Solar Installation in Houston, TX: FAQs
Q. Is Solar a Good Investment?
A. Yes. We believe so. With solar, typically you’ll be able to achieve a ROI within 8-12 years of the solar installation at your property. And even if you put up your property for sale before that time, it should be able to sell for more due to the added appraisal value of the solar installation. To learn more about this you can check out our blog “Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?” Compared to what can often be unpredictable monthly electricity bills, solar is the more sensible, sustainable, and economical energy investment.
Q. How Long Will the Solar Installation Take?
A. After all the necessary permits and approvals are granted. A typical solar installation job by our solar installers typically takes 1-3 days, depending on the type and size of your building. This means that you’ll have to allow our Houston solar installers to work within your property during this period. At Texas Direct Solar, we strive to provide fast and professional solar installation services with little to no disruptions in your space.
Q. Why Should I Install a Solar Energy System on My Home or Business?
A. Solar energy can have both financial and environmental benefits. By installing a solar energy system within your property, you may be able to save considerably on energy expenses for the next 25 years. Solar energy is also renewable and environmentally sustainable as it doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce your carbon footprint today.
Q. Will the Solar Installation Damage My Roof?
A. In short No. Our solar panel installation roof work is done by trained, and experienced professionals to ensure zero damage to your existing roof. In addition, when you sign up with Texas Direct Solar we have a roof warranty in our agreement. What’s more, the solar panels typically weigh about five pounds per square foot, which shouldn’t be too heavy for a typical framed roof.
Q. How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home or Business?
A. The number of panels you need will depend on your home’s or business’s energy needs and size. For instance, commercial establishments typically use more energy than residential buildings, hence requiring more panels to be installed. In the same light, a home intending to use solar energy for heating and cooling systems will need more panels than a home that uses it for lighting only. Also, solar panels can vary by wattage. For example, if you have a 20KW system and use 400W solar panels you would need roughly 50 panels. However, if you have the same system but use 350W panels you’d need 57 panels.
Q. Does Going Solar Save Money?
A. Typically going solar may save money you money on the electric bill. . There are a few cost factors that go into the analysis like your consumption, current cost of power.
Q. How Long Does Solar Energy Last?
A. Solar panels typically last for 25 to 30 years working at maximum efficiency. Solar panels do not expire, it’s just a matter of how much energy they continue to harness over the years.
Q.Do I Need Batteries for Solar Panels?
A. It is not required to purchase batteries to enable your solar panels to run. Whether you need batteries depends entirely on your setup and the amount of solar energy you intend to use. Batteries can be purchased to store solar energy, thereby allowing you to use less power from the grid, but they are certainly not required.
Q. Are Solar Panels Bad for Your Roof?
A. No, properly installed solar panels fitted by a reliable and reputable company, will not harm or damage your roof in any way. If you do a bit of installation research before moving forward, you’ll be sure to find the right company for your solar needs.
Q. Do Solar Panels Cool Your Roof?
A. According to research from UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, solar panels keep the portion of the roof installed in 38% cooler than the rest of the roof exposed to direct sunlight. That is a whopping 5 degrees cooler! So, yes, solar panels may help cool your roof.
Q. What Type of Roof is Best for Solar Panels?
A. Metal Standing roofing with standing seams is the best type of roofing available for the correct installation of solar panels. The standing seams make the panels’ attachment incredibly easy, which lowers the cost of installation. However, other types of roofing pair with solar panels as well.
Q. Do Solar Panels Drain Batteries at Night?
A. Speaking of batteries, if you’re planning on using a battery to store energy, you’ll want to purchase a solar charge controller. This device manages the power that goes into the cell from the solar panels. It keeps the power from running backward overnight, thereby draining the batteries you have in place.
Q. Do Solar Panels Work at Night?
A. Solar panels do not produce energy at night. The photovoltaic cells present within solar panels need sunlight to create electricity. You can still benefit from solar panels at night through the purchase of a battery to store power.
Q. Are Smart Meters OK with Solar Panels?
A. Yes, smart meters are OK with solar panels, and installation can occur next to your current electricity meter. Together, the meters will provide the data necessary regarding your power usage.