Frequently Asked Questions
Who is solar for? Solar is the perfect choice for any homeowner looking to take control of their energy. It’s for those who want to save money, reduce their reliance on unpredictable utility rates, and actively contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. With solar, you can enjoy a fixed electricity bill, knowing exactly what your payments will be each month. At Zenith Energy, we offer $0 down programs and free installation for qualified homes, making it easier than ever to make the switch to clean, renewable energy. 🌞
How does a residential system work? Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity. This DC power is then processed by an inverter, which transforms it into AC electricity—the type of power used to run your home’s appliances and devices. A residential solar system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, remains connected to the local utility grid. During the day, if your solar system generates more electricity than your home consumes, the excess energy is sent back to the grid. Many utility companies offer net metering, a program that credits your account for the surplus power, effectively reducing your overall energy costs. 🌞
Will my solar system work at night? Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, so they don’t produce power at night. When the sun goes down, your home will automatically draw energy from the utility grid to ensure you have uninterrupted power. This seamless transition between solar energy during the day and grid power at night keeps your home powered 24/7. 🌙☀️
Will my system work on cloudy days? Yes, your system will still produce power on cloudy days, even rain, and snow. Just less than it would with a full sun.
What happens during a power outage? A solar system without a battery backup will not generate power during a power outage even on a sunny day. If your system does come with a battery backup it is designed to provide power during an outage day or night. We provide both options.
Is tree shade a problem? Yes. All of the individual solar cells on a module must recieve full sunlight for the module to work properly. If any portion of the module is shaded, even the portion with full sunlight, the output is lowered.
What if i need a new roof? Great time to go solar! Before laying the actual roof, you can install flashable mounting brackets that provide the highest level of protection from leakage.
How many panels do i need to produce enough to power my whole house? The system size (how many panels) depends on the average electrical usage, roof angle, shading, climate, and many other factors.
Will the system produce enough to cover all of my usage needs? It's important to understand that you do not need to have 100% of you energy usage offset by your solar system to recieve tremendous value from it. A starter system that replaces 25-50%, with battery backup that can deliver uninterrupted power to critical loads during utility outages for days and even weeks. We are happy to supply you with a system that meets 100% of your energy needs, however cutting your electricity needs by 40-50% is typically the most cost effecient approach for home solar.