Frequently Asked QuestionS

Residential Solar FAQ

Will I still have an electricity bill after going solar?

Unless you go completely off-grid, you will continue to have a bill. Your grid provider (usually Oncor or a Co-Op like CoServ) charges a monthly fee to remain connected to their infrastructure and they will continue to charge for any power your consume from them. We can design your system around the goal of net-zero consumption from the grid but you can only escape that monthly fee if you disconnect from the grid entirely.

Can my HOA stop me from installing solar?

No. Texas law protects your right to go solar, but there are limits.

We typically see pushback from HOAs when a system is designed with panels facing the street. This is their right as protectors of the property value of their members. This design choice should only be necessary if energy production would be significantly less if panels were placed on other parts of the roof. And, if it is truly necessary, we can justify it to the HOA and the design will generally be accepted.

Will my system work when the grid is down?

Basic solar installations turn off when the grid goes down. This is required by electrical code for the safety of any power line workers who may be trying to restore the grid.

However, there are system enhancements that can allow you to have power then the grid is down.

We get a lot of hail storms. Will solar panels survive them??

All of the solar panels we install are required to meet a certain standard which requires them to be tested with quarter-sized hail. The tempered solar glass and the construction of the panels make them very resilient.

We stronly recommend adding your system to your homeowner's insurance policy.

We also can offer an additive called Diamon-Fusion which can signficantly improve impact resistance and energy production of your panels.

Solar Financing FAQ

What is the difference between a solar loan, lease, and PPA?

A solar loan is a simple interest loan that usually has a deferral period that is as long as it takes you to receive your federal tax credit Solar loans typically include a 'dealer fee' that is paid to the lender (not the installer).

A solar lease is similar to a vehicle lease in that you do not own the system but you get to use it in exchange for a monthly fee.

A power purchasing agreement (PPA) is similar to a lease except you pay for the power produced by the system at an agreed upon rate.

What is the best way to pay for my system?

That depends on your goals. IGT guides its customers toward what we believe is the most fiscally responsible option. Typically , recommendations are as follows: 1) pay with cash. 2) conventional borrowing...home equity loan or line of credit. 3) solar loan.

We do not recommend leases or PPA except in a few scenarios.

I don't have a great credit score. Will this be an issue?

We can generally find a loan product that works for you and will objectively walk through the pros and cons of going that way. We have seen approvals for customers with credit scores as low as 600.

Battery Storage FAQ

Do all batteries work with any system?

No. There are some inverters that will work with any battery but most have to be paired with specific brands. Enphase systems, for example, only work with Enphase batteries.

What is the difference between lithium ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries?

Safety: Lithium iron phosphate batteries are considered safer than lithium-ion batteries due to their superior thermal and chemical stability. They are less prone to overheating, which can lead to fires or explosions.

Energy density: Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate batteries, which means they can store more energy in a smaller space.

Cycle life: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a longer cycle life than lithium-ion batteries. They can be charged and discharged more times before their capacity starts to degrade.

Cost: Lithium iron phosphate batteries are typically more expensive than lithium-ion batteries, but they can be more cost-effective in applications where safety and longevity are critical.

Overall, lithium-ion batteries are better suited for applications where high energy density and cost-effectiveness are key factors, while lithium iron phosphate batteries are better suited for applications where safety, longevity, and reliability are more important..

Do you have a recommended solar and battery setup?

Yes. We love the Sol-Ark Hybrid inverter + Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries because they give you excellent storage for the best price.

Generator FAQ

You’re a ‘green’ energy company. Why do you install generators?

Because we are a solutions company first and solve problems for our customers. Some are only concerned about having backup when the grid goes down and usually a generator is the most cost-effective option for this.

Which is better for me, a generator or battery backup?

That depends on your needs. For customers who want to minimize their power consumption from the grid, we recommend battery backup. Your solar will power the home and charge the battery on sunny days and the batteries take over at night to power the home.

If you are just looking for peace of mind and backup when the power goes out, it gets a bit more complicated.