Once solar panels are installed, they generate electricity from sunlight, reducing your reliance on electricity from the grid. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time. Depending on factors such as energy usage, local electricity rates, and available incentives, the payback period for solar installations can vary, but many homeowners and businesses see a positive ROI within several years.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning it is continuously replenished by the sun’s radiation. Unlike finite fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, solar energy is inexhaustible and can be harnessed sustainably for electricity generation. Overall, solar energy plays a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system, helping to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and protect ecosystems.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows owners of solar energy systems (such as rooftop solar panels) to receive credit for the electricity they generate and send back to the grid. It is a system that enables consumers who generate their own electricity from renewable energy sources to offset their electricity bills. 

Virginia is a net metering state that means homeowners receive full credit for any excess electricity their renewable energy systems generate.

When snow accumulates on solar panels, it can temporarily reduce or even halt electricity generation until the snow is cleared. However, the impact of snow on solar panel performance depends on various factors, including the amount and type of snow, the angle and orientation of the solar panels, and the temperature.

Yes, it is possible to go off-grid with solar panels by installing a standalone solar power system, also known as an off-grid solar system. Off-grid solar systems are designed to generate and store electricity independently of the utility grid, allowing you to power your home or business without relying on external electricity sources.

In a standard grid-tied solar power system, solar panels will not continue to operate during a blackout. This is a safety feature designed to prevent electricity generated by the solar panels from feeding back into the grid, which could pose a risk to utility workers who may be working to repair the grid.

However, there are exceptions. Some off-grid solar power systems include battery storage and backup generators, which can provide power during a blackout.

When a solar energy system (like rooftop solar panels) generates electricity, it produces two products: the electricity itself and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs).

Each time a solar system generates 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, it earns one SREC. These certificates certify that a certain amount of electricity was generated from a renewable source (solar).

The value of SRECs varies based on market demand and the supply of renewable energy in a region.