Frequently Asked Questions

We know solar — and we want to help you know it too.

Got questions about solar, battery backup, or EV Chargers for your home, business, or nonprofit? We’ve got you! 

Sugar Hollow Solar has answers to your most pressing questions. For more detailed information about solar options for homes, businesses, or nonprofits, send us an email, give us a call, or stop by our office.

828.776.9161
hello@sugarhollowsolar.com

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Frequently asked questions for Homeowners

Home Solar: Finance, Incentives, and General:

  • Great question, and one we get so often we wrote a whole blog about it here!

  • We absolutely think so, but here are 6 reasons to consider why solar may not be for you.

  • Each house is a special case in terms of how solar will work, your usage, your solar access, and how much space you have on your roof…but an average home solar system is around $15,000-$40,000 depending on all those factors. The great news is that there are often rebates and incentives, including a 30% Federal Tax Credit so come tax season you can actually get 30% of the system cost back.

  • Another great question we get so often, we wrote a blog about it here!

  • We offer a small selection of product options depending on your unique situation. Speaking with an Energy Consultant is the best way to understand your options. While our product options do sometimes change our commitment is to always choose based on a combination of quality, warranty, and price. Some common products we use are Tesla, Qcells, Mission, Enphase, and SolarEdge. Every product we use goes through a rigorous review process by our Technical Review board. (Learn more about it here.)

  • We’re generally unable to do that for an array of reasons unfortunately, but we’re always happy to talk this out if you want to give us a call.

  • Yes! According to a recent study by Zillow.com, homes in North Carolina with solar sell for an average of 4% higher than comparable homes without. According to research by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a home with solar panels sells twice as fast as a home without — even in a depressed market! Compared to other home renovations, solar can often recover 100% of the original cost, whereas some other improvements can recover as little as 4% of the original cost. As the industry continues to mature, the value of solar will only increase.

  • The answer is likely yes, but possibly not. It depends on the specifics of your home and whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term savings. We wrote a blog to answer this question more deeply.

  • Currently you spend around $24 per month for your meter, also known as an interconnection fee. That charge doesn’t go away when you go solar because you are still connected to the utility lines and using their services. However, it is possible to zero out your electric charges if your roof can hold the right number of solar panels. This question of choosing the right number of solar panels is discussed more in this blog.

  • At Sugar Hollow Solar, we offer financing covering up to 100% of your system cost, aligning with the offerings of many solar companies today. However, it's crucial to scrutinize the terms carefully, as not all loans are crafted alike. This emphasizes the importance of partnering with an experienced local company like Sugar Hollow Solar, who can support you throughout the process with our technical knowledge, personalized service, and long-term commitment to your satisfaction.

  • We offer 25-year warranties for our solar panels and micro-inverters, a 10-year workmanship warranty as well as a 1-year complimentary service guarantee. This means that if for any reason something goes wrong with your equipment in that time, we’ll take care of it without any charge to you.

  • Approximately 8-15 years although there are many factors, including the incentives used to offset the initial investment.

  • With no moving parts and at least a 25-year warranty, solar panels require little maintenance making them an easy addition to your home. They remain relatively clean as long as they’re exposed to rain or a quick rinse with a garden hose every few months, and with technology these days there is even an app you can download to check every so often to make sure your solar system is producing well. There are local companies that offer professional cleanings and assessments if you need them.

  • At Sugar Hollow, we're committed to maximizing your savings on the transition to clean energy by staying updated on the latest incentives. One noteworthy incentive is the Federal Tax Credit for solar, which was enhanced by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. This credit offers a significant benefit, providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed. For instance, if your solar system costs $30,000, you could receive $9,000 back as a tax credit, thanks to this incentive.

Home Battery Backup Solutions:

  • About 20% (and counting) of our customers add batteries to their solar systems. When living off-grid, a household needs batteries to hold the extra power, but when connected to the utility grid (like the systems Sugar Hollow Solar currently installs), most people who add batteries desire more safety and security by knowing their lights will stay on when the power goes out. If you stay connected to the utility grid, there is a system known as Net Metering where your excess solar power flows into the utility grid when you are overproducing and you build up credits.

  • We’re generally unable to do that for an array of reasons unfortunately, but we’re always happy to talk this out if you want to give us a call.

  • Homeowners looking to protect themselves against outages and blackouts should definitely consider a battery backup system to gain independence from power outages.

  • Each house is a special case in terms of how many home storage batteries you need. We look at your desired utility offset, your energy usage, and how much space you have to determine the number of energy storage batteries that will serve you best.

  • Absolutely! While our focus is on providing batteries paired with solar panels for the cleanest energy solution, we do assist individuals who solely require batteries. Additionally, for those who already have solar panels installed, we offer battery add-ons as a seamless option for enhancing energy storage capabilities.

  • We offer a 10-year warranty for our batteries, a 10-year workmanship warranty as well as a 1-year complimentary service guarantee. This means that if for any reason something goes wrong with your equipment within that time, we’ll take care of it without any charge to you.

Home EV Charger Installation:

  • At this time, we do not offer EV charger installations. We are partnered with local electricians who are able to offer EV charger installation services. Visit https://www.sugarhollowsolar.com/ev-charger-installation to learn more.

Home New Construction:

  • Standing seam metal roofing is the most ideal choice due to its durability and ease of installation for solar panels, offering longevity, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. However, most shingle roofs are also great options. We, unfortunately, don't install solar panels on terracotta or slate roofs because of their composition and installation requirements which can pose challenges for homeowners and installers.

  • Ideally, your roof should face south to receive the maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.

  • A pitch between 30 to 35 degrees is considered ideal for solar panel installation as it allows for optimal sunlight exposure and efficiency.

  • It's ideal to contact a solar company like us at Sugar Hollow Solar early in the building process, preferably before the design stage or, at the latest, before the drywall is installed which will allow us to create the most efficient and visually appealing system for you. This timing allows for rough-ins to be incorporated seamlessly into the construction, making the solar panel installation much easier and far less visible. By involving the solar company early, they can work closely with the construction team to ensure that all necessary preparations are made, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the solar panel system.

  • When you're ready to get in touch with us via email regarding your new construction project, having your building and site plans ready to go can help speed the project up. If you're giving us a call at 828-776-9161 instead, be prepared to send that info our way afterward.

  • Recognizing the significant impact of community growth and development on our environment, we prioritize sustainability in every aspect. Partnering with Green Built Alliance, we love to share their green building practices and tips to minimize resource consumption throughout manufacturing, design, construction, and operation. From energy-efficient appliances to sustainable materials and advanced insulation, there are numerous ways to enhance your home's environmental friendliness beyond solar or battery solutions.

Frequently asked questions for Commercial (Business, Nonprofit, and Government)

Home Solar: Finance, Incentives, and General:

  • There are many incentives available to your business or nonprofit! From the 30% federal tax credit to MACRS, to grants, and the IRA Direct Pay Provision. Not to mention the reduced utility bills!

  • Our Commercial Energy Consultants are here to guide you through the process. Reach out today, and let us help!

  • The average payback time for businesses and nonprofits is 5-7 years.

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