Residential Solar FAQs
Going solar is a big decision, and Kokosing Solar works to make it simple, transparent, and grounded in what’s true for Ohio homeowners. Below are the most common questions about Residential Solar, organized for clarity and expanded to support the way homeowners actually research solar energy systems.
Yes! You are likely a good fit for Residential Solar if you meet any of these conditions:
A free consultation helps determine your system size, estimated energy production, and whether your roof or ground space is a good fit.
Yes. Residential Solar has upfront costs, but once installed, the sun’s power is free. With electricity costs rising ~3% annually (and even more in 2023), solar helps control long-term energy expenses.
The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (Investment Tax Credit) reduces the cost of your entire solar energy system — including panels, equipment, and installation. If your tax credit exceeds your tax liability for one year, it rolls forward to future tax years.
This combination of energy savings, incentives, and increased home value makes solar one of the most cost-effective home upgrades available.
Put simply: if you spend $25,000 on your solar system, you pay $7,500 less in taxes when you file. If the credit is larger than your tax liability in the first year, the remaining amount can be applied the next year. Generally, all expenses included in the quote you receive from your Solar Consultant can be included in the deduction. There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers.
It’s simple:
Residential Solar is turnkey — your consultant manages the entire process.
For safety purposes, grid-interactive solar systems are designed to immediately disconnect and shut off if a utility grid failure is sensed. The system will automatically restart a few minutes after grid power is restored. As a result, no power will be available from the solar panels during utility outages. This protects utility workers who may be out working on power lines.
Solar energy systems can provide around-the-clock, independent backup power during utility outages if they are connected to an appropriately-sized battery bank to absorb and store the energy they produce. Natural gas and propane generators are other options for backup power. We have installed solar panels and a generator on numerous jobs when secure power is an absolute must-have.
Solar panels last 30 years or more. The industry-standard panel warranty is 25 years.
Solar panels degrade gradually over time with exposure to sunlight, wind, and weather. Panels are typically warranted 25–30 years and have a design lifespan of over 30 years. Energy production is expected to degrade by about one-half of one percent per year.
Inverters are warranted for 10–15 years and have an expected lifespan of 15–20 years. You may need to replace an inverter once in the system’s lifetime and we figure that cost into our financial predictions.
All other system components have service lives over 30 years.
Great question! Grid-tied solar electric systems automatically feed power into your house. Any excess electricity produced by the solar system and not used by your home is put onto the electric grid and spins your electric meter backward. Your utility credits you on your bill for the kWh produced!
Great question! Grid-tied solar electric systems automatically feed power into your house. Any excess electricity produced by the solar system and not used by your home is put onto the electric grid and spins your electric meter backward. Your utility credits you on your bill for the kWh produced!
String Inverters: All of your solar panels are connected in a “string” and the power flows to one central inverter that converts DC to AC for your home. Microinverters: Instead of one central inverter, each panel has its own small inverter – every panel works independently.
Solar can be installed on a detached garage or barn. As long as the structure is sturdy, has enough roof space, and gets good sunlight, it’s a great option.
Smart meters track energy flowing both ways, what you use and what you send back, so you get accurate net metering credits.
Solar panels can be relocated if you move, but your new home must be evaluated to ensure its suitable for a solar installation.
An AC coupled battery connects after the inverter and a DC coupled battery connects before the inverter.
After your system is installed, the system must be approved and connected to the grid. The process for this starts with inspection and approval. The local building and electrical inspectors verify that they system is up to code. Utility interconnection: Your utility reviews the design and grants permission to operate. Meter upgrade: A bi-directional meter is installed to track energy sent to and from the grid. System Activation: Once the system is approved, your installer turns on the system, and you can start generating your power.
Most Solar panels will last 25-30 years. At the end of their life, they can be recycled. Glass, aluminum and silicon are recoevered for reuse. Some manufactures and recycling programs handle this process to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Going solar will help you save money on electrcity bills, protect yourself from the rising utility rates and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar is a smart investment that boost property value and provides clean, reliable energy for decades.
Solar panels thirve on sunshine but that doesn’t mean they stop working when skies aren’t perfectly clear. Panels will generate clean electricity from both direct sunlight and diffused light on cloudy days, so your system will keep producing power rain or shine. While panels will deliver their highest output in full sun, modern technology ensures they remain efficient even in shaded or overcast conditions, giving you reliable energy, all year around.
Yes – in a great way! Studies show homes with solar tend to sell for ~4% more, particularly when the system is owned outright. Buyers value
Let’s face it – the home you’re in now might not be the home that you live in for the next 25 or more years. You may wonder: what happens if I move? Should I still consider solar if I may not be in my home forever? Yes! Solar panels are attractive to potential buyers and can increase your home’s value.
Your solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Energy flows to your home first, reducing how much power you draw from the utility. Any excess solar energy flows to the grid and is credited through net metering, lowering future electricity bills.
A solar inverter converts the DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity your home can use.
Residential Solar systems are grid-tied, which means you can still use grid electricity anytime you need it.
That depends! We can build solar panel systems on the roof or on the ground. Rooftop solar offers a lower-cost option. The roof is an existing structure that can usually serve well as a mounting surface for solar panels. A ground-mounted solar system requires a foundation and may demand a long underground wire run back to the house.
Either type of installation can work well. We can provide whichever option you prefer, and we will advise you as to our opinion of which will work best in your case.
The short answer is no. In fact, the reverse is true—by shading the roof from the sun’s rays and from the damaging effects of wind, hail, and debris, the solar array will actually increase the life of the roof beneath it. And the panels themselves are quite durable—about as hard to break as a car windshield.
As experienced, certified installers, we take great care to ensure no damage is done to the roof during the installation or anytime thereafter. We work very hard to ensure that each and every one of our customers is satisfied with their solar system results.
The Solar market is constantly changing as new technologies come on the market.
Our experience gives us an educated eye when evaluating new and emerging products. Our offerings have been carefully selected from premium companies in the solar industry. We have seen many companies come and go in our 20 years of business. It’s important for us to vet our equipment suppliers carefully and only install the most reliable equipment.
At Kokosing Solar, we specialize in installing full turnkey, grid-interactive solar energy systems. In addition to solar installation, Kokosing Solar is also experienced in installing solar energy storage systems and maintaining various solar battery offerings, Electric Vehicle charging stations, and gas generators.
No, Kokosing Solar does not install off-grid solar systems.
We’re ready to help! All you have to do is reach out to our solar energy experts for a consultation, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes, you can add battery storage later on! Most systems will allow upgrades but it’s always smart to plan ahead. If your system has a standard inverter, you might need an additional component.
Solar helps with time of use rates because you generate power during peak daylight hours, when rates are usuauly highest. So you buy less expensive electricity from the gird. If you add battery storage, you can store extra energy and use it during peak evenin hours, saving you even more.
Not always, If your roof is in good condition and It has plenty of life left, you probably won’t need a new roof before installing solar. If your roof is older and it needs to be repaired soon, it’s best to replace or fix it before the installation.
Yes, you can add panels or a battery later, as long as your roof and electrical setup allow for expansion.
The inverter converts DC electricity from panels into AC electricity for your home and the grid.
Over 25 years, solar can save homeowners $20,000-$60,000 compared to traditional energy, depending on system size, electricity rates, and incentives. While utility costs typically rise over time, solar locks in lower energy costs, making it a long-term investment that pays for itself and continues to generate savings.
Before your solar installation, your local buidling department may require a permit review and pre-installtion inspection to confrim roof and electrical readiness. After installation, a final inspection ensures the system meets building and electrical codes. Your utility also performs an interconnection review before granting permission to operate.
Yes, solar panels can work without direct sunlight. They can generate electricity from both direct sunlight and diffused light that will pass through clouds or refelect off services. On cloudy days, panels may produce less energy but they don’t stop working. New systems with microinverters or optimizers are designed to maximize efficiency even in shaded conditions.
Savings will vary, but many homeowners with solar see reduced bills by 50-100%. Net metering and battery storage can boost savings even further
We determine your system size by energy usage, roof space, sun exposure, and goals. Installers use detailed calculations and software tools.
Kokosing solar will not install solar on pergolas, but we can install solar carports for commercial projects.
Some Ohio utilities have offered limited-time solar rebates in the past. Our team stays up-to-date on all available rebates and incentives and can alert you when new ones become available.
Various state and local incentives including SRECs may be available to you for your solar panel installation. Your Solar Consultant, who specializes in your unique geography, will walk you through any available solar incentives.
Ohio homeowners typically choose from:
Your consultant provides transparent comparisons based on your energy costs, goals, and budget.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit (Investment Tax Credit) offers:
Your Solar Consultant will review eligibility and how incentives affect your solar investment.
A solar loan mean you own the system and pay it off over time, just like a car loan. A solar lease means you don’t own the system and you pay a fixed monthly amount to use the solar power, but the installer owns and maintains the equipment.
Ohio offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) as its main performance based incentive. For every 1,000 kWh your system produces, you earn one SREC, which you can sell on the open market. Prices vary but typically range from 3-$7 per credit.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits are tradable credits you earn for every 1,000 kilowatt hours your solar system produces. Utilities buy these credits to meet state renewable energy requirements. You can sell SREC’s through brokers or marketplaces, creating an extra income stream on top of your energy savings. The cost of SRECs caries by state and market demand.
No, you can not claim solar incentives if you lease your system. If you lease your solar panels, the leasing company owns the system and claims the incentives, such as tax credits and rebates. You benefit through lower monthly payments and reduced energy costs, but you cannot personally claim federal or state solar incentives.
Ohio homeowners earn credits for excess electricity sent to the grid. These credits offset future utility bills.
Kokosing Solar handles:
Net metering improves system payback and long-term energy independence.
To qualify for a USDA REAP grant, you must be an agricultural producer or a rural small business located in an eligible area. Kokosing Solar has extensive experience preparing materials and coordinating REAP grant submissions and can guide you through eligibility screening, paperwork, and connect you with winning partners for the application process.
Most Ohio homeowners invest $25,000–$40,000 before incentives, depending on:
Your quote will detail all costs, available solar incentives, expected energy bill savings, and projected return on investment.
A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a way to go solar with little or no upfront cost. Instead of buying the system, you agree to buy the electricity it produces at a fixed rate, usually a lower rate than your utilities rate. For a set term, the solar company owns, installs, and maintains the system, and you simply pay for the power you use.
Shading can reduce output significantly. Installers use tools to design layouts that minimize shading and may recommend optimizers or microinverters.
If incentive programs were to change after you install, Ohio will protect existing customers under the original terms through “grandfathering”. This means your tax credits, rebates, and net metering benefits typically stay locked in. Industry changes usually apply to new installations.
Factors that affect solar pricing are system size, panel type, installation complexity, location and the available incentives. They all have an influence in cost.
Net Metering will give you credit for your excess energy sent to the grid, offsetting future usage. Policies can vary by utility
Yes, you can earn extra money through net metering or energy buyback programs. Your earnings will depend on local policies and system size
Most solar panels:
Inverters last 10–15 years, and Kokosing Solar includes expected inverter replacement in long-term cost modeling.
Grid-tied systems shut down automatically for safety. To maintain power, you’ll need:
Kokosing Solar installs solar + battery systems for homeowners who want resiliency and energy independence.
Yes! You can track your system’s performance through a mobile app or web portal, showing real time enrgy production and historical data. If you have microinverters or optimizers, you can even see performance for each panel.
Solar panels reduce your electric bill by generating clean energy that offsets what you buy from the utility. When your solar system produces more than you use, the extra power goes to the grid and you earn credits through net metering. These credits lower your monthly bill, and in many cases, homeowners save 50-90% on electricity costs.
Panels lose about 0.5% efficiency per year, so after 25 years they still produce around 85-90% of their original output.
Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect. Sunlight excites electrons in silicon cells that gnerate direct current (DC) electrcicity
Solar optimizers will maximize solar output from each panel, especially in shaded or complex layouts, they can improve efficiency and monitoring.
Excess energy flows to the grid and earns net-metering credits on your utility bill. These credits offset electricity costs at night or during low-sun days.
A solar production gurantee is a promise from your installer that your system will produce a certain amount of energy over a set period. This is designed to give you confidence that your investment will perform as expected.
Solar panels use convection and airflow to release heat. Excess heat can reduce efficiency, so proper ventilation and spacing matter
Most batteries last 10-15 years, so you may replace them once during your system’s life.
Your installer will provide a monitoring app or portal to track real-time and historical production.
Inverters are an essential for system functionality. Inverters connect DC electricity from panels into usable AC power.
Batteries store excess solar energy for use at night or during outages. Most batteries use lithium-ion technology for efficient, long-lasting storage.
Yes. Solar panels produce electricity even:
Systems are engineered for Ohio’s weather conditions, including snow, wind, and temperature swings.
No. Professionally installed solar panels protect your roof by shading it from UV radiation, wind, and debris.
Kokosing Solar uses:
Solar typically extends roof life, not shortens it.
If your roof needs repaired after your solar is installed – no worries! You can contact our service team, and our team will remove and reinstall your panels.
Yes, solar panels work in the winter! Sometimes, they even perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures because too much heat can reduce panel output. Even with the short winter days and lower sun angles, solar panels will continue producing electricity from both direct and diffused light. Snow may temporarily cover panels, but once it’s cleared off, the bright snow reflection from snow can actually boost your system production.
Solar panels will still work during cloidy weather, they will generate elecrcicity from diffused light, producing about 10-25% of their maximum output on overcast days. Modern systems are designed to capture as much light as possible, ensuring reliable energy even when it’s not sun.
Solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, but you’ll still have reliable power. Our systems are connected to the utility grid, so you can automatically draw energy after dark. If you have a battery storage system, you can use the extra solar energy saved during the day to power your home at night. With net metering, the credits you earn from daytime solar production can offset the electricity you use when the sun isn’t shining, giving you peace of mind throughout the night.
Yes, roof orientation helps determine how much sunlight your panels receive. Southern facing roofs are ideal because they get the most sun throughout the day, East and West will also work well.
Yes, solar can be installed on an older roof, but the condition matters. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, or has structural issues, repairs or a replacement may be needed before your solar system is installed.
A professional inspection will ensure your roof can support the panels safely and will help avoid future issues
Our reputable installers use a mounting system that will preserve roof integrity and seal penetrations to prevent leaks.
Installers will use your latitude, roof pitch, and seasonal sun patterns. They will use tools like PVGIS calculators to help maximize year-round output.
We will use microinverters or optimizers, bypass diodes, and smart layout strategies to minimize shading loss
A solar system can charge your EV and with a bidirectional setups, your EV can power your home or sell energy back to the grid.
Both are excellent options, depending on your property:
Your consultant will evaluate layout, tilt, production, and long-term performance.
Kokosing Solar evaluates:
If your roof isn’t ideal, a ground mount or alternate solar array configuration may be recommended.
Most residential solar installations take 1-3 days ocne work begins. The whole process, including permits, utility approval, and inspections can take several weeks, but the actual time on your roof usually just a couple of days.
Installer use specialized mounting hardware that is designed to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. The installers will seal all penetrations with flashing and waterproof materials. They follow manufacturer guidelines and inspect they roof before and after installation to confirm its secure.
Solar can be installed on both roof types. However, Kokosing Solar does not install on tile roofs due to the risk of damage and complexity.
Installers will run a conduit and wiring from the panels to your inverter and main electrical panel, following code for safety and aesthetics. If your panel lacks capacity, they may need to upgrade or add a subpanel. All of this work will be inspected and approved before activation.
Residential solar systems are smaller, typically 5-15 kW, and designed for single- fmaily homes with simpler electrical setups. Commerical systems are much larger, often hundreds of kW and they require more complex engineering, permitting and interconnection processes. They also use different mounting solutions and may involve flat roofs or ground mounts.
Panels can be installed on almost any roof type, but asphalt and metal are the most installer firendly and cost effective. If you have an older roof made or a roof made of fragile material, you should consider getting a new roof before going solar so you can maximize performance and savings.
If you have limited roof space available, high-efficiency panels, creative layouts and supplemental ground mounts can sometimes make solar a viable option
Yes, we can remove your panel and reinstall them. Especially for roof repairs and sometimes even relocations.
Solar quotes will typically include system design, equipment, installation labor, permits, warranties, and estimated savings
The physical installation usually takes 1–3 days. The total process—from contract to permission to operate—generally takes 2-3 months, depending on our schedule and utility timelines. We keep clients informed every step of the way.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover solar panels, but it’s important to notify your insurer after your installation. In most cases, rood mounted panels are usually treated as part of your home’s structure, while grounded mounted systems may need extra covered.
Rooftop panels are usually covered under standard polices. Ground mounted systems may need a separate coverage
Yes, but going fully off-grid requires solar panels, batteries, and a generator. Most Ohio homeowners opt for grid-tied systems with backup storage, which offer resilience and better economics. Kokosing Solar can’t take you off grid but we can help you understand why a grid-tied system may make more sense.
Yes, solar panels can be installed on a falt roof. Installers typically use a special mounting racks to tilt the panels at the best angle for sunlight.
Solar systems that are owned, often improve refinancing terms. Leased systems may require lender approval or documentation.
Yes. Manufacturers may qualify for accelerated depreciation, and SRECs in some areas. We’ve helped multiple manufacturers structure high-ROI solar investments.
Yes. Strategic solar plus battery setups can reduce peak demand charges by limiting your draw from the grid during high-cost periods. Our commercial engineering team builds systems with demand management in mind.
Absolutely. With a proper design and space, solar can meet high energy demands and reduce reliance on the grid.
The process of a commercial solar installation will include a site assessment, design and permitting, installation, inspection, and activation. The timeline for a commercial installation can vary by size.
Solar will stabilize energy expenses, reduce peak demand charges, and lower long-term utility bills.
Ohio businesses can explore cash purchase, solar loans, and PPAs. We help evaluate ROI, depreciation, and incentive stacking to determine the best structure for your business or organization. Then, we can help connect you with the appropriate financing partners.
We use Tier 1 panels from trusted manufacturers with strong warranties. Part of choosing a trusted installer is choosing an installer with the experience to vet product manufacturers. Our team will recommend the right mix of performance, aesthetics, and longevity for your goals.
ROI will include upfront costs, energy savings, incentives and payback period. Many businesses can see returns in 5-8 years.
Yes, Solar will directly reduce carbon emissions and energy costs which help companies meet ESG goals and regulatory benchmarks
Yes, solar contributes points toward LEED, energy star and other certifications, especially in commercial and multi-tenant buildings.
Residential Solar systems need very minimal maintenance. Panels have no moving parts.
Kokosing Solar recommends:
Solar panel damage will reduce efficiency, any severe damages will require a repair or a replacement. Many warranties will often cover defects.
If your system stops working, you can give us a call, and we can connect you to our service team. Most issues can be resolved quickly, and warranties often cover repairs.
Solar systems can sync with smart thermostats, energy monitors, and EV chargers to automate usage and maximize savings.
Most inverters last 10–15 years. The cost of replacement is built into financial projections, and warranties typically cover equipment for the first decade.
Typically an inverter will last 10-15 years. Microinverters and optimizers may last 20+ years with proper care.
If your system is in need of service, monitoring apps will alert you of performance issues. An annual inspection can help prevent these issues.
Ohio is a de-regulated energy market so there are many different utility companies with many different rate policies. That’s why working with a professional who understands your local utility is vital. We don’t see this often, but it is possible, especially if you belong to a rural electric co-op.
Yes. Each project requires:
Kokosing Solar manages the entire permitting process and coordinates directly with your local utility.
If your utility company limits solar interconnection, you can face delays, fees, or system size restrictions. A trustworthy installer will navigate these rules and advocate for you.
Ohio is seeing growing solar adoption and more clean energy interest from businesses, cities, and utilities. Federal and local policies are shifting. Kokosing Solar stays engaged with energy policy at the state and national level.
HOAs can enforce design guidelines, but most cannot prohibit solar outright. Kokosing Solar helps navigate:
Fees can vary by system size, grid impact, and location. They may include engineering reviews or grid upgrade costs.
Look for proven experience, good reviews, transparent contracts, and in – house crews. Kokosing Solar has built its reputation on quality, integrity, and long-term service — not shortcuts.
Lower quotes may reflect:
Solar is a long-term investment, so quality matters.
manufacturing solar panels impacts mainly from energy use and raw materials. It involves mining, processing silicon, and usuing chemicals, which creates emissions. However, once the panels are installed they produce cleam energy for 25+ years, and most offset the enrgy they used in manufactuing within 1-3 years.
Yes, Solar panels are recyclable. Most panels are made of glass, aluminum, and silicon, all materials that can be recovered and reused.
The carbon footprint of producing solar panels is relatively small, about 40 grams of CO2 per kWh of electricity generated over their lifetime, which is dramatically lower than fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.
Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel electricity with clean, renewable power. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity without releasing carbon dioxide or other harmful gases, cutting emissions by up to 95% compared to coal and significantly lowering reliance on oil and natural gas.
Solar directly reduces reliance on fossil fuels by generating clean electricity without burning coal, oil, or gas. Once your system is installed, your panels will provide decades of power with no fuel costs and cutting down carbon emission and lowering demand for fossil energy, making solar a key driver of energy independence and climate friendly growth.
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