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General Solar Questions
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert
sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then
converts this DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity
that your home can use. Any excess energy can be stored in
batteries or sent back to the grid.
How much can I save with solar panels?
Most Waco homeowners save 30-40% on their electricity bills,
which translates to $800-$1,500 per year on average. Over 25
years, that's $20,000-$37,500 in savings! Your actual savings
depend on your energy usage, system size, and local utility
rates.
Will solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes! Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days,
though at reduced capacity (typically 10-25% of full output).
Modern panels are designed to capture diffused sunlight. Plus,
Texas gets plenty of sunshine year-round, so your system will
still produce significant energy overall.
Installation Process
How long does installation take?
Physical installation typically takes 1-3 days for residential
systems, depending on size and complexity. The entire process
from signing to turning on your system takes 4-8 weeks, which
includes design, permitting, equipment delivery, installation,
and utility approval.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
No! When installed properly by professionals like Solar Waco,
solar panels actually protect your roof from weather damage. We
use specialized mounting systems that seal penetration points
and distribute weight evenly. We also inspect your roof before
installation to ensure it's in good condition.
Do I need a new roof before installing solar?
Not necessarily. If your roof is in good condition with at least
10-15 years of life remaining, it's suitable for solar. During
our free assessment, we'll evaluate your roof's condition and
let you know if any repairs are needed before installation.
Cost & Financing
How much do solar panels cost?
The average residential solar system in Texas costs
$15,000-$30,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax
credit, that drops to $10,500-$21,000. Your exact cost depends
on system size, equipment quality, and installation complexity.
We provide transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden fees.
What financing options are available?
We offer multiple financing solutions including zero-down solar
loans with terms from 5-25 years, home equity loans, and cash
purchases. Many customers find that their monthly loan payment
is less than their previous electricity bill, so they start
saving immediately.
What is the federal solar tax credit?
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your
solar system cost from your federal taxes. For a $20,000 system,
that's $6,000 in tax savings! This credit is available through
2032 and applies to both the equipment and installation costs.
Maintenance & Warranty
How much maintenance do solar panels require?
Very little! Solar panels have no moving parts and are designed
to withstand decades of weather. Rain typically keeps them
clean, though occasional professional cleaning can boost
performance. We recommend annual inspections to ensure optimal
operation, which we offer as part of our maintenance plans.
What warranties come with solar panels?
Our solar systems come with comprehensive protection: 25-year
manufacturer warranties on panels (guaranteeing 80-90%
performance), 10-25 year warranties on inverters, and our
10-year workmanship warranty covering installation quality.
These warranties ensure your investment is protected for
decades.
How long do solar panels last?
Quality solar panels typically last 25-30 years or more. While
their efficiency may decrease slightly over time (about 0.5% per
year), they continue producing clean energy well beyond their
warranty period. Many systems installed in the 1980s are still
operating today!
Still Have Questions?
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