Call us: 800.815.5562
Get a Free Site Analysis

Solar For Homes

Residential Solar PV FAQs

Why Should I Invest In A Solar PV System Now?
  • Protect Yourself From Escalating Energy Costs Electricity gets more expensive every year. Over the last 35 years, the average annual rate increase in California has been 6.5% (high energy users have seen substantially greater increases).
  • Support Clean Energy - Environmental Benefits The average solar PV residential system (based on 5kW), would save nearly 175 tons of carbon dioxide over its 30 year lifespan - equivalent to removing 32 cars from the road. It takes approximately 4,487 new trees to absorb that much CO2 produced by fossil fuels.
  • Add Value to Your Home The value of a solar system is added to the appraised value of your property and does not increase your property taxes. Solar is one of the few home improvements that can be justified in terms of return on invested dollar.
  • Unlimited Power Provided by the Sun Do your part to help the energy crisis. Solar is a true renewable and sustainable source of energy. Reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and produce your own electricity, while reducing your carbon footprint.

How is the Price of Oil Tied to the Cost of Electricity?

Most electricity is produced from Coal and Natural Gas – both of these fossil fuel resources depend heavily upon petroleum products for mining, extraction and transportation. So, although electricity is not commonly produced directly from oil, as oil prices rise, so do conventional energy prices.

How Does a Solar PV System Work?

Solar PV systems consist of modular panels made of silicon, which react directly to sunlight by generating electric current. An inverter converts DC (direct current) generated by the panels into AC (alternating current), supplying power to your home identical to utility power. MORE

What Size System Do I Need?

SPG Solar tailors PV systems to the unique energy needs of each home or business. A detailed site survey and energy needs analysis is conducted to determine the appropriate system size. SPG Solar provides these services at no cost.

How Much Does A PV System Cost?

System cost depends on size, materials and labor. Most SPG Solar systems pay for themselves within 7 to 10 years. Every PV system is sized to the unique annual energy needs of each customer. Systems are designed to replace the total amount of electricity used annually, not by square footage, and are designed to optimize electric production and aesthetics. MORE

Are There Rebates Or Financial Incentives?

Rebates and tax credits are available now. Various financial incentives are available from State and Federal governments to encourage investment in solar energy. Solar time-of-use (TOU) rate plans and net metering options also optimize the cost benefits of going solar. Contact an SPG Solar Energy Consultant for details on incentives available in your area. MORE

Is Financing Available?

Financing is available with attractive rates and flexible term options. Feel free to discuss financing options with one of SPG Solar's Energy Consultants.

How Much Will I Save On My Electric Bill?

Optimally, your SPG Solar system will be designed to significantly reduce or eliminate your electric bill. Space constraints, budget, or sunlight exposure may affect the size of the system that can be installed.

Does My House Have to Face South?

PV systems facing southeast to west can deliver optimal production. Several factors such as tilt, sun exposure, and location also affect energy production.

How Do I Sell Electricity Back to the Utility Company?

Solar PV systems are tied to the utility grid. Inverters convert electricity from DC to AC power and track kilowatt-hour (kWh) production every day. When a solar system produces more electricity than is used, surplus energy is sent back to the grid, the electric meter "spins backwards" and the utility credits the owner for the surplus energy during that period at retail rates.

The energy you use during off-peak hours will draw from your banked credits, enabling you to zero out your electric bill over the course of each year. MORE

What Does the System Look Like?

SPG Solar designs and mounts PV panels to minimize visual impact and maximize aesthetic appeal. Flush roof systems are most common, but sometimes systems are installed on open ground away from a building. Each customer approves of the system design before installation. Please see our project portfolio page: Residential Portfolio

Does a Solar PV System Have to Meet Local Building Codes?

Your PV system must be inspected and comply with all local building and national electrical codes. SPG Solar is a licensed and bonded California General B, Electrical C-10, and Solar C-46 Contractor. We have over 1,200 systems designed and installed in California alone.

What is the Process?

Going solar with SPG Solar is a complete turn-key process. First, SPG Solar analyzes the historical electric usage of your home or business and conducts a free site evaluation. Then, we design and propose system options and work with you to most effectively accomplish your goals.

Once we're in contract, SPG Solar takes care of all the work for you: from system design, engineering, procurement, obtaining your rebate and permits, to installation. Once the system is installed, SPG Solar provides a 10-year full system warranty and while our dedicated Customer Service professionals continue to monitor and analyze your system. MORE

How Long Does It Take to Install?

Installation time depends on the size of the system. The actual installation time for a residential system takes an average of 3 to 5 days to complete, depending on system size and complexity.

How Do I Maintain My Solar PV System?

Solar PV systems are designed and installed to be low-maintenance. They are solid state technology and generally have no moving parts. Panels benefit from being hosed off at least twice a year, especially after long periods without rain. MORE

How Do I Know if My System is Working?

Your system is working if the proper inverter light is on. Online and wireless monitoring options are available. Dedicated Customer Service specialists continue to analyze system performance and are available to address any concerns long after system installation.

How Reliable is the System?

SPG Solar's Customer Service and Warranty Department is here when you need us. SPG Solar warranties each system it installs for ten years and will promptly perform any replacements or repairs as needed under warranty. MORE

Do I Need a Battery Backup?

SPG Solar’s PV systems connect to the local utility grid. No batteries are necessary. On sunny days, the solar system sends surplus energy to the grid for credit on your utility bill. At night and on rainy days, you tap into the credit your solar system earned on sunny days.

What if My Roof Needs Repair After the Solar Panels are Installed?

A roof inspection (and any necessary repair) is recommended prior to a PV installation. If roof replacement is needed after installation, SPG Solar can temporarily disconnect, remove, and then reinstall the solar panels for an hourly fee.

How Much Experience Does SPG Solar Have?

SPG Solar has installed PV systems on over 1,200 homes and businesses, and has built some of the largest solar installations in the country. All of SPG Solar’s electricians, installers and technicians are trained specialists in solar installation for commercial buildings and residences. SPG Solar’s designers are certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). MORE

What Equipment Does SPG Solar Use?

SPG Solar partners with industry leading manufacturers and uses only tried and true products to provide you with a premium system that maximizes your return on investment. The solar modules we use come with a 20+ year power output warranty in addition to our 10-year full system warranty.