Home Solar FAQs
How does a solar PV system work?
A photovoltaic (PV) system is a set of panels made of semiconductor material (silicon) that captures sunlight and converts it into a direct electric current (DC) and then transmits that current to an inverter which turns the current into an alternating current (AC) that can be used in your home.
Do my solar panels have to face South?
South-facing panels are ideal but not necessary. Panels facing East or West will still produce a significant amount of power.
Will solar work in a foggy or cloudy climate?
Solar power production on cloudy days is only slightly less than on sunny days. A solar system in foggy San Francisco performs just as well as the same system in Sacramento. In fact, the optimal weather for solar is a partly cloudy day, because reflected radiation from sunlight bouncing off clouds can increase the amount of electromagnetic energy that eventually hits your panels.
Can my panels withstand high winds?
Solar panels are designed to withstands wind of up to 125 miles per hour.
How many panels do I need?
Sungevity will calculate how many panels you need based on your electricity usage patterns over the past year.
Do I need batteries?
No. Sungevity systems are grid-tied, meaning they’re connected to the public utility grid that currently supplies your electricity to your home.
Will I have power during a blackout?
In the event of a blackout, the inverter will automatically shut down for safety reasons so you will not have electricity until power is restored to the grid.
How much maintenance is required?
Sungevity solar lease customers receive free maintenance and cleaning, but home solar systems generally require very little maintenance. Spraying them down with water once a year to remove excessive dirt and debris is typically all that is needed.
How long will it take to install my system?
Once the city issues the permit, Sungevity will schedule an installation which will take two to four days. From the time you decide to buy or lease a system to the time the system is installed depends on several factors, but our goal is to have your system up and running in eight weeks.
How big of a roof do I need?
This depends on how big a system you want. Every string of eight panels requires 21 x 5 feet of roof space (a typical home solar system has between 16 and 32 panels). When you request an iQuote, Sungevity will use satellite imagery to look at your roof and determine how many panels it can accommodate. Limited roof size, however, is rarely an issue.
What if my roof is shaded?
Shade reduces the amount of electricity your system can produce. Our remote solar design team will work to position your panels where they can get maximum sun exposure but, on occasion, a roof may be too shady to make solar feasible.
Should I reroof before installing solar?
It’s not usually necessary to upgrade your roof before installing solar, however, if your roof is in poor condition or older than 15 years, it is advisable to reroof first. Solar panels can last up to 40 years so it makes sense to avoid having to remove and reinstall them. Once the panels are installed, they may extend the life of your roof by shielding it from the elements.
Does Sungevity guarantee that my system will produce as much electricity as my iQuote says it will?
Yes. Sungevity will monitor your system’s power output and, in the unlikely event it falls short, we will either add more panels or pay you the difference every year.
Are the panels warrantied?
Yes. Our panels have a 25-year factory warranty which applies whether you choose to lease or buy your home solar system. If you lease, you'll also receive complimentary and proactive monitoring, maintenance, and cleaning of your panels.
Is the inverter warrantied?
Yes. Our inverters have a 10-year warranty and you can expect to replace your inverter every twelve to fifteen years. If your leasing a Sungevity system, we will replace your inverter for free when it reaches the end of its life. If you own your system, you’ll be responsible for replacing it. A new inverter typically costs about 50 cents per watt installed, so if you have an average 4kw (4000 watt) system, the inverter would cost about $2000 to replace.
Where are Sungevity solar panels and inverters made?
Sungevity's panels and inverters are made in Canada, China, Germany, and the USA. We always source hardware that offers the greatest value to our customers.