Read Our Blog’s Latest: Trump Solar Tariffs & Soaring Utility Rates: Why Go Solar Now?

Solar FAQ’s

A lot of our customers have the same questions about solar. Here, we compiled a list of solar FAQ’s we receive most often and our answers backed by research and industry experience!

Why should I go solar?

There has never been a better time to go solar. Going solar gives you energy independence from the grid, helps you save money on utility bills (which are definitely not decreasing anytime soon), helps the environment in today’s age of the climate crisis, and increases the value of your home.

Solar Panels and Installation:

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy during the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity then passes through an inverter to convert it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what powers most homes and businesses.

How long does it take for the solar panels to be installed?

How long a project takes depends on the municipality, but we average around 8-12 weeks from a signed contract to a finished installation. With Kasselman Solar, every project is assigned a Project Manager who will serve as the point-of-contact for any questions, comments, concerns, or support needed during the installation process.

How long do solar panels last?

Many solar panels can last around 30 years or more with proper maintenance and care. At Kasselman Solar, all of our installations are under manufacturer warranty for 25 years.

Will solar work with my roof?

There are many factors that determine if your roof is a good fit for solar. Depending on factors such as materials of the roof, shade around the roof (often trees, but also other homes/buildings), orientation of the roof, the roof’s age and other factors, different roofs can work better for solar. In some cases where the roof is not a good fit for solar, a ground mount installation can help you to still earn the benefits of solar even without the optimal roof. Check out our article on best roofs for solar to learn more!

Do solar panels work when the power is out?

Solar panels do not work when the power is out, unless they are connected to a battery. A battery allows excess energy to be stored to be used when the solar panels are not/cannot actively generating energy, such as during the night or a power outage. Click here to learn more about solar batteries, generators, and the specifics of savings solar energy.

Can my solar panels still produce energy with snow on them?

Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to create issues with energy production, but solar panels do work best when they can be directly hit by the sun. To mitigate this, most solar panels are installed at an angle so snow can slide off easily. Even without an angle, or if snow accumulates, solar panels are very easy to clean.

How can I monitor the performance of my solar system?

To ensure continued satisfaction after installation, we provide customers with the most popular and advanced monitoring systems from SolarEdge and Enphase. These cutting-edge solar monitoring systems can provide alerts directly to the customer once fully set up, ensuring you’re able to identify any issues that may occur and reach out to our service team as soon as possible.

Costs and Savings:

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of solar panels can vary greatly depending on the size of the system, the equipment used, the location of the installation and more. In previous years, the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly and continues to become more affordable over the years. New York State and Federal incentives/tax credits can also help cover a large portion of the costs to install solar panels. You can also get a free quote on our website for your specific project to get an accurate price estimate.

What solar incentives and tax credits are available?

Currently there are both Federal and State solar incentives/tax credits which can cover a significant cost of the project for residential or commercial installs. These incentives can vary depending on the type of project, location and other factors. Click to read more about recent solar incentives and tax credits and see exactly what you could save on your project today!

Why should I choose Kasselman Solar for my solar project?

Choosing Kasselman Solar guarantees you a commitment to quality control that is unmatched in our area. With over 75 years of industry experience, you can rest assured that your project will be handled by the best of the best through professionalism, know-how, and top-tier service. Our engineers and installers treat every project with care and precision and our support staff is consistently available to answer questions and provide support. We are always ready to answer solar FAQ’s and other questions.