. If the app shows that a panel is not efficiently producing energy, that is a clear sign that there’s some kind of issue with your equipment.
If Enphase sends you a “Production Issue” error report this means that your site production has fallen below the “Production Threshold” or that Enphase has detected a significant hardware issue with the system.
In other words, the “Production Issue” system status indicates that your system may require more serious maintenance.
In this situation, you can start troubleshooting the system by going to your app's "Devices" tab. Microinverters with a production issue will be displayed with a flag. You’ll need to click the status link of an individual microinverter to see its current issues.
If you can't find any microinverters with production issues on the "Devices" list, the system's “Production Threshold” settings may be too tight. This is probably the case if you find that your system frequently flags a “Production Issue” due to weather, so you may wish to lower the threshold, so you’re not bothered by false alarms. (Enphase, “How Do I Troubleshoot a Production Issue System Status?”)
If needed, contact Enphase Customer Support [(877)797-4743] for further troubleshooting steps.
It is important to be aware that not all damages or defects are covered by Enphase’s 25-year product warranty. Here I’ll share a few situations that are not covered by the warranty, but I suggest reviewing the microinverters’ warranty in full before making a claim (Enphase warranty).
The limited warranty does not cover
Naturally, Enphase will need to confirm that your microinverter defect is covered by the warranty. If it is, Enphase will repair or replace the defective inverter free of charge. They will also pay for the shipment of a covered product to and from your home.
However, Enphase does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling their products. For this reason, if you notice any production issues with the Enphase Enlighten app, and you aren’t successful troubleshooting, you will need to communicate with Project Solar so that we can help find you an installer or handyman to replace the faulty equipment if needed.
In general, the microinverter replacement process will vary on a case-by-case basis since the inverter damage may or may not be covered by Enphase's warranty depending on its source.
Project Solar is here to facilitate and answer questions.
Usually microinverter damage is not going to be caused by your installers, but if this is the case, and you received a full-service installation from Project Solar, the costs of acquiring and installing the new equipment will be covered by your installer and Project Solar.
To take advantage of the workmanship warranty, you must send written notice to Project Solar within 30 days of discovering a defect or damage. The notice must describe the location and details of the defect, so that the installer can properly investigate the claim.
When you make your claim, you should be prepared to pay a refundable site visit deposit to the installer. Upon receiving the deposit, the installer will schedule a time to inspect the warranty claim.
Following a proper evaluation and determination of coverage, the site visit deposit will be refunded if the claim ends up being covered by the warranty. If it is not covered, the deposit will be applied to the cost of the installer’s site visit fee, but the installer will not perform any additional repairs or work without your consent.
If your original installer has moved, gone out of business, etc., Project Solar is responsible for finding a new installer in your area to take care of the repair.
If you are a DIY installer and damage the equipment, you will be financially responsible for taking care of the replacement.
If the damage or defect is covered by the microinverters’ performance or product warranty, Project Solar’s facilitates the claims process with Enphase and keeps you involved and informed.
1. Contact Project Solar and submit your claim. If needed, we'll schedule a three-way warranty call with Enphase.
2. Project Solar will investigate and facilitate the warranty with Enphase and send a technician to remove and replace the faulty microinverter/s.
3. The customer would just need to pay for the service call and labor. Microinverter replacement is very straightforward and should not take long.
2. Project Solar will investigate your claim and facilitate the warranty with Enphase. As someone who has self-installed, you already have experience handling your system’s equipment, so you can remove the defective equipment and install the replacement without having to pay for a technician to do the job.
If for some reason you would prefer not to, Project Solar can send a technician to remove and replace the faulty microinverter/s.
Like microinverters, panels rarely have to be replaced. If there is an issue, however, our panels all come standard with a 25-year product warranty.
Full-service installation customers also have a 10-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year performance warranty through the installer and Project Solar.
All our panels include a performance warranty that guarantees panels will produce at least ~84% (this number may be slightly higher, based on the exact panel model) of their original output by year 25. If a panel produces less efficiently than this, it officially has a performance defect and is warrantied to be replaced or repaired.
The product warranty covers various panel defects and damages, but there are limitations.
For example, damage caused by extreme external sources (e.g. acid rain or snow, blowing sand, saline air, air pollution, unusual oxidation levels, mold, nearby fire, explosion, smoke or charring, lightning, hail, frost, snow, storms, tidal waves, floods, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, typhoons, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, meteorites, ground motions, earth fissures or landslides, etc.) are generally not covered.
As you can see, warranties can get pretty specific, so be sure to review your manufacturer's warranty before making a claim. The chart below can be helpful in classifying your panel damage:
Description of Damage |
Generally covered under Manufacturer's Warranty? |
Defects in material and/or workmanship |
Yes |
Damage due to handling, installation, or incorrect plant planning (e.g. electrical, mechanical) |
No |
Damage after installation or commissioning (e.g. broken glass, cracking, significant reduction of optical performance) |
Depends on the claim |
Deficient performance |
Yes |
Damage due to external forces |
No |
Damage due to transportation to the customer/site |
Depends on the claim |
No defects established |
No |
(Be aware that warranties will vary slightly based on the manufacturer)
The claims process for panels is typically quite similar to the Enphase microinverter claim process, and Project Solar representatives are here to guide you.
Usually, panel damage is not caused by installers. However, if this is the case and you received a full-service installation from Project Solar, the costs of acquiring and installing the new equipment will be covered by your installer and/or Project Solar.
To take advantage of the workmanship warranty, you must send written notice to Project Solar within 30 days of discovering a defect or damage. The notice must describe the location and details of the defect, so that the installer can properly investigate the claim.
When you make your claim, you should be prepared to pay a refundable visit deposit to the installer. Upon receiving the deposit, the installer will schedule a time to inspect the warranty claim.
Following a proper evaluation and determination of coverage, the site visit deposit will be refunded if the claim ends up being covered by the warranty. If it is not covered, the deposit will be applied to the cost of the installer’s site visit fee, but the installer will not perform any additional repairs or work without your consent.
If your original installer has moved, gone out of business, etc., Project Solar is responsible for finding a new installer in your area to take care of the repair.
If you are a DIY installer and you damage the equipment, you will be financially responsible for taking care of the replacement.
If the damage or defect is covered by the panel’s performance or product warranty, Project Solar’s facilitates the claims process with your manufacturer and keeps you involved and informed.
1. Contact Project Solar and submit your claim.
2. Project Solar will investigate and facilitate the warranty with your manufacturer and send a technician to remove and replace the faulty panel/s.
3. Even if the panel’s defect or damage is covered by warranty, the warranty does not cover the labor costs of removing and replacing panels. Because of this, you will need to pay for the service call (except if the issue is caused by installation).
Project Solar has helped standardize the cost of the replacement service call. Solar panel replacement is very straightforward and should not take long.
1. When you discover an issue with your panels, contact Project Solar. Your manufacturer's customer service will also need to be contacted as soon as possible and notified of any defects.
2. We will need to identify the source of the panel’s defects or damages. This will help us know whether the issue is covered by the product/performance warranty.
3. Since you were able to originally install your system, you have the option of removing the faulty panel and installing the replacement panel provided. This will save on costs because even if the damage or defect is covered by the warranty, panel manufacturers do not cover the labor costs associated with removing and reinstalling the product.
4. In the rare event you need to send your panel(s) to the manufacturer for analysis, the panel(s) will need to be carefully transported to an intermediate store, stored in a dry environment in that intermediate store, and packed in appropriate transport medium.
If possible, you can just use its original packaging, but if needed, Project Solar can also provide you with suitable transport packaging from the manufacturer on request.
An obvious (but important) note for DIY-ers: Do not throw damaged or defective modules or handle them in a way that will cause further damage: the manufacturer will not accept any liability for damage that occurs when panels are being taken down or transported.
Because of photovoltaics’ financial and environmental benefits, our goal at Project Solar is to make solar accessible to as many people as possible. With this goal in mind, we naturally want to guarantee that the solar system performs to the best of its abilities.
A less efficient system will slow down your return on investment, and you simply don’t need to suffer through equipment defects while Project Solar’s panels and microinverters have solid performance, product, and workmanship warranties.
The vast majority of our products continue to function efficiently for years past their warranty period, so the likelihood that you’ll have to go through this process is low.
However, these issues happen, and with Project Solar’s efficient processes, the replacement process isn’t a big deal. We are prepared to help you get your system running again as soon as possible.
Here at Project Solar, we are ready to work with you and our manufacturers to guarantee that your system is everything that motivated you to go solar in the first place.
]]>Your parents just got solar panels installed. So did your neighbors. And one of your co-workers. It may be hard to tell if purchasing solar panels is worth it—are they just today’s fad, or something you will regret not having tomorrow?
Naturally, as solar energy options become more and more common and accessible, you may find yourself wondering if solar is worth your time and the financial investment.
It is impossible to take on the solar question without considering finances. You’ve heard people rave about how much they are saving on their electricity bills, but you can’t help but wonder if solar energy users are really coming out on top.
Choosing an energy source is a serious decision that warrants thorough research and company comparison, so in addition to outlining the personal, financial, and environmental benefits of solar energy, this article will also address some common concerns and questions that may be keeping you from starting a solar project.
As you consider solar energy’s federal tax incentives, green benefits, impressively high ROI, and solid warranties, you'll understand why so many people are deciding that solar is right for them right now.
The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has played a huge role in motivating consumers to switch to solar. With the ITC, the US federal government is offering a 30% tax credit on residential and commercial properties that install solar systems.
With a 30% tax credit, your federal income taxes will be reduced by 30% of what you pay for your system. Dollar for dollar, that 30% can come back to you.
Since being enacted in 2006, the ITC has made solar a financially plausible option and helped the solar industry grow by more than 10,000%. This rapid growth has also contributed to the market’s increasing affordability and technological advancements.
To put the ITC’s value into perspective, the average Project Solar customer saves $6,000 with the credit.
With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, this credit was extended for 10 years (it was originally set to expire after 2023). After 2032, It will decrease to 26%, and after 2033, it will drop to 22%. Unless it is renewed or extended again, those with residential property solar projects will not be offered any credit starting in 2035.
Whether you have personally experienced poor air quality in a city, seen images of polluted water sources, or watched one of the many films about a futuristic, dystopian Earth, you know you don’t have to look far to find reasons to feel some concern for our planet's environmental well-being.
This concern naturally influences consumers’ decisions. Clean and sustainable life choices can benefit individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole. Since solar energy is renewable, it is an appealing substitute for more environmentally harmful energy sources.
While the burning of fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), producing electricity through solar power helps reduce harmful emissions.
Since climate change and air pollution are intimidating issues, consumers may feel powerless in their ability to make a difference. However, the effect of transitioning one home to solar power from fossil fuels is equivalent to planting around 150 trees every year.
This demonstrates that the energy choices of single people make significant differences. Along with shrinking your carbon footprint, switching to solar can also improve air quality.
Cutting down on emissions helps improve respiratory and cardio health on a global and local level. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has found that lower fossil fuel emissions result in fewer cases of bronchitis and lost workdays related to health issues.
By investing in solar power, you are investing in the planet and your personal environment. Solar energy is a significant step forward to creating a more sustainable life. While there may be environmental issues that you can’t directly control, choosing solar is worth it because it’s a way you can make a difference today.
Switching to solar energy is often referred to as an investment. After gathering quotes and comparing prices, you are probably curious as to how and when the return comes. Many people aren’t willing or able to wait 20 years to see a financial return.
The great news is that solar is literally one of the most profitable investments you can make right now. To put this into perspective, the S&P 500 stock market index, one of the most reliable investment opportunities, has a 9.8% ROI and average home appreciation is 3.2%, but some solar companies, such as Project Solar, can offer 18% ROI.
You can calculate ROI for yourself with a simple equation:
[energy cost savings for the year/cost of going solar]
Let’s say that you decide to install a solar system. First, we’ll look at the stats of your system:
System size: 9.9 kW
System production/year: 15,899 kWh
Total cost: $12,471
Then, we can find the energy cost saving by multiplying system production by your local utility rate.
Local utility rate: $0.13/kWh
15,899*0.13=$2,066.87
With $2,066.87 saved a year on a $12,471 investment, you’ll have a 17% ROI!
After getting 17% of your investment back within the first year, you’ll be well on your way to covering the original cost of the panels, and you can expect to continue to profit from your decision to go solar.
Since we are talking about solar as an investment, you may wonder what risks are involved. Those who like to play it safe can rest easy knowing that the best solar manufacturers typically offer a 25-year production warranty for their panels and a 25-year warranty on microinverters.
Panel Warranties
The solar energy market may feel foreign as you learn more about panel technology and various options. You want to feel confident in the choices you make, and a robust 25-year warranty can build your confidence that if your panels are not properly producing, you will be properly compensated.
Some solar companies, such as Project Solar, guarantee that your panels will have a certain production level by year 25, and quality panels usually can even outperform that minimum. Project Solar's panels will produce at least 84% after 25 years.
In the case that a panel needs replacement within the 25-year warranty, it can be switched out free of charge. At Project Solar, we require our installers to offer 10-year warranties, so if the replacement takes place within those first 10 years, the installation fixes can also be completed for no cost.
Although quality panel manufacturers typically offer a 25-year warranty, panels often surpass that mark and continue to function.
Inverter Warranties
A solar system's inverter (the part that converts the sun’s energy into usable energy, tracks the panels’ stats, and is paired with the brains of the system) also has its own warranty.
The two most common types of inverters offered by companies are string inverters and microinverters. The type of inverter you choose for your system will impact the warranty that you receive.
If you’ve heard complaints of malfunctioning or low-performing systems, it is likely that a string inverter was at the root of those issues. Solar systems typically used string inverters in the past and have a lower upfront price.
A string inverter hooks up all panels to a single point of control, so like a string of Christmas lights, if there is a single problem with one of the system’s parts, it will affect the performance of the whole system.
These finicky inverters typically only come with 10–12 year warranties which can leave buyers out of luck and frustrated less than halfway through their panels’ warranty.
Microinverters, on the other hand, are generally preferred when considering performance and warranty. Although they come at a higher price, many solar users find microinverters worth their price since it saves them from dealing with a low-performing system or purchasing replacements down the road.
Unlike string inverters, microinverter systems have an inverter on each panel, so if one panel is shaded or malfunctioning, the rest of the system can effectively operate regardless.
Top microinverter manufacturers, such as Enphase, offer clients full refunds or replacements on their inverters for 25 years. With a solid warranty that matches the panels’, microinverters can relieve anxiety and ultimately enhance the performance of the entire solar system.
Now, we'll clear up some common misconceptions, so that you can feel confident and informed while deciding if solar is the right choice for you. This is a limited list, so check out our FAQ page if you have a concern that is not listed.
1. “Solar energy must be super expensive.”
The market is incredibly competitive, and many options are available. The cost of photovoltaic electricity has actually fallen by 82% since 2010, and solar energy is not as expensive as you may think after considering tax incentives and ROI. Project Solar also offers a DIY installation option that saves on total cost.
When priced properly, solar will save you money. The high prices that you've heard of are a result of unethical sales tactics. Door knockers are incentivized to charge prospective customers as much as possible to rack up commissions.
Companies like Project Solar prioritize flat pricing and do not incentivize employees with commissions. This lowers the overall price and increases ROI.
2. “Isn’t solar energy unreliable? What will I do when it’s not sunny?”
Solar produces the majority of its energy during peak sun hours, which is about 4–6 hours a day. During peak sun hours, most people have lower energy demands, so solar batteries can help conserve the energy collected so that you can use it after the sun has gone down.
Batteries can spread out your energy production and also help your home function independently from your local energy grid, but batteries' high prices have often repelled potential buyers in the past. Prices have gone down slightly in recent years, but batteries are not always necessary.
Batteries may not be right for your system, especially if you live in areas with beneficial net metering rates. Net metering is another possibility that can help account for the excess energy produced during peak sun hours.
Net metering is the process of your your utility company crediting you for your unused solar power that is pushed into the grid. Credits can vary from state to state, however, and this should be considered when planning your system’s design.
Microinverters are another factor that increases solar reliability, since they allow your system to work effectively even if a couple panels are shaded.
If it’s a cloudy day, your panels can still produce electricity; however, they will not produce when covered by snow. Panels are typically installed at a slant so the snow will slide off once the weather clears up.
3.“I’m worried that solar panels will look bad and distract from the architecture of my home.”
Although some may imagine solar panels as bulky or ugly, as the solar market has grown, panel manufacturers have been able to produce aesthetically appealing designs that complement the original architecture of a home or building.
Project Solar offers black-on-black designs that are subtle and sleek to allow you to find a design that suits your needs.
While taking on a solar project may seem intimidating, financial and environmental benefits make solar an accessible and profitable energy option that is worth investing in.
Your parents, neighbors, and co-worker were onto something when they chose solar energy. Solar is not only worth it—it’s probably one of the best decisions you can make right now.
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If you’ve seen our ads, you’ve probably seen the grandma installing solar. It’s satirical, illustrating the relative ease of a solar installation. Our ads have received millions of views and have helped us expose the wrongs of the traditional solar industry.
Whether you go the DIY route like grandma here or opt for a full install, you will optimize your return on investment with Project Solar.
So, what sets Project Solar apart? What is the Project Solar difference? Let's look at the numbers.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report, the median price for rooftop solar in the United States is about $3.97-$4.18/watt. Project Solar comes in at an average price of $2.30-$2.50/W (fully installed, before incentives), making our offer nearly HALF the price.
Let's put this into perspective: With the average homeowner needing 9.2 kW (9,200 watts), you can save over $15,000!
The federal government recognizes the external benefits of homeowners going solar. The current incentive gives 30% of the total purchase price back to the consumer in the form of a tax credit.
This incentive brings Project Solar's pricing down as low as $1.61/watt (with DIY, this can be up to 50 cents lower!). The current federal incentives are set to go down in 2033 and completely expire after 2034, making now the perfect time to go solar. Plus, many states and utility companies offer additional incentives.
Here are some details on how the industry currently works.
Disregarding the more expensive big names, there are many solar companies in the US that simply handle the back-end stages of the process (engineering, equipment, installation, etc). These companies will install solar for close to $2.50/watt. However, they don't sell the systems themselves.
Instead, they let door-knockers do the selling, and allow them to keep anything that they charge on top of the $2.50/watt. This incentivizes the salespeople to charge as much as possible, resulting in a high national average.
With the average solar install being 9 kW (9,000 watts), it’s not hard to calculate commissions: $1.47-$1.68/W.
If we multiply the commission (PPW) by our system size (watts), we get a total commission of $13,230-$15,120 (plus any lender fees).
Does this make you mad? It makes US mad…
Although the traditional solar sales tactics are predatory and unethical, that doesn’t mean that solar is a bad investment--quite the contrary, in fact.
If properly priced, solar can save you a LOT of money.
Here’s an example: After the federal incentive, a 10 kW system from Project Solar with full-service installation would cost just under $17,000. On average, it would produce 48 kWh a day. If you multiply this by 365 (days in a year) and then 25 (years of the warranty period) and factor in an average of 92.5% for degradation, you would have 48*365*25*.925 = 405,150 kWh produced.
If you divide your system's price by its total kWh produced, you would have a total cost of 4¢/kWh. To put this excellent rate into perspective, consider that the average cost per kWh from a traditional electric utility company in the United States is almost 17¢/kWh.
In other words, when priced FAIRLY, your solar build should pay for itself 3 times over by the end of the 25-year warranty period. AND it should keep producing for many years after that.
Project Solar has cut out the commissioned salesman and created an optimized, e-commerce-based model.
No large commissions, just fair and transparent pricing.
Project Solar originally began as a DIY company, with the goal of helping those who were fed-up with the overpriced solar sales bros and wanted to cost effectively do it themselves. It wasn’t long before we started offering full-service, warrantied installation at a fair price of 50-70¢/watt due to high demand.
A question people in the industry often ask us is "How can you sell solar at such a low price?"
It comes down to efficiency.
First, we've moved sales online and optimized our platform for the digital age. Sounds obvious, right? Anything that is being sold door-to-door by adults is going to be overpriced (or extremely unique). Solar is not unique.
Second, we’ve created an AI to offer salesperson-free quoting. We don't have a single commissioned employee at our company. Our advanced quoting system connects to government databases with detailed information on rooftop sun exposure, local utility rates, and government incentives.
Third, we utilize lidar and satellite technology, as well as pictures you submit, to complete the technical engineering plansets needed for city and utility permitting.
Lastly, we've partnered with expert installers to offer warrantied installation at a great price across the nation.
It's time for solar sales to enter the digital age.
If you are interested in getting a quote, we'd love it if you gave our quoting calculator a try - just click here.
--
Trevor & Matt
Co-Founders
P.S. All Project Solar panels, inverters, and racking systems are warrantied for 25 years. If you opt for full service install, we also include a 10-year workmanship warranty that covers any incidents involved in the installation of your solar equipment, including leaks.
We believe in the intelligence of the average consumer. We encourage you to do your research, compare offers, and learn about the different equipment. Below are a few links that provide further detail on our offer:
Equipment Specifications
Project Solar Warranty Info
Working with Project Solar - Flow Chart
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