We are solar people, not sales people... Get the facts about how solar can work for you!
Have questions about going solar?
Welcome to Sunwatt Solar's comprehensive guide on solar energy! 🌞
Whether you’re curious about how solar panels work, the benefits of switching to solar power, or the costs involved, you’ve come to the right place. This page is designed to answer all your common questions about solar energy, providing clear and concise information to help you make an informed decision on whether going solar is right for your property. From understanding the basics to exploring advanced topics, Sunwatt Solar is here to shed light on everything you need to know about harnessing the power of the sun. Let’s dive in and discover the potential of solar energy together!
Have a question that's not answered below? Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have!
Question: Why should I choose a local solar company?
Answer: A solar install is no different than any other home-improvement project: you want to choose a contractor with the skills and experience to deliver your project on-time, at the agreed-upon price. Let's face it: solar installs can be complicated and once you factor in the electrical oddities of New England homes, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. You want to choose a company who can provide the best equipment to suit your project, not one who chooses equipment based on what's the easiest/quickest to install or makes them the most money. At Sunwatt, we have over 10 years' experience navigating the complexities of solar installs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you want a solar PV install that's perfectly suited to the needs your residence, we're just a call away.
Question: If I go solar, will I still have an electric bill?
Answer: It depends. Solar production is affected by lots of location-specific factors like roof height, azimuth, shading, etc. In an ideal world, every solar install would offset 100 percent of a home's electric usage, however there are plenty of sites where solar is financially viable but production won't be enough to offset the whole bill. If you've been thinking of going solar, but aren't sure if it's feasible at your home reach out to us and we'd be happy to provide a no-cost analysis.
Question: My roof is 10/15 years old. Can I go solar?
Answer: Solar installation can be largely dependent on the condition of your roof. While a new roof is ideal, we've been able to install solar on roof between 5 - 10 years old. We do this on a case-to-case basis after inspecting your roof structure, decking, and the condition of the shingles on your roof. Remember, a solar PV system is a 25+ investment so you don't want to have to re-roof after your system has been installed. Depending on the size of your system, roof pitch, location, etc., removing and reinstalling a solar system can cost anywhere from $5,000 - $10,000+.
Question: I'd like for my project to use US-made solar panels. Is this possible?
Answer: Generally, yes, Sunwatt can supply US-assembled solar modules, if desired. While the majority of solar panels installed in the US today are manufactured in Southeast Asia, there are a few companies we work with that assemble solar modules in the US. Keep in mind that even for panels assembled in the US, the majority of the raw materials still come from locations overseas mainly due to the United States lack of domestic silicon supply. Interested in learning more about the available options for solar modules? Contact Sunwatt today.
Question: If I go solar, will I have power during an outage?
Answer: No. Installing only a solar PV system will allow you to sell your excess energy back to the grid, but won't provide backup during an outage unless battery storage is added as part of the install. Sunwatt solar installs multiple battery products that can provide either a partial- or whole-home backup depending your specific needs. Visit our energy storage page to learn more or give us a call to discuss your options.
Question: How are solar systems sized?
Answer: There are multiple factors that go into sizing solar PV arrays. First and foremost, is your available roof (or ground) space and your electrical consumption. While physical space is important, potential customers' electrical usage is typically the limiting factor we run into when designing residential and commercial solar systems. Due to rules set by our local utilities, the amount of solar PV that can be installed in a given location needs to be justified by your aggregate electrical usage over the course of one year or based on your average monthly use over a three-year period. Because of these rules, there are situations where we can only install a limited number of panels for customers with unusually low electrical usage. However, there are a variety of ways to justify a larger system size by adding electrical loads (EV chargers, heat pumps, etc.) around the time of your solar install. Fill out the contact form below to learn more.
Question: I've already had a PV array installed. Can I add battery storage after the fact?
Answer: Yes, in general battery storage can be added to an installed system. Depending on the equipment installed initially and what a home owner is looking for (partial-backup, whole-home backup, energy arbitrage, etc.) there may be a variety of energy storage products that can be installed. Sunwatt solar has installed storage systems from Enphase, Tesla, and Generac, but don't hesitate to reach out discuss all your potential options.
Question: Is Sunwatt an "independent" solar company?
Answer: Yes, here at Sunwatt we're a local solar that handles all aspects of the solar installation process (design, permitting, engineering, installation, support/service, etc.) in-house. With 10+ years experience installing PV arrays in Rhode Island and Massachusetts we're the experts when it comes to dealing with our local utilities, towns, AHJs, grant managers, and more. We make solar easy by handling any/all legwork required to make your project a success. We're independent in that we don't purchase leads or pay people to knock on doors - our customers find us primarily online or through referrals from their friends, family, and neighbors. If you've been looking for a solar installer with a local touch, contact Sunwatt today.
Question: Does Sunwatt install residential EV chargers?
Answer: Yes, we can add a residential EV charger as part of your solar install. Residential EV chargers generally provide level-2 charging (up to 50a) and are typically hardwired into your main service panel for maximum output, but can also use a standard NEMA 10 - 30/NEMA 14 - 30 plug
Question: I'm a landlord with multiple properties/tenants, can I install solar on the buildings I own?
Answer: Yes, it's totally possible to install solar on buildings you rent out. The electricity generated on site can be either applied for tenants' benefit or used to offset electricity used at a landlord's primary residence or other commercial property. Sunwatt solar has experience installing both residential and small-commercial systems on rented properties.
Question: I'm a landlord with multiple properties/tenants, can I install solar on the buildings I own?
Answer: Yes, it's totally possible to install solar on buildings you rent out. The electricity generated on site can be either applied for tenants' benefit or used to offset electricity used at a landlord's primary residence or other commercial property. Sunwatt solar has experience installing both residential and small-commercial systems on rented properties.
Local Solar:
The benefits go beyond knowing we’re located right around the corner.
Stop by and visit us at the Hope Artiste Village – 1005 Main St. #2129 in Pawtucket.
