Solar Prep
Why should I switch to solar?
Sunstar has been a champion in the solar industry since 2012. Since then, we have been delivering on a vision to provide Americans with affordable, reliable and clean energy. Residential solar energy systems represent an investment in the future of the planet, conserving non-renewable energy sources and protecting the environment.
In addition, solar panels and home batteries are becoming more affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient. They provide peace of mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or the next storm strikes. Unlike ever increasing utility rates, solar customers enjoy rate protection for 20 to 25 years. With home solar, you get to control your energy future.
Is my home good for solar?
Our solar experts can help you determine if your home is a good candidate for solar. They’ll run a custom analysis of your home with best in class solar design technology, and get a sense for your energy needs.
How many solar panels will my home need?
Every household is different. When determining the number of solar panels your home needs, consider the following questions:
How much power do I need? Check your electric bills to see how many kilowatt hours (kWhs) you use throughout the year. We’ll review this with you during your free solar consultation to figure out just how much power your panels will need to produce.
What’s your climate like? The number of panels you need depends on how much sun reaches the ground where you are.
Why do you need my historical electricity usage?
Electricity usage varies from person to person and from season to season. That’s why we request a full year of your electricity bills so we can build a system that’s right for you.
Your sales consultant is trained to review a year’s worth of usage data so we can get the full picture. Energy usage can change with the seasons so we look at 12-months of data to best understand your home’s usage patterns and needs.
How do you customize my solar system?
We start with your historical usage and design a solar system that will provide you with the right amount of power based on how much you normally use.
Then we look at your roof via satellite imagery to see how many panels can fit on each roof plane, keeping in mind that south-facing roofs are the best for solar.
We verify our measurements and system design with a site survey,a visit to your home to check the roof and your main electrical panel.
Finally, we reconfirm our final design with you so you know exactly what it will look like and how much electricity you’ll receive from solar.
If you want to learn about the efficiency of your panels or review what the equipment will look like for your specific home, talk to your sales consultant.
Will I notice anything different after I go solar
The one key difference you will notice after switching to solar is in how you pay for your power. You will still receive a monthly bill from your utility company. If you have a monthly bill with Sunrun, you will have two separate bills.
How much energy you end up having to buy from your utility depends on the size of your solar system and how much electricity you’re actually using.
Because of weather and seasonal changes, your utility bill will vary from month to month. But you’ll always know exactly what you owe Sunrun for the duration of our agreement.
Does my state offer incentives to go solar?
Ask your Sunstar solar expert what solar incentives may be available in your state. The most common solar incentives include state tax credits, net metering and rebates from your local utility. No matter what state you live in, you’ll also be eligible for the federal solar tax credit when you purchase your own solar system.
Any benefits you would get through rebates and tax credits come to you in the form of a lower monthly cost with Sunstar. You can avoid high upfront costs, and we’ll take care of the paperwork.
Will solar panels increase the value of my home?
(Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/)
Who will help me when I have questions?
From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Sunstar pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.
Your sales consultant will work with our design team to customize your solar system for your needs. Then a project coordinator who is well-versed in your region will assist throughout the rest of the process.
There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.
What happens during an installation?
Once we have finalized your system design and have all of the necessary approvals, it will be time to install the solar panels on your roof.
Our local installation crews are experienced and efficient. Most times, they can complete installations in one day. Here’s what a typical installation day looks like:
Step 1 – Crew arrival and preparation
Step 2 – Review system design and equipment location
Step 3 – System installation
Step 4 – Crew clean up
Step 5 – Final walk-through
What happens to my roof when solar panels are installed?
Since home solar systems are roof-mounted, we do drill holes in the roof to anchor the racking equipment for the panels during installation. All our roof penetrations are made watertight and are guaranteed by a workmanship warranty.
One little known benefit, once the solar panels are on your roof, they can protect the underlying sections from normal weathering and increase its longevity.
What is installed as a part of a solar system?
Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.
4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home.
5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
How long does the installation usually take?
The process of having the solar system installed on your roof can be relatively quick — many installations are completed in one day.
Before our crew comes to your house, it takes several weeks to prepare your project so that you have the smoothest installation day possible. Whenever possible, we’ll do the work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Here’s what we’ll do:
Conduct a site survey to look at your roof, attic and electrical panel
Finalize your custom design
Apply for permits and wait for approval
Collect other necessary approvals and documentation that is specific to your neighborhood (such as HOA approval)
When it comes time to install the system, we’ll let you know how long the construction process will take for your home and what you can do to prepare.
I'm part of an HOA. What do I need to know?
What happens after I turn my system on?
How does a home solar system work?
What is installed as a part of a solar system?
Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.
4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home.
5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
Can I add more panels to my system?
What can my battery back up?
During a power outage, your battery allows you to backup your kitchen (including the refrigerator), bedroom and bathroom lights, garage door opener and wifi for approximately 8 to 12 hours. When the sun rises again, your solar panels will recharge your battery. The most important rooms and appliances in your home will be powered by your home battery until the grid is up and running again.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?
Leasing and buying solar panels come with their own unique advantages. Purchasing solar generally requires upfront investment which can make it cost-
What's a solar lease or PPA?
Instead of purchasing a system outright, we offer options that require little to zero upfront costs.
With a PPA you pay a fixed price per kWh for power generated. We’ll help you decide which option is best for you. So now that you know what a PPA is, you’re probably wondering why you shouldn’t just buy a home solar system outright. Here are a few reasons why:
Get started for as little as $0 down.
Skip the hassle of ownership. Sunstar will handle installation, maintenance, monitoring, and insurance for the life of the agreement.
Rain or shine, we guarantee solar system performance. If the system doesn’t produce the electricity we promised – for any reason – you’ll receive a refund for the difference. If the system overproduces, you keep the excess power.
Sell your home with ease. Sunstar has a team of service transfer experts and we guarantee a seamless agreement transfer to the new buyer.
Service plans pass down the benefits of rebates, tax incentives, and credits in the form of a low, locked-in bill.
Can I really go soalr for $0 down?
Yes. Qualifying Sunstar customers can take control of their long-term electricity costs for as little as $0 down. The benefits of solar are rolled up into a low, predictable monthly rate for solar power that replaces all or some of the power you used to receive from the grid.
How does a prepaid solar lease work?
With BrightSave Prepaid, you can go solar with just one, up front payment that covers 25 years worth of solar power. When you choose BrightSave Prepaid, we’ll also actively monitor and maintain your solar panels over the life of your agreement, so all you have to do is enjoy that glorious solar energy made right on your roof.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?
Is it better to do a PPA or buy solar panels?
Power purchase agreements and buying solar panels come with their own unique advantages.
Purchasing solar generally requires upfront investment which can make it cost-prohibitive for many. That’s why Sunstar offers stress-free solar PPA so you can switch to solar for as little as $0 down. When you pay for power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you are only responsible for a locked-in monthly payment. Top-notch monitoring and maintenance during the length of your agreement is also included free of charge. That means clean, worry-free energy. And if it breaks, we’ll fix it.
We also know that many people want to own their equipment which is why Sunstar also gives you the option to buy your solar panels. When you own your solar system, you own your production and all the benefits that come with solar investment. That means solar incentives like state solar rebates, net metering and the federal solar tax credit will go directly to you. However, you’ll be responsible for any repairs and maintenance your solar system needs outside the scope of your solar system’s warranty.
To learn more about which solar plan is right for you, get connected with one of our solar experts today at (833)-310-7827
What is the average cost to buy solar panels?
Depending on the state, a home solar system can cost between $15,000 to $29,000 for system sizes ranging for 4kW to 8kW.* The more power your household uses, the more solar panels you’ll need, which will add to the cost of your solar system.
Sound like a lot? The upfront cost of a solar system doesn’t have to keep you from going solar. Get in touch with a Sunstar solar advisor to see how you can go solar for as low as $0 with our flexible financing options.
*Figures based on national averages: https://www.solar-estimate.org/
Will owning solar panels increase my home value?
*Source:https://emp.lbl.gov/publications/selling-sun-price-premium-analysis
How does a solar system purchase work?
When you purchase a home solar system from Sunstar, you purchase the equipment and Sunstar takes care of everything related to the installation. When you buy your own system, you will directly receive the applicable federal and state solar incentives, tax credits and rebates.
What is the benefit of home solar financing?
You can enjoy the benefits of going solar like a lower electricity bill, tax credits, solar rebates and hassle-free financing without having to pay the full cost of a solar system up front. We partner with trusted loan providers to help you get fast approvals and low, fixed interest rates, hassle-free.
By financing your system, you can enjoy the benefits of going solar at little to no up-front cost.
Are solar loans tax deductible?
What is a kWh?
The more power an appliance consumes, the faster it will use up 1 kWh. For example, a power-hungry, 500-watt vacuum cleaner will use up a kWh in two hours, whereas the same amount of energy will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Your utility will track how many kWh your buy from them, as well as how many kWh you send into the grid.
Sunrun will track how many kWh your solar panels produce.
Will my panels work when it is cloudy?
Solar panels are capable of producing electricity in all types of weather all year round. You will notice that performance will vary from day to day. On a cloudy day a solar system typically performs at 10% to 25% of its capacity.
When we design our systems and estimate their production, we take into account the amount of sunlight that your specific region receives each year. This means that your system will be sized appropriately for the amount of sunny (or cloudy) days you receive each year.
Will my panels work in winter?
Summer is when solar production peaks with the longest days of the year and consistent sunshine. During winter, solar production is at its lowest due to short days and more variable weather.
We design our systems with all four seasons in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation will be factored into your solar production estimate.
Do soalr panels work at night?
Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity–they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.
Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it’s sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Sunrun operates in except for Hawaii.
Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Since there is no Net Energy Metering available for new customers in Hawaii, we use battery storage to make use of solar power at night. Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You’ll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.
A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Sunstar solar panels and a battery will have you covered both day and night.
What happens during a blackout?
The exception to this is home solar systems that have a battery system.
Will trees/shade impact my solar performance?
Will my solar still work well after 25 years?
We design our solar agreements with the lifespan of our equipment in mind and have taken this expected decline in performance into account in our production estimates.
This means that after 25 years, your system should still be operating at around 88% of its original capacity and providing your home with clean, renewable energy.
What if my solar panels don't produce enough power?
When we’re designing your home solar system, we make sure it fits your household electricity needs, helping control your energy costs over time. We look at 12 months of past electricity usage to make sure your solar panels produce the the right amount of power for your home over the course of a full year.
Keep in mind that there’s the chance you’ll have an unseasonably hot summer that requires you to run the air conditioning more than usual. If that’s the case, you may have to use some extra electricity from your local utility, resulting in a slightly higher energy bill for that month. Your solar panels would still be producing the amount of power they’re supposed to—your higher-than-average energy usage will just need an added boost from the grid to support it.
How will I know my solar system is producing energy?
You will be able to log in to your Sunrun account to check your system’s production. There you will be able to see how your production varies on a day to day basis and how it adds up over weeks and months.
If you are purchasing electricity under a PPA, or own your system you also get the benefit of Sunstars monitoring team who keep a close eye on the system to make sure it is producing as expected.
How do I care for my solar panels?
Sunstar covers all system maintenance and guarantees that you will receive a certain amount of power from your system when you sign up for a PPA. Refer to your customer agreement for details. There are also few things you can do as a solar homeowner to make sure you are getting the most out of your solar system.
Trim back trees.
The more sun on your panels, the better. It’s a good idea to keep nearby trees trimmed to allow the sunshine to reach your panels for as much of the day as possible.
Spray dusty panels.
Just a few rainy days a year is enough to clean your panels. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to hose them off — just do it from the ground to be safe.
Watch out for falling snow.
It’s normal for snow to stick to your panels. Please resist the urge to clean them. The snow will eventually slide off. Try to avoid parking in the landing zone.
Who do I reach out to if I have a question or concern?
As a Sunstar customer, you have a team of experts that are ready to help whenever questions come up.
Throughout the installation process, your solar consultant and your project coordinator will be your two main points of contact should you have any questions or concerns.
You will also have an installation coordinator that will help you with the logistics around your installation day. They are local to your area and work directly with the install team and local building inspectors to manage the on-site work. You’ll receive their contact information when you schedule your installation.
Once your system is activated, the customer care team is your long-term support system. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring, and are available during the office hours below to help you find a solution to any kind of problem.
If you ever have any issues or questions, reach out to the Support team at 833-310-7827
Does Sunrun monitor my system?
Yes! Our Support team is dedicated to keeping an eye on your system, and they’re watching all the time. This is how it works:
1 – We Record Production
Among the various components of your solar system is the Sunstar Meter. It counts your kilowatts as they’re produced.
2 – We Collect Your Production Data
Your Sunstar Meter sends your production data to our Monitoring Team, where all production data is collected, stored and analyzed.
3 – We Evaluate Your Production
We compare your production to the estimates included in your contract to confirm that your system is working as expected. We also check the weather and other systems in your neighborhood to make sure you’re harvesting just as much sunshine as your neighbors.
4 – We Fix What Needs Fixing (If Necessary)
If your system isn’t working as expected, we will dive deeper to identify the issue and rectify the situation. If we cannot fix your system with remote troubleshooting, we may need to send a technician to take a look at your system in person.
What happens if my system breaks or isn't working as expected?
Sunstar takes complete care of your solar system, which includes making any necessary repairs or replacements to the equipment over the course of your agreement.
If you have reason to believe the solar system is damaged or not working as expected, please let us know by contacting the Support Team
Will my home solar system have a warranty?
Yes, all of our solar equipment is backed by robust warranties. When you choose a Power Purchase Agreement, your solar system will also come with 24/7 monitoring and maintenance. So if it breaks? We’ll fix it, free of charge.
What is the sunrun Gurantee?
We carefully choose our equipment with durability in mind, but something is bound to come up during our agreement. If anything on your system breaks or isn’t working as it should, we take care of it.
Furthermore, if a system issue causes you to produce less then what we guaranteed, we refund you for the difference. At your two-year anniversary with Sunrun, we will compare how much energy your panels produced to the production promised in your agreement. If your panels didn’t produce as much as we expected, we’ll issue a refund to make up for the difference.
How do I care for my soalr panels?
Trim back trees.
The more sun on your panels, the better. It’s a good idea to keep nearby trees trimmed to allow the sunshine to reach your panels for as much of the day as possible.
Spray dusty panels.
Just a few rainy days a year is enough to clean your panels. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to hose them off — just do it from the ground to be safe.
Watch out for falling snow.
It’s normal for snow to stick to your panels. Please resist the urge to clean them. The snow will slide off when it’s ready. Try to avoid parking in the landing zone.
Who do I reach out to if I have a question or concern?
As a Sunstar customer, you have a team of experts that are ready to help whenever questions come up.
Throughout the installation process, your solar consultant and your project coordinator will be your two main points of contact should you have any questions or concerns.
You will also have an installation coordinator that will help you with the logistics around your installation day. They are local to your area and work directly with the install team and local building inspectors to manage the on-site work. You’ll receive their contact information when you schedule your installation.
Once your system is activated, the customer care team is your long-term support system. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring, and are available during the office hours below to help you find a solution to any kind of problem.
If you ever have any issues or questions, reach out to the Customer Care team at 833-310-7827..
What happens if my system breaks or isn't working as expected?
If you have reason to believe the solar system is damaged or not working as expected, please let us know by contacting our Support Team.
Will my home solar system have a warranty?
Yes, all of our solar equipment is backed by robust warranties. We only choose best-in-class equipment, including solar panels and batteries, with the highest quality workmanship, backed by 13 years of residential solar experience.
How is the way I pay for power different with solar?
Whether you choose to purchase your solar system or pay monthly, you will still receive a utility bill as you will now receive power from two sources, your solar system and the gird.
The payment you make to Sunrun, whether upfront or on a monthly basis is for your solar. Your utility bill will then be for any extra power that you need that month that the solar system does not produce. How much energy you end up having to buy from your utility depends on the size of your solar system and how much energy you’re actually using. With weather and seasonal changes, your utility bill will vary. For this reason, it helps to think about your energy costs on an annual basis.
Why do I still receive a utility bill with solar?
Being connected to the grid is a good thing. It allows you to have power when your are producing less than you need, like on a cloudy day, during the winter or when you’re running your air conditioning. It also allows you to take advantage of net metering so your solar power never goes to waste.
How does paying for solar power help control my cost?
The more your utility increases its rates, the greater the benefit you can see from solar.
How much can I expect to save when I go solar?
When you sign up for a free quote, our Solar Experts will work with you to determine how much you can expect to save on your monthly energy bill. This relies on factors like your utility, how much electricity you use and how much sunlight your home gets. We’ll only recommend solar if it’s the right fit for your home energy needs and profile.
How can I prepare for rolling blackouts in my area?
Installing home solar and a battery as backup electricity supply is a smart wasy to prepare for rolling blackouts. Unpredictable outages emphasize the value of having solar for your household’s energy security and peace of mind.
Utility companies are increasingly implementing rolling blackouts, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), to reduce risks during extreme weather conditions and wildfires.The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorizes companies to de-energize the electric grid as a preventative measure to protect public safety and maintain the grid’s viability.
Blackouts now disrupt power to millions of Californians each year and, of course, extreme weather and power outages are not exclusive to the Golden State. Whether you are looking to power through a planned outage, winter storm or a hurricane, traditional fuel-powered generators are not a dependable solution for your emergency plan. A Sunstar solar system and battery can safely and reliably power your home through an outage.
What is net metering?
What are energy credit?
Most of the energy your panels produce is used right away. This energy does not appear on your utility bill because it never went to the grid. If you have a battery, the energy that it stores also does not appear on your utility bill.
*In Hawaii, energy that solar homeowners produce is not sent to the grid so utility customers do not receive energy credits.
Will I get credits from my utility with Sunstar?
Yes, your system will be grid tied and you’ll get credits from your utility when you’re a Sunstar customer whether you choose to own your system or go solar through a lease or PPA. These energy credits come from a billing system called Net Energy Metering (NEM). Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home. The only exception to this is in Hawaii where net metering isn’t available.
What are tiered utility rates?
When we customize your home solar system, we assess your energy needs to determine the number of solar panels you’ll need for your home. You’ll still be connected to the grid in case you need to source any extra energy. The goal with a solar system design will be to keep you in the lower tiers so you are only replacing the most expensive power with solar.
Not all utilities are created equal, and not all utilities have tiered utility rates. Contact one of our expert solar consultants to learn more about your utility rate structure and how solar can help you avoid paying for power when it is at its most expensive.
What is time of use (TOU)?
Time of Use (TOU) electricity rates are set by your local utility. They vary by time of day: more expensive during periods of peak demand and less expensive during low demand periods. For instance, TOU rates would be higher during hot summer afternoons or nights when people tend to use their air conditioning more. Conversely, TOU rates would be lower during low-demand periods like the hours during your workday when you’re not home.
One way to minimize your costs is to adjust your electricity usage to cheaper times. But there’s an easier way. With your own home backup energy management system, you can avoid the most expensive rates under a TOU rate structure.
Battery storage is programmed to store energy from the sun when your grid power is cheapest and then kick in to power your home when it is most expensive. It’s an easy way to get even more out of your home solar system and the power that it generates.
What is the environmental inpact of a Sunstar system?
As more people like you join the solar movement, the amount of impact we are able to have becomes all the more significant.
How does going solar help my community?
What does Sunstar do to give back?
CanI change my agreement type? (How I pay)
You may have weighed a few different agreement options when you signed up. If you’re reconsidering or need clarity on your options, reach out to your sales consultant or project coordinator.
We understand everyone has different situations and needs. Our experts are well-versed in the benefits associated with our options. We are here to help you figure out what’s best for you.
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Should I buy insurance on my Sunstar system?
In states where insurance is not required, we still recommend that you tell your insurance company that you are getting a home solar system. It is likely already covered under your current policy, and may not include any additional fees for coverage.
What's the deal with solar tax credits?
The federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 26% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2022. Starting in 2023, the value of the tax credit will step down to 22%. After 2023, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
State or utility tax incentives vary depending on the region you reside in. To learn more about policies and incentives in your region, check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website.
What happens at the end of a Sunstar PPA agreement?
When you reach the end of your Sunstar agreement, you have three options:
1. You can purchase the solar system at the fair market value (excluding New York homeowners).
2. You can renew your lease with us on an annual basis.
3. Sunstar can remove the system at no cost to you.
When you reach the end of your agreement, Customer Care will help you move forward.
What happens when I decide to move?
Sunstar makes it easy to transfer your solar agreement to the new homeowners. Our service transfer specialists handle everything from educating realtors and potential buyers to working with escrow officers, title agents, home inspectors, and anyone else who might need to know about your system or solar lease agreement. When you decide to move, contact us and we will get started on facilitating the transfer process.