FAQS

Installation FAQS:

Why Should I Choose Jackson Solar Over Another Company?

We have some very unique benefits included with your system installation including:

Indoor Inverter Installation To Maximize Output And Production Efficiencies. This practice can save you thousands of dollars more, as inverters in conditioned spaces last longer, and operate much more efficiently

System Monitoring App with 25 Years of Monitoring at No Additional Cost. Other companies carry thousands of dollars in future costs for homeowners for System Monitoring as they connect inverters to the internet via 5 year LTE cellular plans.

Free Weekly Monitoring From Jackson Solar Year 1. Year 2-25 Available. Free Servicing and Repair for Product or Workmanship Failures That Fall Under Warranty.

Complete Professional Installation, All Materials, Permits, Engineering, and Activation

Optional Free On-Site 6 Month Post Installation Inspection

25 Year Warranty on Workmanship In Addition To Product And Performance Warranties

 

Do you install or service Off-Grid Solar Systems?

Currently Off-Grid Installations void the 12-25 year product warranties on most inverters and components. Systems are designed and warrantied for Net-metering and so at this time we are not installing or servicing off-grid systems.

 

Do you offer a warranty on your installations?

Yes. In addition to all of the products we install carrying their own 25 year product warranty, we have a 25 year workmanship warranty for the work we do installing the products.

 

Are you another Solar Sales Company that goes Door-to-Door and/or contracts out all of the work?

No. We handle all of the process from Design to Activation in house here in Jackson, MO. Since everything we do is local, when you choose Jackson Solar, you are supporting local jobs and local community growth. This also allows us to save you thousands on your installation!

 

Are you Licensed?

Yes. We Are Licensed Electricians With Over 12 Years of Experience And Education In The Field Of Solar. We have passed many years of rigorous training and nationally accredited tests for our electrical licensing. In addition, our team holds various collegiate degrees in Sustainable Energy Systems, Electrochemistry, and the like with many levels of honors, awards, and even Summa Cum Laude. Combined with our owner/operator having all of the above, and over 12 years of hands on experience in the field, we are certainly are some of the most qualified to do the job and do it right.

 

Are you Insured?

Yes. We Carry Substantial Insurance. You can be confident knowing that you and your home are completely covered, as well as our crew.

 

What sets Jackson Solar apart from other companies? What are your Qualifications?

The owner/operator of Jackson Solar was born and raised in Jackson, MO and has over 12 years of experience in the field of solar including; system design engineering, electrical engineering, installation, and more, is a graduate with Magna Cum Laude from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Energy Systems as it relates to Solar, and a graduate from Kilgore College in Texas with a 4.0 with a degree in Electrochemistry. Many of our installers hold degrees in Electrochemistry, and have 10+ years of hands on work in the construction field. At Jackson Solar our goal is to provide you with the best and most professional services in the industry all while maintaining our standard of being an honest, reliable, and ethical solar company. Jackson Solar LLC is a proud member of MOSEIA - Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association and strictly upholds the code of ethics set forth by the association. Ameren Missouri recommends MOSEIA members for solar installations. We are also pleased to be members of both the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Chamber of Commerce

 

How long will my installation take?

The process before installation can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, and can include several steps such as HOA approval, permitting, inspections, and utility approval. The installation itself can be completed in as little as one day with large installations taking up to a few days. Most installations take less than a day.

 

Do I need to be home for the installation?
We won’t ask you to swing a hammer, but we do ask that someone over the age of 18 be present for the installation. Your installers will also appreciate it if dogs and other pets are kept clear from their work area so they can focus on providing you the best service possible without distraction. 


How does the installation and payment process work?
The process begins when a customer submits a Consultation Form. Following this, we deliver a proposal to the customer’s email, which includes the "Maximum System Recommended Size" tailored to their needs as outlined in the consultation form. The proposal offers payment options, including Cash and Financing.

For customers opting to pay Cash, a Down Payment To Get Started of $500 is required, which can be paid through our website by selecting "Get Started On Your Installation" above. After receiving this down payment, we proceed to finalize the system design, begin engineering, and initiate the Net Metering paperwork with the utility company. Following the approval of the net metering application by the utility company, 60% of the total system cost is due. After this payment, we order the necessary materials and schedule the installation. Once the installation is complete, the utility company installs a Net Meter at the property and grants "Permission To Operate." At this point, the final payment, which is 40% of the total system price minus the initial $500 down payment, becomes due.

For customers who choose Financing, the process starts with pre-approval and signing the loan documents. The $500 down payment is optional for financed purchases and, if paid, is deducted from the total financed amount of the system.




Maintenance FAQS:

Do solar panels need to be maintained?
Because there are no moving parts, solar panels don’t require routine maintenance. In the rare case that a panel becomes defective, most manufacturer's will replace the panel under their warranty.
 
What happens if my roof leaks?
Roof leaks are extremely rare, however, if there is a roof leak caused by your solar system, our workmanship warranty covers repairs for issues like this at no cost to you.
 
What if I need to replace my roof?
Most roofing companies are familiar with solar and will work with us to schedule the removal of your panels so roof work can begin. We currently have the option to purchase a "roof replacement" of your solar panel system at a discounted cost if you buy it upfront with your system. Once the new roof is installed, we will again be called out to re-install your solar panels for a fee, if you have not already pre-purchased
What happens if my system needs serviced?
We Are A Local Installer Based In Jackson, MO. Which Means Local Contact, Support and Service As Soon As Same-Day On Your Investment. Also The Added Benefit Of Supporting Local Jobs And Community Growth. Additionally, since we are the only local installation company, in many cases, Jackson Solar is contracted as the ones to service system warranty work and repairs from other companies. The biggest difference is having a Jackson Solar install, you receive priority, and most of the time Same-Day service that is free of charge should the need arise.

 

Power FAQS:

Is it possible to add a battery or more panels to my system in the future?
It is possible to add batteries or additional panels later, it’s typically less expensive to have everything completed at the initial installation because it’s less labor intensive and you won’t need to worry about upgrading your inverter.
 
What happens when the power goes out?
Because your system is tied to the electrical grid, it’s designed with an automatic kill switch to ensure no electricity can flow from your panels into the grid, making it safe for electrical workers to troubleshoot and repair utility equipment when the power goes out. If you add backup batteries, you’ll still be able to power essential appliances and lights in your home in the event of a power outage.
 
How do I know if my system is producing power?
There are now apps available that allow you to monitor your system’s production! Ask us for more details.
 


Other FAQS:

How will solar impact my property values?
Potential buyers would rather purchase a home that doesn’t have an electric bill and they’d be willing to pay more for it, that’s common sense. Real estate transaction data has shown that homes with solar typically sell faster and for a higher price than equivalent homes without solar. However logic suggests that the value of your home is increased by half the value of electricity left in your solar panel system. If you overpaid for your installation, you end up creating a liability, that many homebuyers may turn away from. 
 
What happens if I move?
If you sell your home before your solar loan is paid off or your PPA contract is over, your lender can help you transfer the balance of the agreement to the new homeowner. Another option is to add the value of the balance of your solar agreement to the asking price of your home and use the proceeds of the transaction to pay the system off.
 
Is my new solar system covered by my homeowners insurance?
Almost all insurance companies have solar panel coverage that can easily be added to your policy.
 
Will I still have a utility bill?
Many utility companies include minimum fees and surcharges on your bill that are not related to your energy consumption. In those areas, these fixed fees will still show up on your utility bill even if your panels produce 100% of the energy you use.

 

Which do you recommend: Microinverters or Hybrid String Inverters?
As you can see, there is no cost difference between SolarEdge Systems (Hybrid String Inverter) and Enphase (Microinverters). Many companies quote microinverters because they are usually easier to install, and poor customer relations due to system failures, which take months for the company to repair, are more easily mitigated. However, since we pride ourselves on great customer service, we prefer to install Hybrid String Inverters because they are the best product on the current market. Here are some key reasons why:

-Microinverters are 97% efficient and handle the most complex process in solar energy—the conversion from DC to AC—outside on your roof, which is often the hottest (or sometimes coldest) part of the house. Microinverters are 97% efficient at STC, which is 77 degrees and sunny. Any deviation from 77 degrees begins to drag down those efficiencies, causing your system to produce less in this harsher environment. Microinverters are also limited to a maximum output wattage (usually 385 watts at most). This limitation further restricts your system's ability to produce by "clipping" your production anytime a panel's production exceeds the microinverter's output rating.

-Hybrid String Inverters are 99% efficient and allow you to place the inverter in a conditioned space (i.e., inside). This makes them last longer, produce better, and be more protected from the forces of nature. In addition, you can size them to meet your system production needs, so that a 400-watt panel produces the full 400 watts. The best part about these Hybrid String systems is that, just like a microinverter, if one panel goes down, it does not affect the rest of your panels producing power, as an optimizer is connected to each panel. The only con is that if the actual inverter were to fail, then the entire system would go down. However, a similar issue can happen in the combiner box for microinverters, and plus, with our lightning-fast service and RMA process, in the unlikely event that this does happen, your system will be back up and running within a few days.

Hands down, we recommend SolarEdge's Hybrid String Inverters because they are the best in every way.


Should I install a battery backup with my system?

Installing a battery backup with your solar system is not a necessity and warrants careful consideration. Regardless of the brand or what a salesperson might claim, each battery backup typically supports 32 amps of backup loads. This capacity can power essentials like three refrigerators, one freezer, a TV, Wi-Fi, garage doors, a small portable heater, and one bedroom light circuit. It's important to understand that a single battery backup unit cannot power heavy appliances like an air conditioning unit.

For those considering a "Whole Home Backup," it’s important to note that it requires manual load management during outages, given the 32-amp limitation per battery. An alternative option is to install enough batteries to support the entire home, but this can be prohibitively expensive, costing around $80,000.

Currently, in the Cape Girardeau County Area, battery backups do not offer financial benefits; their value lies in the assurance of maintaining power for selected circuits during an outage. Battery backups are approximately three times more expensive than whole home generators and typically have a lifespan of around 10 years. They may also introduce complications, such as system disruptions where backed-up circuits lose power even when the grid and home have electricity. This technology, still in its developmental stages, requires vigilant monitoring.

Still, one of the significant advantages of a battery backup is its ability to keep the solar system operational during power outages, powering the designated backup circuits. Without a battery backup, solar systems must shut down during outages to comply with safety regulations, preventing any power generation or usage from the solar panels.

For those not ready to commit to battery backups, we offer an Inverter Upgrade option. This choice allows for the future addition of batteries or the integration of an Electric Vehicle as the technology advances (look for the "Battery Capable Inverter" option in the Add-On section). While solar panels have provided reliable service for over 70 years, battery backup technology, being only about a decade old, is less mature and more variable in performance. 

 

How do you grid tie your installations?
Grid-tied solar installations are by far the most popular installation method in the United States and employ a mechanism known as "Net Metering" to optimize energy usage and costs. With net metering, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels is fed back into the grid, effectively storing it for later use. This process allows you to draw on this stored energy during times when your solar panels are not producing enough power, such as at night. At the end of the billing cycle, your utility company calculates your net energy consumption by deducting the amount of electricity you fed back into the grid from the total amount you used. This method ensures that you only pay for the net amount of electricity consumed, making grid-tied solar installations an efficient and cost-effective solution.

Here is the formula that your utility company uses:

Monthly Energy Supplied From Grid - Monthly Energy Sent To Grid = Monthly Net Billable Energy (or Credit if Negative)

 

How do you size your systems?
Sizing your solar system is crucial to avoid producing more electricity than you consume, which is not economically beneficial. The ideal size of your solar system should match your monthly energy consumption. If your system generates more electricity than needed, the surplus is credited by the utility company at a rate significantly lower than the standard charging rate (2.9 cents/kWh versus 12 cents/kWh). Therefore, it is not recommended to oversize your solar system. Achieving a zero utility bill is challenging without generating excess energy, which often leads to giving away the surplus electricity to the utility company at a lower value. This occurs when the system's production significantly exceeds your consumption needs, especially during peak production months. We size our systems to follow your consumption curve as close as possible so that you pay less for electricity and keep your production rates at their highest.

Request a Consultation to have a Jackson Solar Professional size a solar system to appropriately offset your consumption and maximize your return on investment.

 

How long will my system take to pay for itself?
At Jackson Solar, we have set a new industry standard with our revolutionary solar systems that promise a financial payoff in just about 7 YEARS for roof mounted solutions — a milestone in the solar sector. This unprecedented quick return on investment highlights our commitment to providing not only sustainable but also economically advantageous solutions. Our systems are designed to outperform and outlast, backed by a 25-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and savings. Choose Jackson Solar, and experience the forefront of solar innovation, where economic efficiency meets environmental sustainability.
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