FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I afford to go solar?
If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. $0-down solar financing options, including both solar financing and solar leases, make it easy for homeowners to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar. For a general estimate, average your last 12 payments of electricity and then reduce that by 25%. This will be roughly what you'll be paying per month for your solar bill. Remember we completely eliminate your utility payments, so you won't be paying two bills, just the new less expensive solar bill.
How long will my solar power system last?
In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. In fact, solar panels are far stronger than you're roof and act as an additional protective layer. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times(covered in the warranty), but your system should continue to generate electricity for 30 to 35 years.
How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. If you receive a paper bill, you will find all this information there. You can also check online if your utility provider offers online access.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Basically, the utility company operates as an energy bank for the electricity produced by your solar panels. That way you're not required to spend more money purchasing an energy storage unit such as a battery.
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.
Can I go off grid with solar panels?
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, with Custom Home Services we can cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches or exceeds your energy use.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 30 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, our equipment manufacturers include warranties, removing any risks associated with maintenance or damage.
What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?
Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant is the nationwide 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives.
How long from sign-up until installation?
Our installs average between 45 - 60 days. To give some perspective, most solar companies complete installation around 90 - 120 days. This means you get to start saving sooner.
SOLAR MYTHS
"I've met with solar companies before, and they couldn't show me serious savings. it just didn't seem worth it"
This statement is actually true in some cases. In years past, solar companies really couldn't show savings. But thanks to innovations in financing, manufacturing and technology, it's now easier and more lucrative than ever to go solar in 2019. Not to mention we're partnered with the best companies in the industry, allowing us to offer prices far below anything our competitors can.
"We don't use that much energy. Solar wouldn't be worth it"
Regardless of how much energy your home uses, solar is always the better option. We guarantee savings of at least 20%, but on average its upwards of 40%. Remember we completely eliminate your utility bill, so you won't be paying two bills, just the new less expensive solar bill.
"Getting solar makes it difficult to sell your home"
Previously, transferring ownership of a home with solar could be somewhat of a hassle. However, at Custom Home Services we make the transfer easy. There is a simple one page document that you sign, and the incoming home owner signs, that's it! As an added bonus, we assign a solar consultant to work with your realtor to ensure your home is properly listed. Solar homes are the second most searched for home attribute in the state of Arizona (the first being a pool). Demand for solar has skyrocketed in recent years do to rising utility costs and homeowner's growing financial awareness.
"We are moving soon. We wouldn't see the return on our investment"
With $0 down options, you start saving instantly. You pay nothing for the system upfront and the first payment won't be until 30 days after you've started using it. Custom Home Services guarantees your new solar payment will be 20% - 40% lower than your utility bill. Remember we completely eliminate your utility bill, so you won't be paying two bills, just the new less expensive solar bill.
"I don't have time and don't want to deal with the hassle"
Believe it or not, the whole process only takes about an hour. It's as simple as reviewing your solar proposal and viewing the agreement. After that, the entire process is out of your hands. We deal with the HOA, city, and handle all the paperwork. Of course we will reach out and update you on the status of the installation, or you can reach out to us with any questions you may have.
"I can't afford to go solar"
Can you afford not to? A common misconception is that solar is more expensive than a traditional utility company. With most residential solar companies, it's true. However, with Custom Home Services we guarantee savings. There is $0 down and no upfront costs. Not to mention the 20% to 40% less you'll be paying per month with solar. To put it simply, we open up another energy avenue. Giving you more options and removing the monopolization of electric utilities.
"I need a new roof. Paying for a new roof and solar will be too expensive"
A little unknown secret about solar is that you receive a 30% federal tax credit, as well a $1,000 AZ state credit. What's truly fascinating about this is when you go solar, you can include the costs of the new roof into this tax credit. Thus saving you thousands of dollars for something you would have previously paid full price for.