Frequently Asked Questions

Solar power is a completely renewable, reliable and clean energy source. It reduces our reliance on power such as oil, coal and natural gas, which produce harmful emissions affecting our health and environment.

Residential solar energy systems represent an investment in the future of the planet, conserving non-renewable energy sources and protecting the environment. Going solar will provide a strong ROI for those looking for an investment, and can even provide monthly cash savings for those who finance.

In addition, solar panels and home batteries are becoming more affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient.  In most states, you can switch to solar with no out of pocket costs.  Solar energy can provide a peace of mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or the next storm strikes.

In New Jersey, customers pay predictable, affordable rates for 20 to 25 years. With home solar, you get to control your energy costs and with the added battery storage, you’ll no longer need to rely on an overly expensive utility company.

There are several things that will determine if your home qualifies for solar power.  This is includes where your home is located, the angle of your roof, how much shade it gets throughout the day, and how old your home is.

Our solar engineers will do a full analysis of your home to help determine if your home is a good fit for solar energy. During this free consultation, they’ll also review your current energy usage, to get a sense of how much energy your home really needs.

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Every home is different and every state offers their own solar incentive programs.  For example, New Jersey has some of the best solar incentives available. New Jersey homeowners pay $0 upfront costs to have solar installed.

Typically we see a 20% to 50% monthly savings on electricity depending upon your system size and sun exposure. Along with your significant monthly savings on electricity, you also get fixed pricing for years to come.

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit which reduces a person or business’ tax liability based on the amount they have invested in a solar energy project. The residential and commercial ITC are both worth 26% of a solar project’s cost though 2022. For example, a $10,000 solar electricity system will be eligible for a $2,600 federal tax credit. Customers that purchase or finance their system through a solar loan are eligible for this incentive.

Solar PV (Photovoltaics) works by taking the energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into electricity. The sun’s rays contain photons. When these photons hit a solar module, electrons inside of the solar module move and an electrical current is created. This electricity then travels from the solar array to an inverter.

The inverter takes the electricity which is in DC form and switches it to AC. Once that switch is made to AC, the electricity is ready for use. From the inverter, the power is fed directly into the main electrical panel and can provide power to the site.

If the site demands more power than what is provided by the solar it will pull from the grid. If the sun produces more than the site needs, then that overproduction is put back into the grid for a credit in a process known as Net Metering.

The Infinity Home Solar Energy System is a complete solution that produces, stores, monitors, controls, and analyzes the energy in your home.

There are four main components of the Infinity Energy System:

IQ Microinverters are installed beneath each solar module and convert DC power to AC power. Each microinverter sends AC power to your home’s electrical panel (site load center) and transmits performance data over your home’s electrical wiring to the Envoy.

IQ Batteries work with the Envoy-S Metered, allowing you to store excess energy that your solar panels produce during midday and save it to use later in the afternoon and evening when you need it.

The Envoy Communications Gateway transmits performance information to the IQ Mobile App over the Internet.

IQ Mobile App software lets you monitor your system’s performance online and provides diagnostic tools for your solar professional.

Net Metering is a billing mechanism which allows grid-tied solar producers to put electricity that they do not use from their solar array back into the grid. When the solar produces more power than the site needs, the utility meter spins backward and the account holder will have a credit against future energy use.

The solar producer is then billed for their total “net” usage at the end of the month which is the balance between the power pulled from the grid and the power put back into the grid.

During a power outage, the solar system automatically turns off to protect utility workers that may be working on power lines. This means that the solar system will not provide power to the house during an outage. It will turn back on automatically when the utility restores power to the grid.

The exception to this is home solar systems that have IQ Battery backup service.

Our IQ batteries can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power usage.

Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity–they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.

Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it’s sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Sunrun operates in except for Hawaii.

Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You’ll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.

A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Our solar panels and IQ battery will have you covered both day and night.