FAQ's

The cost of the solar PV system depends on the size, installation type, quality of components used and overall design. It is usually a bad idea to provide an average cost of a solar system. It is best to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert designers to get an accurate quote according to your needs and specifications.

In most cases, no. Even a solar system that exceeds the client’s yearly power needs will produce less than required one or two times a year. In those months the client will get a small bill. There is also the cost of billing and other expenses incurred by the retail electric provider. These are recovered with a small minimum monthly bill or interconnect fees. These could vary from a few dollars to $30 or more per month. Your expert designer will be able to calculate this after a consultation.

Yes, it is possible. This assumes that you would be financing the cost of the solar PV system with a loan and your credit score, or credit worthiness profile, meets the lender’s requirements. If so, then the lender issues you a loan for the entire solar PV system including installation. You can use your preferred lender or use one of our partner lenders.

Check this post for additional information about solar financing

This time depends on the cost of electricity in your area and the original cost of the system. Most customers recover the cost of the system in 7 to 10 years. That means that the savings on electricity cost over 7 to 10 years is equal to the initial cost of the system. After that period the system continues to produce power for no additional cost. This cost recovery time is unrelated to the solar loan terms which could shorter or longer.

Check this post for solar as an investment.

The panels we use have a minimum warranty of 25 years on production of 90% of its rated power. The high-end panels come with 30 years. The string inverters come with 10 to 12 years parts and labor warranty. The rest of the parts have a lifetime warranty.  

If the solar system is paid off, whether because it was bought in cash or because the loan is paid off, then the solar system is part of the house, and the new owners enjoy the benefits of having solar power from the beginning. If there is a balance remaining on the solar loan, then there are options on how to handle it. The most common is to paid-off the solar loan with the proceeds of the home sale at closing time. For this reason it is best to sell the home when the balance remaining in the solar loan is lower than the value added by the solar system. This time frame will mainly depend on the loan terms. For additional details see the section called “Increased home value” under the page Is solar and investment?

In Texas all home accessories like shutters, skylights, light fixtures and other are covered by most homeowners insurance policies. These include the solar panels installed on the roof of the home. The ground mounted solar systems are covered under “other structures” of the same policies. With that in mind, it is very important that the coverage value for the home or other structures includes the replacement cost of the solar system in case of a total loss. There are few exceptions, so we recommend our clients to check with their home insurance provider for confirmation.  

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a 30% tax credit for the purchase of a solar PV system. This is a tax credit instead of a deduction so, it directly reduces your tax liability by the amount equal to 30% of the total cost of the solar PV system. A key point here is that you must have a tax liability in order to take advantage of this incentive. People and organizations which do not pay federal income taxes for whatever reason, will NOT receive a check (reimburse) equivalent of the 30% of the cost.

The solar system invoice and financing is done for the total cost of the system. With this information the customer calculates his/her tax liability in the following year tax cycle resulting in a lower tax obligation. If the customer’s federal taxes were deducted from his/her salary during the year, then the customer would receive a refund for some or all the 30% tax credit. If the customer is self-employed and pay taxes when filing then, the amount to send to the IRS is lowered by the 30% tax credit.

Venti Tech Solar does not provide financial advice, so we encourage all our customers to check with a tax adviser or accountant for information related to their situation and conditions.  

Mostly, no. In Texas the regular rain does a good job of cleaning the panels. In few instances during an extended period of drought or a dust storm it is possible to increase power production by cleaning the panels. In general, it is not required. Snow and ice will melt faster on the panels than the rest of the roof.

The panels need to come down and back up after the new roof is installed. The ideal time to install solar panels is when a new roof is installed or when it is early in the lifespan of the roof. That will reduce the cost of removing the panels and reinstalling them. This is service we provide for a small fee given that the removal and reinstall does not include a system design, new parts, permits and all other admin cost related to a new install.