Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells made from silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons and creates direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type your home appliances use. Any electricity your panels produce beyond what you currently need is either stored in a battery or exported to the utility grid via net metering.

Most South Florida homes are excellent solar candidates due to the region's high annual sun hours. The key factors we assess are: roof age and condition (ideal if 5+ years of life remaining), roof orientation (south-facing is optimal), available roof area, and shading from trees or adjacent structures. We use satellite imagery and on-site measurements to evaluate every property before making any recommendation. If your roof isn't ideal, ground-mount systems are an effective alternative.

From your initial consultation to system activation, the timeline is typically 6–10 weeks. Here's the breakdown: site survey and proposal (1 week), contract and permitting (3–5 weeks), material procurement (1–2 weeks), installation day (1 day for most residential projects), final inspection and utility permission to operate (1–2 weeks). We manage every step and keep you informed throughout the process.

System size is determined by analyzing your historical electricity consumption (typically the last 12 months of bills), your available roof area, local solar irradiance data, and any planned changes in consumption (EV purchase, home additions, etc.). A typical South Florida home uses 1,200–1,800 kWh per month and is best served by a 8–14 kW system. We provide a precise engineering recommendation — not a generic estimate — for every customer.

Yes — solar panels produce electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. They continue to generate power on overcast days, though at reduced capacity (typically 20–40% of peak output). South Florida receives an average of 2,800+ sun hours annually, making it one of the highest solar-resource states in the country. Our system designs account for seasonal variation to ensure your annual production meets your annual consumption targets.

Solar system costs vary based on size, equipment quality, and installation complexity. As a general guide, residential systems in Florida typically range from $18,000 to $42,000 before incentives. After applying the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, the net cost drops to $12,600–$29,400. Financing options allow most homeowners to go solar with $0 down and achieve positive cash flow from the first month. We provide a fixed, itemized quote — no surprises.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost directly from your federal income tax liability. This applies to the cost of panels, inverters, racking, wiring, and labor. There is no upper dollar limit. The credit currently runs at 30% through 2032, then steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. To claim it, you must own the system (not lease it) and have sufficient federal tax liability.

Yes. Florida offers two significant incentives: (1) The Solar Energy System Exemption exempts the added value of a solar system from your property tax assessment — so your property taxes don't increase when you install solar. (2) The Sales Tax Exemption makes the purchase of solar energy equipment entirely exempt from Florida's 6% state sales tax. Combined with the federal credit, these incentives substantially reduce the net cost of going solar in Florida.

Net metering is a billing arrangement where your utility company credits you for excess electricity your solar system exports to the grid. In Florida, FPL and most utilities offer net metering at the retail electricity rate — meaning you receive full value for every kilowatt-hour you export. During the day, your solar system may produce more electricity than you use; that surplus flows to the grid and appears as a credit on your bill, offsetting electricity you draw from the grid at night.

Solar-specific loan products allow qualified homeowners to finance 100% of their system cost with no down payment. Loan terms typically range from 10–25 years with fixed interest rates. Many customers find that their monthly loan payment is lower than their previous electricity bill — resulting in immediate positive cash flow. Once the loan is paid off (typically in 5–7 years after applying tax credits), your electricity is essentially free for the remaining 18+ years of the system's life.

Modern monocrystalline solar panels are designed to last 30–40 years. All panels we install carry a 25-year linear power output warranty, guaranteeing they produce at least 80% of their rated capacity through year 25. Inverters typically carry 10-year warranties (extendable to 25 years). We've designed every system to outlive its warranty period with proper maintenance.

Solar panels are remarkably low-maintenance. Florida's frequent rain naturally rinses most dust and debris from panel surfaces. We recommend one professional panel cleaning per year, along with an annual system inspection to check torque on mounting hardware, verify inverter firmware is current, and review production data for any performance anomalies. SUN 10 offers annual maintenance packages starting at $149/year for residential systems.

Yes — when properly installed to Florida Building Code specifications. Our racking systems are engineered for FBC wind loads of 170+ mph. We use IBC-compliant through-roof mounts with proper flashing and sealant on every installation. Our panels are tested to IEC 61215 and 61730 standards, which include hail, wind pressure, and extreme temperature cycling. Properly installed solar arrays have proven to survive major Florida hurricanes without damage in the vast majority of cases.

Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during utility outages — this is a safety requirement to protect utility workers. To maintain power during an outage, you need a battery storage system paired with your solar panels. Our solar-plus-battery systems provide seamless backup — when the grid goes down, your home transitions to battery power within milliseconds, powered by your solar panels throughout the day. Battery sizing determines how many circuits and for how long you can power your home.

Yes. Every SUN 10 installation includes: (1) Panel manufacturer warranty — 25 years on power output, 10–12 years on product defects. (2) Inverter manufacturer warranty — 10 years, extendable to 25 years. (3) SUN 10 workmanship warranty — 10 years covering all rooftop penetrations, wiring, and racking. (4) Roof penetration leak guarantee — we stand behind every roof mount we make. If any warranty issue arises, contact us and we'll dispatch a technician within 48 hours.