FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about solar, battery backup, roofing coordination, financing, and energy independence.
Solar Basics
How does solar power work?
Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. The electricity produced is sent to an inverter, which converts it into usable power for your home or business.
During the day, your system can power appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, and more. Depending on your setup, excess energy may be stored in batteries or sent back to the utility grid.
Monument Solar designs systems specifically around your property, energy usage, and long-term goals to help maximize efficiency and performance.
How long do solar panels last?
Most modern solar panels are designed to perform for 25 years or longer. While production may gradually decrease over time, quality systems continue generating power well beyond their warranty period.
Inverters, batteries, and other system components may have different lifespans depending on the technology selected.
Monument Solar focuses on reliable equipment and proper installation practices to help ensure long-term system performance.
How many solar panels will I need?
The number of solar panels needed depends on several factors, including:
- Average monthly energy usage
- Roof size and layout
- Sun exposure
- Desired offset percentage
- Whether battery backup is included
Every home and business is different. Some properties may only need a smaller system to reduce utility costs, while others may want a larger setup focused on energy independence or backup capability.
Our team performs a custom evaluation to determine the right system size for your needs.
Will solar lower my electric bill?
In many cases, yes. Solar can help reduce reliance on utility power by generating electricity directly from sunlight.
The amount of savings depends on factors such as:
- Energy usage habits
- Utility rates
- System size
- Roof orientation
- Seasonal sunlight conditions
Some homeowners aim to offset a portion of their utility bill, while others pursue larger systems designed for greater energy independence.
Battery Backup
What happens during a power outage?
Without battery backup, most standard solar systems automatically shut down during a grid outage for safety reasons.
With a properly configured battery backup system, selected circuits — or even an entire home in some cases — can continue operating during outages.
Backup systems are commonly used to power:
- Refrigerators
- Internet and communication devices
- Medical equipment
- Lighting
- HVAC systems
- Home offices
- Security systems
Our team helps determine the best backup strategy based on your priorities and energy usage.
How long will backup batteries last?
Battery runtime depends on energy usage and system size. Some systems are designed to provide several hours of backup power, while others can support overnight or multi-day operation when paired with solar charging.
Battery lifespan also varies by manufacturer and usage patterns, but many modern lithium battery systems are designed for long-term reliability and thousands of charging cycles.
Can I power my entire home with batteries?
In some cases, yes. Whole-home backup is possible depending on:
- Battery capacity
- Energy consumption
- HVAC requirements
- Appliance loads
- Desired backup duration
Some homeowners choose partial-home backup for essential circuits, while others invest in larger systems capable of supporting most or all household functions.
We help design systems that balance performance, expectations, and budget.
Can batteries recharge during an outage?
Yes — when paired with solar panels, many battery backup systems can continue recharging during daylight hours even while the grid is down.
This allows the system to store new energy produced by the solar array and extend backup capability during longer outages.
The amount of recharge available depends on factors such as:
- Sunlight conditions
- Solar production
- Battery capacity
- Home energy usage
Without solar panels, batteries can still provide stored backup power, but they will not recharge until utility power is restored or another charging source is available.
Monument Solar helps design systems that align with your backup expectations, daily energy needs, and long-term resilience goals.
Roofing & Installation
Is my roof a good fit for solar?
Many roof types can support solar installation, including asphalt shingle, metal, and certain flat roofing systems.
Key factors include:
- Roof age and condition
- Sun exposure
- Roof orientation and pitch
- Available installation space
- Shading from trees or nearby structures
During the consultation process, Monument Solar evaluates your roof and helps determine whether solar is a good fit for your property.
Will solar damage my roof?
When installed properly, solar should not damage your roof.
Professional installation methods are designed to protect the roofing system while maintaining structural integrity and weather resistance.
Monument Solar prioritizes proper mounting techniques, flashing, and installation standards to help ensure long-term protection.
What if I need a roof replacement later?
If your roof may need replacement in the near future, it is often best to address roofing work before solar installation.
Monument Solar helps coordinate roofing and solar planning to help avoid unnecessary future costs and system removal.
Our goal is to ensure your roofing and energy systems work together for long-term durability and performance.
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
Financing
What financing options are available?
Financing options may include:
- Solar loans
- Same-as-cash programs
- Battery financing
- Combined roofing and solar financing
- Commercial financing solutions
Available programs can vary based on project type, qualifications, and lender requirements.
Our team works to help homeowners understand available options clearly and transparently.
Are there tax incentives available?
Federal incentives may be available for qualifying solar and battery installations.
Incentive programs can change over time and may vary based on location, project scope, and tax situation.
Because Monument Solar is not a tax advisor, we encourage homeowners to speak with a qualified tax professional regarding eligibility and specific financial impacts.
Can solar increase home value?
Many homeowners view solar as a long-term property investment that may improve overall home appeal and energy efficiency.
Factors that may influence value include:
- System ownership
- Energy savings potential
- Local market conditions
- Utility costs
- System age and quality
While every real estate market is different, energy-efficient features are increasingly important to many buyers.
Can I pay off my solar loan early?
Service & Support
Do systems require maintenance?
Solar systems are generally low maintenance, but periodic inspections and monitoring can help ensure optimal performance.
Maintenance may include:
- Checking system production
- Monitoring inverter performance
- Inspecting wiring and connections
- Cleaning panels when necessary
Battery systems and monitoring platforms may also require occasional updates or service depending on the equipment.
What happens if something stops working?
How can I monitor my system?
Most modern solar and battery systems include monitoring software or mobile apps that allow homeowners to track:
- Energy production
- Battery status
- Utility usage
- Backup performance
- Historical system data
Monitoring tools help provide visibility into system performance and energy consumption trends.
What happens after my solar system is installed?
After installation, your system goes through final inspections and utility approval (if required) before it is officially activated.
Once approved, you’ll move into the ongoing support phase, which typically includes:
- System activation and performance testing
- Access to your monitoring platform or app
- Final walkthrough of how your system operates
- Explanation of backup settings (if applicable)
- Guidance on what normal performance looks like
After that, your system begins operating automatically, producing energy based on available sunlight and your system configuration.
Monument Solar remains available for continued support, monitoring questions, warranty assistance, and any service needs that may come up over time.