Solar FAQs
Exploring solar? This is your starting point.
Choosing solar for your home or business is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process simple and transparent. At Soltari, we focus on education, guidance, and honest conversations so you can feel confident in your energy choices—without any pressure.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most common questions. If anything is unclear or you’d like to learn more, our Soltari team is always ready to speak with you and help you every step of the way.
Why choose soltari
How long have you been in business?
We were founded in 2021 by owner Eric Heagan and have been serving the bay area ever since.
Where are you located?
Our office is in Santa Cruz and we install solar all along the central coast and the South Bay Area.
What sets you apart from other solar companies?
Solar cost, savings & ways to pay
Will my electric bill go down?
Yes. Solar power lowers your annual electricity costs. The amount you save depends on the size of your system and how much electricity you offset. We’ll walk through your potential savings during your consultation.
How much does it cost to go solar?
Your solar cost depends on a few things — how much electricity you use, how much of it you want to offset, your equipment choices, and your budget.
In California, the average home uses between 9,500 and 13,000 kWh of electricity per year. A grid-tied rooftop system sized to cover that usage typically costs between $16,000 and $27,000. That investment locks in a low, predictable electricity rate for 30+ years — and can save you $115,000 to $150,000 over time in avoided electrical bills.
With strong financing options and reliable system performance, solar energy offers a solid return and protection from rising energy costs.
During your free site evaluation, we’ll take a closer look at your home and share system options that fit your goals and budget.
At Soltari, our price includes everything: equipment, labor, permits, and fees — plus our Lifetime warranty, so you can invest with confidence.
How long until solar pays for itself?
By generating your own electricity, you’ll reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, protect yourself from rising utility rates, and increase your home’s value. Most solar customers in Maine see a full return on their investment within 6 to 10 years, while their system continues to produce clean, free electricity for 30+ years. Plus, with financing options and warranties that last decades, going solar can offer predictable savings — all while making your home more energy-independent.
Does a solar electric system make financial sense?
Yes. Solar power lowers your annual electricity costs. The amount you save depends on the size of your system and how much electricity you offset. We’ll walk through your potential savings during your consultation.
How solar works
How does dust affect solar panels?
Over time, dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels and slightly reduce their ability to absorb sunlight efficiently, leading to a 1-2% drop in energy production. In most environments, panels only need professional cleaning once every 1–2 years, but homes near agricultural areas, construction zones, or with minimal rainfall may benefit from more frequent inspections. Routine monitoring helps identify when cleaning is necessary, ensuring your system continues operating at peak performance year-round.
How does solar work
Solar panels on your roof convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity. That electricity flows to an inverter, which turns it into Alternating Current (AC), the type of power your home uses. From there, it’s sent to your electrical panel to power your lights, appliances, and more.
During the day, your home uses the solar electricity you produce first. If your system produces more than you use, the extra power goes to the grid and builds up credit. At night or on cloudy days, when your home’s demand is greater than the amount of electricity being produced on the roof, the electric utility, or grid, will provide the rest. At the end of your billing period, your electric provider will subtract the energy you put out on the grid from the energy that you imported from the grid and charge you for the difference. This is called net metering.
How does a grid-tied solar system work?
A grid-tied solar system works by generating electricity from your solar panels during the day and using that energy to power your home in real time. The solar panels produce DC (direct current) electricity, which is sent to an inverter that converts it into AC (alternating current) electricity that your home can use.
When your system produces more energy than your home is consuming, the excess power is sent back to the utility grid, often earning you credits through net metering or similar utility programs. At night or during periods of low solar production, your home automatically pulls electricity from the grid as usual. Because the system remains connected to the utility grid, it does not provide backup power during outages unless it is paired with a battery storage system.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with solar systems to receive credit for excess electricity they send back to the utility grid. When your solar panels produce more energy than your home is using, that surplus power flows to the grid, and your utility meter tracks it as a credit on your account.
Later — such as at night or during cloudy weather — when your home draws electricity from the grid, those accumulated credits can offset the energy you consume. This system helps maximize the financial value of your solar installation by ensuring you receive compensation for the extra clean energy your system produces.
Can Californias net metering policy change or disappear completely?
Yes — California’s net metering policy can change, and it already has over the years as state regulators adjust compensation rates and program rules. Because these decisions are made at the state level, future revisions or replacements are always possible.
For this reason, pairing solar with a battery is increasingly important, as it allows you to store and use the energy you produce instead of sending it back to the grid — giving you greater control and access to your power even when the sun isn’t shining.
What type of solar electric systems do you install?
At Soltari, we design and install a full spectrum of solar electric systems tailored to how you want to live and power your property.
We install grid-tied solar-only systems for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce utility costs, as well as solar paired with battery backup so you can store the energy you produce and use it on your terms — day or night — instead of relying on the grid. For those seeking true energy independence, we also design and build fully off-grid systems that allow you to operate without dependence on the utility companies altogether. Our work spans residential homes, commercial properties, and new construction projects, and we provide comprehensive electrical services to support every installation. From whole-home energy systems to residential and commercial EV charging solutions, Soltari delivers clean, reliable power with the precision, integrity, and forward-thinking vision that defines The Way of the Sun.
Do solar panels need to face south?
California-facing panels are ideal, but east- and west-facing systems can still produce more than 90% of the energy of a south-facing array. We’ll help design a system that makes the most of your roof’s orientation.
Types of solar electric systems
My roof is partially shaded. Will solar still work for me?
Yes — solar can still work very well on a partially shaded roof, especially when the system is properly designed.
While heavy shade can reduce overall production, modern technology such as microinverters or optimized string inverters allows each panel to operate more independently, minimizing the impact of shade on the rest of the system. We perform detailed shade analysis and system modeling during the design phase to determine the most productive panel placement and equipment configuration for your specific roof. In many cases, even homes with partial shading can achieve strong energy savings with the right layout and technology.
What if my roof needs to be replaced before solar?
If your roof needs to be replaced before going solar, we’ll help you address that first to ensure your system is built on a strong, long-lasting foundation. Since solar systems are designed to perform for 25+ years, installing on an aging or compromised roof can lead to unnecessary future costs if the system has to be removed and reinstalled. We can coordinate roof replacement prior to installation so your home is fully prepared for decades of clean energy production. Taking care of the roof first protects your investment, prevents disruptions down the road, and ensures your solar system is installed once — and installed right.
How does a ground-mounted solar electric system work?
A ground-mounted solar electric system works the same way as a rooftop system, but instead of being installed on your roof, the solar panels are mounted on a dedicated racking structure anchored into the ground. The panels capture sunlight and generate DC electricity, which is sent to an inverter to convert it into usable AC power for your home or business. Ground mounts can be positioned at the optimal tilt and orientation for maximum sun exposure, often increasing overall production compared to roof-mounted systems. They are ideal for properties with ample land, shading challenges on the roof, or when homeowners prefer to keep their roof free of equipment while still achieving strong, long-term energy production.
What type of solar panels do you install?
We offer a range of solar panel options. Panels differ in size, wattage, efficiency, appearance, and cost.
Larger panels often offer more wattage at a lower price. But sometimes, using smaller panels can allow you to fit more on your roof. Appearance matters too—some homeowners prefer the sleek look of all-black panels.
When we meet with you, we’ll walk you through a few panel options, compare costs, and explain the differences. We choose panels based on manufacturer reputation, product quality, availability, and long-term support.
Can I heat and cool my home with solar?
Yes, if you heat with electric systems like heat pumps or geothermal. Your solar array produces the electricity those systems need to run.
Many of our customers pair solar with heat pumps or heat pump water heaters. That way, they reduce or eliminate their use of oil or natural gas—and lower their energy bills in the process.
We’re happy to explain how solar and heat pumps can work together to reduce your payback time and make your home more efficient.
I’m building a new home. What should I know about installing solar?
Building a new home is the perfect time to go solar. With a properly sized system, you could eliminate your electric bill right from the start. Many new homes are built all-electric, with heat pumps and electric water heating.
A solar array can be designed to meet those needs—and if you roll the cost into your mortgage, you’ll be locking in predictable energy costs for years to come. We’ll design your system based on your home’s size and anticipated electric usage. If you want room to grow, we can build to allow for future expansion. And if you’re still lining up electricians, our in-house electrical division can handle full home wiring, service upgrades, and more to keep everything under one roof.
Battery backup & solar
What if I want battery storage?
If you want battery storage, we can design a system that allows you to store the excess solar energy you produce and use it whenever you need it — at night, during peak utility rate periods, or during a power outage. A battery gives you greater energy independence by reducing reliance on the grid and protecting you from changing net metering policies and rising electricity costs. Depending on your goals, we can configure partial-home or whole-home backup, ensuring your most important loads — or your entire property — stay powered when the grid goes down. Battery storage adds control, resilience, and long-term value to your solar investment.
Will my solar system work during power outages?
In most cases, a standard grid-tied solar system will not operate during a power outage. This is because the inverter is required to automatically shut off when the grid goes down to protect utility workers and comply with safety regulations.
However, if your system is paired with battery storage — or designed with specific backup-capable equipment — your solar system can continue powering your home during an outage. With the right configuration, you can keep essential loads or even your entire home running, giving you energy security and independence when you need it most.
Do I need batteries to go solar?
No, you do not need batteries to go solar — many homeowners choose a grid-tied solar-only system to reduce their utility bills and take advantage of net metering. In this setup, your home uses solar power during the day and pulls from the grid when needed, making it a cost-effective way to transition to clean energy.
However, adding batteries provides additional benefits such as backup power during outages, protection from rising utility rates, and the ability to store and use all the energy you produce instead of sending it back to the grid. Whether or not you include storage depends on your goals for savings, resilience, and energy independence.
What if I already have a generator?
If you already have a generator, you can absolutely still go solar — and in many cases, the two can work together seamlessly. A solar system will reduce your everyday reliance on the grid, while your generator can remain in place for extended outages or high-demand backup situations. If you decide to add battery storage, we can design the system so the solar, battery, and generator operate safely together using proper transfer switching and load management controls.
As part of the process, we would need to verify that your existing generator is properly permitted and code-compliant; if it is not, we would include it in our permitting scope of work to ensure it meets all current electrical and safety requirements to integrate properly with your solar and battery system. This ensures safe operation, full compliance, and dependable performance when you need it most.
Do you install the Tesla Powerwall?
Yes — we install the Tesla Powerwall, including the latest Powerwall 3 platform. The Powerwall integrates solar production and battery storage into a streamlined system that allows you to store excess energy, power your home at night, and maintain backup capability during outages.
We design each installation based on your home’s energy usage and backup goals, whether you want to power essential loads or your entire property. Paired with solar, the Powerwall provides greater energy independence, protection from rising utility rates, and seamless monitoring through the Tesla app.
Do you install alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall?
Yes — we install several high-quality alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall to ensure you have the right solution for your home and energy goals. We offer the Enphase IQ Battery, the Franklin Home Power battery system, and the EG4 battery lineup, each with unique advantages in performance, scalability, and backup capability.
Depending on whether you prioritize modular expansion, whole-home backup, value-driven storage, or advanced energy management features, we can recommend and design the system that best fits your needs. Our goal is to provide flexible, reliable storage options that align with your long-term energy independence.
System sizing & our process
Why do I need a site assessment?
A site assessment is an essential step to ensure your solar system is designed safely, accurately, and for maximum performance. During this visit, we evaluate your roof condition, electrical panel capacity, structural integrity, shading, equipment placement, and overall site layout to confirm everything meets code requirements and is suitable for installation. This allows us to finalize system design, verify measurements, identify any potential upgrades, and prevent surprises during installation. A thorough site assessment protects your investment and ensures your system is installed once — and installed right.
Do you conduct in-person site assessments?
Yes — we conduct in-person site assessments to ensure every project is properly evaluated before installation. An on-site visit allows us to inspect your roof, electrical system, structural conditions, shading, and equipment placement firsthand, ensuring everything meets safety and code requirements. This hands-on approach allows us to confirm measurements, identify any needed upgrades, and finalize the system design with accuracy and confidence. Our goal is to eliminate surprises and deliver a smooth, professional installation from start to finish.
Why do you need my electric bill?
We request a copy of your electric bill so we can accurately understand your energy usage, rate structure, and billing details before designing your system. Your bill shows how much electricity you consume throughout the year, what utility rate plan you’re on, and how you’re being charged — all of which directly impact system sizing, battery recommendations, and projected savings.
Having this information allows us to design a system tailored specifically to your home and financial goals, rather than guessing. It ensures your solar investment is properly sized for performance, savings, and long-term efficiency.
What if I don’t have an electric bill yet?
If you don’t have an electric bill yet — such as in the case of new construction, a recent move, or a property that hasn’t been energized — we can still move forward. In these situations, we estimate usage based on the size of the home, expected occupancy, planned appliances, HVAC systems, EV charging, and any future energy goals you may have.
For new construction projects, we work directly from building plans and electrical load calculations to properly size the system. Our goal is to design your solar system around how you plan to live in the home, ensuring it’s optimized from day one even without prior utility history.
Can I add panels to my system later?
Absolutely. If you have space, adding panels is straightforward. Many of our customers add more panels later when they install heat pumps, an EV charger, or other electric upgrades.
We often recommend installing a larger inverter up front to make expansion easier if you know you will be increasing your usage. But even if your inverter is maxed out, you can still add another one alongside new panels.
Whether your system was installed by us or another company, we’re happy to talk about your options.
Maintenance & warranties
What kind of maintenance is required?
Solar systems require very little maintenance because they have no moving parts and are built for long-term outdoor durability. In most cases, maintenance simply involves occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris buildup and ensuring surrounding trees are trimmed to prevent shading.
We also recommend periodic system monitoring to confirm everything is producing as expected, which can often be done remotely through your monitoring platform. With proper installation and routine inspections, a solar system can operate reliably for decades with minimal upkeep.
How long will my solar system last?
A properly installed solar system is designed to last 25 to 30 years or more, with many systems continuing to produce well beyond that timeframe. Modern solar panels degrade very slowly — often retaining 85–92% of their original output even after 25 years — while inverters and batteries may require replacement or upgrades at different intervals depending on the equipment.
Because solar technology has no moving parts and is built for long-term outdoor exposure, it’s one of the most durable energy investments you can make. With quality installation, strong warranties, and proper monitoring, your system can deliver reliable clean energy for decades.
What does your warranty cover?
The Soltari warranty coverage is designed to give you complete, long-term peace of mind through three distinct layers of protection. We provide a 10-year workmanship warranty and 10-year leak protection on our installations, ensuring your system is built properly and your roof remains secure. In addition, every major component — including panels, inverters, racking, and batteries — is backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, providing strong product and performance guarantees. On top of that, through our partnership with Solar Align Protection, your equipment and installation are covered by a third-party Lifetime Warranty, which includes panel repairs, inverter service, racking components, roof penetrations, truck rolls, parts, and labor for covered claims.
With workmanship coverage, manufacturer protection, and independent lifetime backing, your investment is safeguarded from every angle — so no matter what happens, you’re always protected.
Do I need to update my homeowner’s insurance?
In most cases, yes — we recommend notifying your homeowner’s insurance provider after installing solar. Solar systems are typically considered a permanent improvement to your home, and your policy may need to be updated to reflect the added value of the system.
Many insurance providers cover rooftop solar under standard dwelling coverage, but it’s important to confirm your coverage limits and ensure the system is properly listed. A quick call to your insurance company can provide clarity and ensure your investment is fully protected moving forward.
Installing your solar system
What happens on installation day?
On installation day, our team arrives on site prepared to complete the project efficiently, safely, and professionally. We begin by staging materials and protecting the work area, then proceed with mounting the racking system, installing the solar panels, and completing the necessary electrical connections, including the inverter and any battery equipment if applicable.
Most residential installations are completed within one to three days depending on system size and complexity. Once installation is finished, the system will go through inspection and utility approval before being activated. Throughout the process, we prioritize clear communication, jobsite cleanliness, and craftsmanship — ensuring your system is installed once and installed right.
Do solar panels damage my roof?
No — when installed properly, solar panels do not damage your roof. In fact, a professionally installed system can actually help protect the portion of the roof it covers from direct sun, rain, and weather exposure.
The key factor is proper installation. We use engineered mounting systems with flashed, watertight penetrations designed to maintain your roof’s integrity and prevent leaks. Additionally, our work is backed by a 10-year workmanship and leak warranty, along with manufacturer and third-party lifetime protection — ensuring your roof and system remain secure for decades to come.
How long does installation take?
Most residential solar installations take one to three days, depending on the size of the system, roof complexity, and whether battery storage is included. Larger homes, ground-mounted systems, or projects with main panel upgrades may take slightly longer.
While the physical installation is typically quick, the overall process — including design, permitting, inspections, and utility approval — can take several weeks. We handle each step with precision and clear communication to ensure your project moves efficiently from start to final activation.
Do you offer other electrical work?
Yes — in addition to solar installations, we provide a wide range of residential and commercial electrical services. This includes main panel upgrades, subpanels, load center replacements, EV charger installations, dedicated circuits, battery integrations, and general electrical improvements needed to support modern energy demands.
Whether it’s preparing your home for solar, upgrading infrastructure for safety and capacity, or installing commercial electrical systems, our licensed team ensures all work is completed to code with the same quality, precision, and professionalism that defines Soltari.
Get started with a free solar consultation
We start with an on-site assessment of your home and follow up with a solar consultation where we explain how solar works and present a solar proposal designed specifically for your home. It’s completely free and there is no obligation.