Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to the most often asked questions about solar energy systems below. If you have more questions, a Geoscape Solar Advisor would be happy to answer them. Contact us to discover more.
Solar PV panels can expect to have a working lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Solar panel degradation does occur and is 0.5% yearly on average for newer technology panels. This means that after 25 years, the solar PV panels will be producing 87.5% as much electricity as they did when they were first installed. The output warranty is at 80% productions at 25 years for most brands.
Real-life tests in Switzerland showed positive results. The LEE-TISO testing centre for photovoltaic components installed Europe’s first grid-connected PV plant back in 1982. They had the opportunity to inspect it 20 years later in 2002. The results showed an decrease of around 11% (only 0.5% per year) against the initial output rate.
Licensed electricians and professional crew members who specialize in solar installations will oversee your installation.
We feature highly efficient technology, currently including SunPower, LG, QCells, WAAREE and REC panels and components, and continually research new products to suit all types of solar solutions. Our solar engineers will specify which equipment is best suited to your property and energy needs.
Depending on system size and complexity of the installation, it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months from the time that local permits are approved.
Geoscape Solar offers full service monitoring and tracking of your solar energy system’s production.
Solar panels absorb the greatest amount of solar energy when they are in direct sunlight, but they continue to capture indirect sunlight when it’s overcast, or raining. Rain can provide an unexpected benefit by rinsing debris off of the panels, which allows them to perform at their best. Geoscape Solar offers panel cleaning at an additional cost.
Each property has different energy needs and solar optimization. Geoscape Solar will provide a customized analysis of your property that will include costs, benefits, and ROI.
Our specialty is finding the best financing package for your property’s energy needs in the market, as well as an honest assessment of how financing can impact your return on investment.
Currently there is a 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and each state offers different incentives such as net metering or Renewable Energy Credits . In addition there may be sales tax waivers or property tax credits that equal the value of your system. Your Geoscape Solar Advisor will help you capitalize on all of the available credits and incentives.
We recommend doing installations on roofs that are less than 10 years old and strongly recommend replacing a roof that is in poor condition before installing panels on top of it. The cost of the new roof can be integrated into your solar project. An added bonus of a roof mounted solar array is that the solar panels protect your roof from wear and tear.
After consulting with a licensed tax professional to verify you are eligible for the ITC, you or your tax advisor will need to complete and attach the appropriate IRS Form to your federal tax return.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is considered a ‘nonrefundable credit,’ so you will not get a refund for the balance. However, you can carry over the balance of any unused amount of the tax credit into the following tax year until it is exhausted.
If the system is leased or financed with a PPA, then the leasing company or PPA Provider claims the ITC, and the customer benefits by receiving a discounted cost of electricity.
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