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Questions About Solar Panels? We’ve Got Answers!

If you have questions about whether or not a solar panel system is right for you, read below for the most frequently asked questions we receive from customers.

If your question was not answered, contact us today! We’ll help you get started towards solar panels of your own.

Solar Panel FAQs

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work by allowing photons (particles of light) to shake electrons free from atoms, which generates a flow of electricity.

Here’s a simple step-by-step look at how solar panels work:

  • Sunlight shines down on the solar panels
  • Photovoltaic (PV) cells located on your panels convert this sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity
  • The DC electricity flows down to an inverter where it’s converted into alternating current (AC) electricity
  • The panel sends electricity to whatever it is you’re powering

Don’t worry about all of that science, however. Solar panels, once installed, use the sun’s light to power your home. It really is that simple!

Can I Save Money With Solar Panels?

Yes! In California, when you’re paying a regular utility bill, electric companies often charge as much as $.21/kwh! When you switch to a solar panel system, you’ll pay as little as $.06/kwh – and that includes the cost of the panels themselves!

With $0 down, low monthly payments, and a 10-year warranty, solar power will cost less than your current electric bill.

How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?

Depending on the tax credits and other discounts you take advantage of, it typically takes between 7-20 years to cover the initial cost of your solar panel system. However, after 20 years the average savings can be as dramatic as $20,000! And don’t forget about the huge value you’re adding to your property by installing solar panels.

Do Solar Panels Add Value to a Home or Commercial Property?

A small solar panel system (around 3.1 kwh) adds an average of over $18,000 to the value of a medium-sized home in California. Adding larger solar panel systems to your property will only increase its value. For example, installing 5 kwh of solar panels adds an average of almost $30,000 to the value.

Additionally, new homes in California are required to be built with solar panels, leaving homes without them in the dust (and with a higher cost of ownership).

Are Solar Rebates and Tax Breaks Still Available for California Homeowners?

They are! While many of the popular rebates from the past are beginning to expire, there are many still available, including local municipal tax breaks and the Federal Investment Tax Credit. Learn more about solar rebates and tax credits available.

Is it Better to Buy or Lease Solar Panels?

It’s always better to buy solar panels instead of leasing them. Here’s why:

  • Save more money. Leasing panels can cost as much as $.18/kwh. Compare that to $.06/kwh when you own your own solar panels.
  • Receive tax credits and rebates. When you lease panels, the leasing company gets all the tax breaks. Remember: the owner of the solar panels gets the tax credits!
  • Avoid poor lease terms. Your solar panel lease payments might balloon after a year or two. When you buy panels, you can finance and lock in a low, guaranteed monthly payment.
  • Add value to your home. Leasing panels does not add any value to your home and can be tricky to transfer over to new homeowners if ever you do decide to sell.

Don’t trust anyone who says you should lease solar panels for your home. They’re not looking out for your best interests.

Stop Paying the Utility Company. Become the Utility Company.

Do you have a quote from another solar company? We will beat the price by $1,000.

Contact us online or give us a call at (661) 245-3224.

Are There Solar Panel Financing Options?

We offer solar financing options to home and commercial property owners. It’s always recommended to buy solar panels instead of leasing them.

At Inter Faith Electric & Solar, solar panel financing starts at 2.99% APR and a $0 down. Even if you have bad credit, you’ll have no trouble qualifying for financing for solar panels.

How Long Does it Take to Install Solar Panels?

On average, it takes about 2 weeks to get your solar panel system installed and hooked into the electric grid. You will need an inspection from the city and approval from the utility company to bring your solar panel system online. Delays on their end can sometimes add an extra week or two.

How Do I Take Care of Solar Panels?

To keep your solar panel systems working properly, you need to clean them 2-3 times a year. Our trained technicians can take care of this maintenance for you. We’ll come out to your home and clean your solar panels for just $5 per panel.

Are There Solar Panel Scams to Watch Out for in California?

Unfortunately, yes. As the popularity and necessity of solar panels in Southern California rises, so do solar scams and dishonest sales tactics. To avoid solar scams in California, always check online reviews to verify the company beforehand and never start an installation without signing a contract.

Do You Offer a Low Price Guarantee?

We sure do! Our solar panel installation services are the least expensive anywhere. Found a lower price? We’ll beat it!

What Happens When I Sell My Home With Solar Panels?

If you own your solar panels, all solar panels do is add value with no additional work required. If you lease your panels, it gets tricky. The owner of the panels can actually put a lien on your home, making selling your home more difficult.

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Serving Southern California for Over 25 Years

Service Areas

Our experienced solar panel system installation technicians and licensed electrical contractors are available to work throughout Southern California, including all cities in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Kern County.

If you need our help, we’ll be there for you.

Bakersfield

Solar Service Areas - Bakersfield

Palmdale

Solar Service Areas - Palmdale California

Lancaster

Solar Service Areas - Lancaster, CA
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Get in Touch

Save thousands and become energy independent. Give us a call at (661) 245-3224 or contact us today.

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