Frequently Asked Questions
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The advantages of solar energy are numerous, ranging from substantial cost savings on your electricity bills to a significant reduction in your environmental footprint. By switching to solar, you not only contribute to a cleaner planet but also make a smart financial investment. Additionally, installing a solar system on your home will increase its market value, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Solar energy offers a sustainable and economically beneficial solution for homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency and property value.
South-facing roofs with minimal shade and sufficient space for solar panels are perfect for solar installation. However, there are often solutions available if your roof isn't ideal for solar. If your roof is over 10 years old or requires repairs, we suggest addressing these issues before installing solar panels. Consult with our energy expert about bundling solar installation with new roofing.
Kilowatts (kW) measure how much power a solar panel system can produce at a given moment. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure how much energy the system produces over time. For example, if a solar panel system is rated at 5 kW, it can produce 5 kWh of energy in one hour. This helps us understand how much electricity a solar system can generate.
If you produce more energy than you use, the excess electricity can be sent back to the grid, and you may get credit for it through a system called net metering. Net metering allows you to earn credits on your utility bill for the extra energy your solar panels generate, which you can use to offset future electricity costs when your system isn't producing enough power, like at night or on cloudy days.
A solar panel system typically lasts 25 to 30 years. Over this period, its efficiency may gradually decrease, usually losing about 0.5% to 1% of its output per year. Despite this gradual decline, the system will continue to produce a substantial amount of electricity throughout its lifespan. Investing in a high-quality solar panel system can ensure long-term energy production and savings.
Solar panel systems are constructed with durable tempered glass and require minimal maintenance over their 25 to 35-year lifespan. Typically, regular cleaning isn't necessary. If issues arise, the product warranty from manufacturers and the installation warranty from Tono Energy will cover them. For more details, ask our energy consultant about the Tono Energy warranty.
Tono Energy offers affordable prices by eliminating sales commissions, streamlining operations, and employing a highly skilled professional team. They use quality equipment that reduces maintenance costs, leverage bulk purchasing for discounts, and provide custom solar solutions tailored to each customer's needs. These strategies collectively enable Tono Energy to provide high-quality solar solutions at competitive prices, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for their customers.
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal taxes. Additionally, Utah has the Wattsmart Battery Program, which offers incentives for battery storage systems. These incentives can greatly reduce the upfront cost of going solar, making it a more attractive and cost-effective option for homeowners. Discuss with our energy consultants for more information.
At Tono Power, we strongly recommend avoiding most solar loans, as they tend to be predatory and come with high fees that offer little benefit. Instead, we suggest paying with cash if possible, or exploring financing options like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or other personal loans, such as home improvement loans. These alternatives typically offer better terms and lower costs, making them more advantageous for financing your solar installation.
If you sell your house in the future, a fully paid-off solar system can significantly benefit you. According to a study conducted by Zillow, having solar panels can increase your home's value by an average of 4.1% and help it sell faster. This means your investment in solar will not only provide you with energy savings but also add value to your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) includes costs for solar panels and equipment, inverters, wiring, labor for installation, energy storage devices charged by the solar system, sales taxes on eligible items, permitting fees, and professional services related to the installation. However, it does not cover general home improvements, energy-efficient equipment unrelated to solar, stand-alone energy storage not charged by solar panels, off-grid systems, or re-roofing costs. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you maximize your benefits and correctly apply the ITC to your solar installation costs.
What is the return on investment for my solar system? With our pricing, you'll typically pay off your solar system with your current electric bill savings in about 8 years. After that, you'll enjoy pure savings for the remainder of the system's lifespan, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Consult with our energy experts for more details.
Designing the solar system takes a few days, and obtaining the necessary permits typically takes about a month to a month and a half. Installation and inspection then take about a week. Overall, the total time frame is usually under 2 months.
Our solar energy consultation is completely free. We provide detailed information on the appropriate system size and pricing for you, as well as available incentives and financing options. Additionally, we inspect your roof and surrounding conditions to ensure your system will be optimal. We also discuss the project’s return on investment and its environmental impact, giving you a comprehensive overview of the benefits of going solar.
When do I need to make payments for my solar system? We ask for a 10% down payment when you sign the solar purchase agreement with us. The remaining balance is due once the solar system is installed and receives permission to operate.
Solar panels and inverters come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring that your equipment is protected against defects and performance issues for a long period. Additionally, we offer a quality and workmanship warranty for the first 5 years, covering any installation-related issues or defects in the workmanship.
Is the quote from the tono-build.com website subject to change? The final price may vary depending on the size of the system and necessary upgrades to electrical systems, such as the main panel, following a thorough inspection of your home. Nonetheless, our price per watt will stay consistent.
To receive the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), you need to file IRS Form 5695 when you do your federal tax return. This form calculates the credit amount, which you then enter on your IRS Form 1040. The ITC allows you to deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal taxes. For specific guidance, consult with a tax professional to ensure you maximize your benefits and comply with all requirements.
