Rooftop solar works by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter. This AC electricity can be used to power your home or business making you less reliable on the utility company. In most markets it is much cheaper to produce energy from your rooftop than purchasing energy from the utility.

The amount of energy rooftop solar can generate depends on a number of factors, including the size of the system, the angle and orientation of the panels, and the amount of sunlight your roof receives. The ideal situation is to build a system that can produce 100% of your energy needs which will eliminate your need to purchase energy from your utility.

The number of solar panels you need for your home depends on your energy usage and the size of your roof. One of our professional designers will help you determine the best system size and number of panels you will need. This process typically takes no more than 5-10 minutes. We use digital technology to analyze your roof and energy consumption to build the perfect system for you. We want to ensure you get the best solar system to meet your needs. The design of your system is one of the most important details that needs to be right to maximize your long term savings.

1. The cost of a rooftop solar system varies depending on its size and complexity, as well as your location and available incentives. Generally, a residential rooftop solar system can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 but all of this is determined by the size in kW of the system you purchase. Solar system pricing is based on a per watt basis. There are 1000 watts per kilowatt and the industry average today is around $3.75 per watt but here at DelphiSun we are $2.50 per watt and once you apply the Federal Investment Tax Credit the price per watt drops to $1.75! This is more than half the industry average! How do we do this you ask? Well, we eliminated the sales rep! Yes, their commissions are actually that high and we think that is ridiculous! You deserve the savings so we pass the discount on to you so you can maximize your savings! 

The installation of a rooftop solar system typically takes one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the system but it can take between 45 days to get to the installation date due to permitting and other approval timelines. Depending on where you live this can take up to 90-120 days. We believe this is a big challenge and we are working on improving these timelines with local authorities and solar lobbyists. Instant permit approvals are in our future which will allow us to install solar within 1 week of your purchase, we cannot wait for this to happen! This is beneficial for all Americans! 

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with rooftop solar systems to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. Typically this is a one to one buyback but these policies are rapidly changing. See our article on NEM 3.0 in California. Insert link here.

Most rooftop solar systems are designed to shut off automatically during a power outage for safety reasons. However, there are backup battery systems available that can provide power during an outage. If you would like your system to work during a power outage please let your design professional know and we will build you an option with a battery. Our design professionals will discuss how they work, how long they can back up your home, and what can typically be backed up. There are many options for batteries but they can be very costly. Our design professionals will review this with you. 

The lifespan of a rooftop solar system varies depending on the quality of the equipment and the installation, but most systems built today are designed to last for 25 to 30 years. The systems we install at DelphiSun are engineered and built to last this long or longer!

Most rooftop solar systems require very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris from the panels. Mother nature provides free cleaning during a rainstorm!

Yes, if your solar system is not generating enough electricity to meet your needs, you can still draw electricity from the grid.

It’s a good idea to evaluate the condition of your roof before installing solar panels, as a roof in need of repair or replacement could lead to issues down the line. Our preferred solar installer will analyze your roof during your site inspection to help you determine if your roof is in good condition. If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced prior to going solar we will help you get this completed and some or all of the cost of the replacement of your roof might be eligible for the Federal Investment Tax Credit but we recommend that you consult with your tax accountant for eligibility.

It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to see if your rooftop solar system is covered by your current policy, or if you need to purchase additional coverage.

Yes, it is possible to add more solar panels to your rooftop system in the future if your energy needs change.