Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

Solar

Your solar energy system should be able to produce enough electricity to meet your average annual electricity needs. Review your utility bills for the past year (or more) to determine what your average monthly usage is. Don’t worry, that’s why we’re here. We will build a custom system to fit whatever your needs are. 

Request a consultation. 

Snow cover is a common concern, but except for wet, heavy snow or ice that covers your roof, your panels will do fine. In most circumstances, they will continue producing electricity which in turn produces heat. The slope and heat from the panels clear them relatively quickly. Light reflected from the snow can even boost your panels’ output during the winter months. 

Nearly every U.S. state has a net metering program, where solar customers get credit on their electricity bills for some or all of the electricity that they send into the grid. Over the course of a year, you’ll get credit in the months when you produce more electricity than you consume (usually spring and fall) and use that credit during those months when you’re consuming more electricity to heat or cool your home. 

Unless you have an off-grid system, most solar installations are tied to the electricity grid, so if the power goes out in your neighborhood, it goes out at your house, too. For safety reasons, your solar system can’t be sending electricity into the grid if utility workers are going to be making repairs to power lines.

But, if you have a battery backup system, you to don’t have to go dark with the rest of your neighbors Adding a generator or battery (or both) to your solar can prevent you from losing power and make all your neighbors jealous when you’re lights are still on.

Net metering is an arrangement between solar energy system owners and utilities in which the system owners are compensated for any solar power generation that is exported to the electricity grid.

The name derives from the 1990s, when the electric meter simply ran backwards when power was being exported, but it is rarely that simple today. Whether or not your solar system qualifies for net metering payments depends on policies and practices in your state and electric utility.

To find out if your solar system qualifies for net metering payments, we recommend reaching out to your local electric utility. They should be able to provide you with information on net metering policies and practices in your service area.

When researching net metering policies and practices in your service area, there are some basic questions to consider, such as availability in your service area, eligible system size and customer type, rates, and design of bill credits.

Going off-grid with solar power means generating electricity independently of the traditional utility grid. This setup involves using solar panels, battery storage systems, and generators to create a self-sustaining energy source. By producing and storing your own electricity, you can achieve energy independence, reduce reliance on external energy suppliers, and often lower your carbon footprint. This is especially beneficial in remote areas where access to the grid is limited or non-existent. 

What to learn more? Click here. 

Yes, solar energy can be stored. There are several methods of storing solar energy. Some common methods include:

  1. Battery Storage: Batteries are commonly used to store solar energy. They allow for the storage of excess energy generated by solar panels during the day, which can then be used during times when the sun is not shining, such as at night or during cloudy weather.
  2. Thermal Storage: Solar energy can also be stored in the form of heat. This involves using solar thermal systems to collect and store heat from the sun, which can be used for heating or to generate electricity later on.
  3. Mechanical Storage: Another method of storing solar energy is through mechanical energy storage systems. These systems use mechanisms, such as flywheels or compressed air, to store and release energy as needed.

It’s important to note that while solar energy can indeed be stored, the efficiency and feasibility of storage methods may vary. Different storage technologies have different advantages and limitations, and the choice of storage method may depend on factors such as cost, scalability, and specific energy requirements.

The cost of installing solar panels varies based on the system size, location, and specific installation needs. On average, installing solar panels in the U.S. costs around $20,650 after the 30% federal tax credit. However, actual costs can differ.

Solar panel installation costs are typically measured in dollars per watt. For a 5kW system, costs range from $11,100 to $22,400, with a per-watt cost of $2.50 to $4.15, depending on various factors.

To get a precise quote tailored to your situation, it’s best to contact us for a free estimate. Tax credits, rebates, and other incentives may further reduce the overall cost.

Keep in mind these estimates are based on current market conditions and may change. Always consult a reliable solar installer or use reputable resources for the most up-to-date information.

Look up the incentives available to here! 

No. In Colorado, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) cannot outright prohibit the installation of solar panels on properties owned by homeowners. According to Colorado law (C.R.S. 38-30-168), any such prohibition in an HOA’s governing documents is void and unenforceable. However, HOAs are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions on the dimensions, placement, or external appearance of solar panels, as long as these restrictions do not significantly increase the cost or decrease the performance of the solar panels.

So, while an HOA can regulate the aesthetics and placement to some extent, they cannot prevent you from installing solar panels altogether. It’s always a good idea to check your HOA’s specific guidelines and ensure any restrictions comply with Colorado law.

All of our solar panels come with a manufacturer 25-year product / 30-year performance warranty! 

Batteries

We recommend all of our customers consider lithium-ion batteries

Tesla Powerwall 3 is a fully-integrated AC battery system for residential or light commercial use. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack provides energy storage for solar self-consumption, time-based control, and backup.

All batteries we install come with a minimum 10-Year warranty. Although, you can expect the batteries to last you much longer with proper care and maintenance. 

Yes, installing a home battery system can help save money on power bills. If you have solar panels, you can store excess solar energy to use later when electricity prices are higher. Even without solar panels, you can charge your battery from the grid when electricity costs less and use the stored energy when prices are higher. This is especially valuable in areas with time-of-use (TOU) rates, where electricity costs vary based on the time of day and demand. 

The power storage capacity of home battery systems varies depending on the model and manufacturer. It’s important to check the capacity (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh) and power rating (measured in kilowatts, kW) of a battery before purchasing. A higher capacity means the battery can store more energy, while a higher power rating means it can deliver more power at once

Our lithium batteries come with a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty 

Generators

Having a reliable backup power source is crucial during unexpected outages. Automatic generators provide a seamless and dependable solution, ensuring continuous power or essential appliances and systems, minimizing disruptions, and offering peace of mind. They protect against financial losses, enhance safety and security, and can even increase property value. Investing in an automatic generator is a proactive step towards maintaining comfort and functionality during power outages. 

Read more aboutthe benefits of generators.

Installing a backup generator along with your solar panel system offers several benefits such as Power Resilience, Increased Energy Independence, Seamless Transition, Versatility and Peace of Mind. It’s important to note that choosing the right backup generator for your needs and ensuring proper installation and integration with your solar panel system is essential. Consulting with a professional solar and generator installer can help you select the right equipment and create an effective and reliable backup power solution. 

Certain conditions may extended or shorten the length of time but on average a generator will take 2 days to complete. 

There are many factors that impact the generator sizing and power needs for your home. As an authorized dealer we can best determine which home standby generator will be best for your home, and you can request a free quote, which includes sizing options and price.

Generac home standby generators are designed to run on one fuel source, either natural gas or liquid propane.

Portable generators offer either duel or tri-fuel options. Tri-fuel allows you to pick between natural gas, liquid propane or  gasoline. 

The generators average between 65 to 67 decibels depending on the model. This is a similar sound level as a central air conditioning unit.

Just like any engine, generators requires regular preventative maintenance. Maintenance is recommended every 1-2 years or every 200 running hours to keep the life of the generator long! Thankfully we offer maintenance packages to give you peace of mind. 

Watch this quick video with step by step instructions: How to Start Your Portable Generator

Generac – most residential generators come standard with a 5-year limited warranty. However, they often have promotions offering  5-, 7- or 10-year extended warranties! You’re also able to purchase additional years for added protection. Contact your sales representative for more details about current Generac promotions! 

DuroMax – residential portable generators come with a 5-year limited warranty. 

Excellent question! While Colorado enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, cold temperatures and snowfall—particularly at higher elevations—can still pose challenges.

To explore how a generator can support you during winter weather, or to learn best practices for preparing your current generator for the season, click here to read more. 

Other

YES! We’ve partnered with Synchrony and the Colorado RENU program to provide financing options for both generators and renewable energy components, such as solar and batteries.

Click Here to learn more or Contact us to learn more about our offers, including solar financing with $0 down payment and 90-day deferred payments.

Through remote monitoring, reports are sent to us immediately when an error occurs, enabling preemptive action to prevent issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Additionally, homeowners have the ability to monitor their system from anywhere! Giving you peace of mind whenever your not home.

We offer remote monitoring for generators and solar energy systems. 

This is best discussed with your accountant but you will need to file Form 5695 from the Internal Revenue Service. Visit IRS.gov for all the update information regarding the Residential Clean Energy Credit. 

Have questions?

LEARN MORE

Why Distributed Energy Matters for Wildfire‑Prone Areas

Distributed energy isn’t a luxury for wildfire‑prone regions — it’s becoming a necessity. When utilities shut off power to prevent fires, or when transmission lines fail under extreme conditions, homes and communities with local solar‑plus‑storage stay powered, safe, and connected. Below is a polished, customer‑facing blog post you can publish

Read More »

A Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar

If you’re curious about solar but overwhelmed by the details, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through the basics—step by step—so you can make a confident, informed decision about powering your home with clean energy.

Read More »