Your Local Solar Team
The three primary types are Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film. Monocrystalline panels are known for their high efficiency and sleek appearance. Polycrystalline panels are generally less expensive but slightly less efficient. Thin-Film panels are lightweight and versatile but tend to be less efficient than crystalline panels.
Solar panels generate electricity using the photovoltaic (PV) effect. When sunlight strikes the solar cells, it excites electrons in the cells, creating an electric current.
A typical residential solar panel can produce between 250 to 400 watts under ideal conditions. However, actual output varies based on factors like sunlight intensity, panel orientation, and temperature.
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight hitting the panel that’s converted into electricity. Higher efficiency panels can generate more electricity in a smaller space.
Inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used in homes or fed back into the grid.
Microinverters are small inverters attached to each solar panel, converting DC to AC at the source. They contrast with traditional, or string inverters, which convert energy from a group of panels. Microinverters can optimize the output of each individual panel, improving system performance when some panels are shaded or underperforming.
Shade can significantly impact the performance of a solar panel. Even partial shade on one panel can reduce the output of an entire string of panels, which is why microinverters or power optimizers can be beneficial.
While the performance of solar panels degrades slightly over time, most high-quality panels retain 80-90% of their capacity after 25 years. Many panels continue to function well beyond that timeframe.
Environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, hail, and UV exposure can affect longevity. However, with quality manufacturing and installation, these impacts are minimal. Regular maintenance also plays a crucial role in performance and lifespan.
While solar panels need sunlight to produce energy, they can become less efficient as temperatures rise. Colder sunny climates can be ideal for solar production. However, modern panels are designed to function efficiently across a variety of climates.
Solar energy is harnessed by photovoltaic (PV) cells in solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. This renewable energy source can significantly benefit your home or business by reducing your dependence on traditional electricity, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
A solar battery in generally lasts between 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of the battery, the usage, and maintenance.
While it’s technically possible to install a solar battery yourself, it’s generally not recommended due to the complexity and potential safety risks involved; it’s best to have a solar battery installed by a certified professional who is a licensed electrician.
Yes! you should clean your solar panels without a doubt–it’s essential! Solar panels that are covered in dirt or grime essentially function like shaded solar panels. Such shaded or dirty panels are less efficient in power production and are more prone to enduring long-term component degradation. Therefore, ensuring your solar panels are cleaned appropriately and regularly is a crucial step in maintaining their optimal performance and longevity. This practice not only boosts their energy output but also helps prevent premature wear and tear, thereby safeguarding your investment in the long run.
If your solar panels haven’t been subjected to a thorough cleaning in the past six months, it’s likely that they’re dirty and coated in dust and grime, which could be lowering their power output.
We advise that your solar panels be cleaned at least biannually in . Our membership plans offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for this maintenance task.
Our cleaning process involves the use of water-fed, solar-specific cleaning brush on extension poles. A single or double pass with our specialized equipment is typically sufficient to restore your solar panels to a pristine state.
To ensure your solar system operates at peak efficiency and to prevent any significant issues from developing, regular cleanings and inspections are necessary. Our membership plans provide an easy way to manage these routine maintenance tasks.
Absolutely, while solar panels are built to withstand hail of average size, unusually large hailstones like what we see in could potentially cause damage. We can conduct a thorough inspection of your panels to confirm their condition. If we find any damaged panels, we’ll promptly arrange for suitable replacements.
Our team can drive out to your house and perform the installation of a solar hot water system in your house within a few hours. The installation process may take a better part of a day if you have multiple water heaters to be installed, or if you have a unique home or are placing the water heater off-site and not directly on your roof.
The cost of a solar water heater can vary significantly depending on several key factors. A general range would be between $2,000 to $5,000 for the installation and the water heater itself. The key factors that can influence your cost are the solar water heater system type, capacity, installation complexity, component quality, local climate, and available incentives. Despite the initial investment, these systems can provide significant long-term energy savings and environmental benefits, offsetting the upfront costs.
If your solar batteries break or aren’t working as expected, it could range from a minor software glitch to a significant hardware failure that might require replacement. This is all covered by our best-in-industry parts and service warranty.
Your solar battery will generally be placed in a secure, well-ventilated area, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the battery type and local installation regulations.
Yes, solar power can indeed power your air conditioner, but the size and efficiency of your solar panel system will determine its effectiveness and how many hours you can run it.
Installing solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity, leading to substantial cost savings over time. By producing your power, you can offset or even eliminate your reliance on grid electricity, which means lower monthly utility bills and potential financial incentives from your utility company or government.
Our experts will conduct a thorough assessment of your location to determine its solar potential. Factors like sun exposure, shading, and roof orientation will be considered to provide you with an accurate estimate of the energy your solar system can produce.
At Strive Solar, we offer various financing options, including solar loans, lease agreements, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Our team will work closely with you to find the best financing solution that fits your budget and meets your energy needs.
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our solar products and installation services. We offer comprehensive warranties on both the solar panels and the installation workmanship. Additionally, we provide maintenance packages to ensure your solar system operates optimally for years to come.
Strive Solar takes care of the entire permitting process on your behalf. We handle all necessary paperwork, including obtaining permits and approvals from local authorities and utility companies. Our goal is to make the solar installation process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for you.
Solar installations in most US homes can be completed quickly. The actual installation of residential solar panels typically takes 1-3 days in you, performed by certified electricians. They not only adhere to safety protocols but also ensure optimal alignment for effective solar energy capture. Moreover, the solar panel materials used are durable and designed to cope with the US’s varied weather, guaranteeing long-term operation.
While the physical installation is quick, the comprehensive procedure from contract signing to system activation averages approximately 2 months. This period includes initial site evaluation, permit acquisition, equipment procurement, and grid connection. Our dedicated team strives for clear communication and efficient execution throughout, facilitating a smooth transition to renewable energy.
Selecting an optimal solar company in , involves careful research into the company’s reputation, customer reviews, and longevity in the business, as these factors indicate reliability and expertise. The quality of solar panels and equipment is crucial, as they should be durable and efficient. It’s also important to review the company’s warranties and guarantees to ensure they stand behind their products. Cost and financing options should be competitive and flexible, but remember not to compromise quality for price. Lastly, choose a company that offers a full suite of services, including installation, maintenance, and support, to assist you throughout your solar journey.
We offer at minimum a comprehensive ten-year workmanship warranty for all installs to ensure your peace of mind. Our solar panel warranties are designed to protect you from panel damage and rapid degradation of your panel efficiency. We understand that not all solar panel warranties are created equal, so we strive to provide you with the best coverage in the industry.
Our warranties come in two main varieties—equipment warranties and production warranties. Our equipment warranties cover repair or replacement costs for panels that fail due to manufacturing defects. On average, panel replacement can cost around $1,064, but with our warranty, you won’t have to worry about these expenses after investing in your solar array.
Our solar energy power output warranties guarantee that your panels won’t rapidly lose efficiency, which could lead to lower energy savings over time. We ensure that your solar array pays for itself in around 12 years and provides energy savings of more than $22,000 over the next 13 years of expected panel life.
We also offer labor warranties, covering issues stemming from the installation process, as well as labor costs to correct the problem. This is common among companies like ours that manufacture and install panels.
In essence, our warranties are designed to save you money on repairs, replacements, and energy bills, and they enhance the value of your solar energy system overall. The peace of mind you get knowing your multi-thousand dollar renewable energy system is protected is priceless. Trust us to provide you with the best solar solutions and warranty coverage in the market.
Our team can drive out to your house and perform the installation of a solar battery system within 1 to 3 days depending on the complexity of the system. Our teams in are quite experienced
How long a whole house battery lasts depends on the capacity of the backup batteries. For most houses, the batteries installed are typically between 10-15 kWh. If only the basic house appliances are used, a 10 kWh battery can usually provide power the house for at least 24 hours. Combining multiple batteries can increase this duration.
Solar water heaters are not more popular primarily due to a combination of historical, political, and economic factors. Solar water heaters are extremely common throughout the world. However, in the U.S. the solar water heating industry suffered a significant setback when federal incentives for renewable energy lapsed under President Ronald Reagan’s administration. The tide is now turning, however.
Homeowners are realizing that it’s possible to harness the sun’s power to directly heat your water, reducing a household’s water heating energy consumption by 50% to 70%. While the initial cost may be higher than traditional water heaters, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a worthwhile investment. Solar water heaters also work in harmony with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, offering a comprehensive renewable energy solution for your home.
