Can my roof support solar panels?
As part of our evaluation of your roof, we consider direction, tilt, obstructions, roof type, and construction type. All of your systems undergo structural engineering producing stamped installation plans for permitting.
Do I need to replace my roof before I get solar panels?
If your roof needs repair or replacement within the next few years, it’s best to fix it before moving forward. We are often able to include a re-roof in your solar system, taking advantage of much lower rate financing, and possibly also taking advantage of the tax credit for the cost of your roof as well.
Do solar panels work when it is cloudy or overcast?
Solar produces best in intense, direct sunlight, however they can produce in just about any amount of ambient light. Part of our analysis includes factoring in 25 year historical weather data for your zip code to calculate annual sun hours for our production estimate.
Most utilities also have a program called Net Metering. With Net Metering, you will earn credits for excess energy produced during sunny times, to trade for energy from the grid during periods of darkness. Additionally, you may have a battery storage system on site which stores the excess production for use at night or on stormy days.
Can solar panels withstand a hurricane?
Many of our panel offerings are certified to meet Miami Dade hurricane code (required for most south east counties). This is the highest durability certification in the industry. Anecdotally, after Hurricane Ian we saw many roofs where the panels actually protected the roof. Owners with panels had no damage while their neighbors lost shingles! To note, our systems with battery backups typically still had power as well; while others lived off generators and hunted for gas.
Will my solar work when the grid goes down?
It depends. A standard solar system is required by law to have a feature called “rapid shutdown” where it stops producing the instant the grid goes down. This is a safety mechanism for my fellow first responders and utility workers who may be responding to an emergency or working to restore the grid.
We offer a new technology called “Grid Forming Inverters” in the form of SolarEdge EnergyHub and Enphase IQ8. Paired to battery storage systems, these inverters create a physical disconnect from the grid and form your own microgrid in your home, allowing your solar to continue producing, and drawing from your batteries as needed to keep you online. KLN Solar’ are Battery Storage Experts. It is our specialty, in fact we were formed as a direct result of founder Mike Patterson’s search for battery storage for his own home!
Do you offer a warranty on your solar panels? How long do solar panels last?
Panels are typically warrantied by the manufacturer for 25 years. Inverters are warrantied 12-25 years. We, however, include the industry leading 30 year parts (including: inverters, connectors, wiring) and labor warranty, which also guarantees all roof penetrations will remain watertight for the duration of the warranty! This warranty is fully transferable should your home and system change owners as well!
Can birds and other wildlife ruini my solar panels?
Our panels have a hydrophobic coating repelling dirt and water. In most of Florida, periodic rain is all you need to clean your panels! During extra dry and dusty times, or in other parts of the country, periodic washings with a simple water stream can enhance your production.
Will my solar panels be covered by home insurance if something happens to them?
As part of your roof, the panels are included in your Homeowners Insurance should they be damaged. It is a good idea to increase your home’s replacement value to cover the value of the system as well.
Is it true that insurance companies can drop you for adding solar?
We have heard that some insurance companies are threatening this. The few that have tended to be the companies that were already looking for excuses to leave the Florida insurance market and were looking to drop homeowners. This is far from the norm, and we have insurance contacts we can refer you to who work with solar customers every day, and often can save you money compared to your existing homeowners insurance while using more stable companies.
How do you determine the size of my system?
The best option is to analyze your electric consumption history which is found on your electric bill. From there we can design a system to optimize your savings based on the Net Metering arrangement your utility provides. We can account for future growth in the form of electric vehicles, pools, etc as well!
If you just moved in and don’t have a history, don’t worry. Combining experience with similar homes and a load calculator we can estimate your consumption and design a system to meet your needs as well!
How many solar panels do I need to charge my home or business?
This is one of the most common questions we get, but it is not a simple answer. We take a fully customized approach, analyzing usage history, roof details, shading factors, and even weather history for your zip code to size the system appropriately for your needs. This is the difference between working with a Solar Professional vs a salesman.
How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV?
At KLN Solar, we take detail and specifics very seriously. We do not ballpark estimates like many companies do. Rather, we take into consideration the specific model of EV as well as the estimated number of miles driven annually. From there we can calculate a much more accurate estimate of the EV’s consumption and design the system accordingly.
What happens if I still owe on my solar system and sell my house?
Generally speaking there are 2 options:
First, you simply transfer the remaining term of the loan to the new owner. This means they assume the conditions you signed for. For example if you sign a solar financing agreement today at 1.9%, you can transfer this when you sell your home regardless of the mortgage rates at that time. Many of our lenders allow you to do just this, provided the buyer qualifies for the financing. For example if you were 7 years into the 20 year 0.49% loan, you could transfer the remaining 13 years with your payment and interest rate locked in! Imagine the selling point of a locked in payment that was already cheaper than your electric bill 7 years prior!
The other option is to build the value of the system into the selling price of the house and mortgage of the purchaser. When the house sells, you have the system paid off at closing. This option was much more common when mortgage rates were low. The new homeowner owns the system free and clear (and inherits our 30 year warranty) and you may even make a little profit as well! The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted a study showing solar systems add $4/watt to the selling price of a home!
What is the current state of Florida tax credit for adding solar? What is the current Federal tax credit for adding solar?
**There is no florida tax credit**
The FEDERAL income tax credit for solar was just increased from 26% to 30% and extended. In addition, in Florida, the system is sales tax exempt, and the value it adds to your home is exempt from property taxes as well.
To help support the switch to renewable energy, Congress enacted the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC). With bipartisan support, this credit was extended. As it stands, solar energy systems may qualify for up to 30% of the system cost as a tax credit through the end of 2023, at which time it is scheduled to decrease to 22%, and down to 10% for commercial and 0% for residential systems after that! It may well get extended again, but if there’s one thing I have learned it’s to never trust the government to do what you think they should!
Always be sure to talk to a tax accountant about your specific situation and how this credit may help you!
I keep seeing ads for “Free Solar” – what’s that about?
- Nothing is free. KLN Solar won’t engage in deceptive marketing about “Free Solar” just to get your information. We do offer zero out of pocket options with some incredibly aggressive interest rates (0.49% for 20 years for example) that can often “replace” what you are paying now for electricity with a lower fixed payment that will not go up over time! Did you know your electric bill may have been rising by as much as 19% a year over the past few years? As Florida continues to grow and also shut down legacy coal plants these costs will only increase further! You can lock in your solar payment, and build equity with each payment instead of throwing your money away “renting” electricity from your utility!