Frequently Asked Questions

Are Walker Power customers connected to the grid?

Yes. Walker Power uses “on-grid” systems, meaning that customers are still connected to the electrical grid. On-grid solar energy systems are necessary to transfer excess power into the grid, which can result in a credit to customers in some states. On-grid systems also keep you connected to the grid for additional power from the utility in some states 

What determines whether my home is a good candidate for solar?

We conduct an on-site survey to determine if your home is compatible for solar. Here are some examples of what we evaluate to make sure that solar is a good fit:
• Roof size, pitch and direction
• Shading of the roof caused by tree branches, other homes, etc.
• Roof obstructions such as chimneys, pipes, etc.
• Roof stability and strength
• Electrical wiring

Will solar panels work in overcast climates?

Does Paul Walker get a sunburn in overcast climate? Yes, just not as much. Just like me, performance may be affected. Solar panels produce more energy when the sun is shining.

How long will it take to get the solar energy system turned on after installation?

Getting permission to operate a system and start generating energy largely depends on your local city and utility company. We will be able to give you a better idea of your operating timeline after your system installation. A broad estimate assuming the city and utility workers are present is 4-10 weeks.

What’s the difference between solar power and other forms of energy production?

Immediately You won’t notice any difference except for the fact that you will have more money in your pock et at the end of the day

What are the Steps To Go Solar?

The Steps to Go Solar is as easy as 1, 2, 3, A, B, C…just like Michael Jackson said.  
1)   Get your Free estimate
      a. We do all the paperwork and make sure your house can handle the installation
2)   When all is readyschedule the install
       a. We install when you are ready and you can tell all your neighbors
3)   Harness the sun
       a. We help you get the state benefits and federal credits

What is a site assessment/home inspection?

A home assessment or solar assessment is a type of audit we perform on your home to ensure that it’s a good fit for solar. Fortunately, it is usually not necessary if you are able to take a few pictures for us of the attic, breaker box, meter on the outside of your house and your roof (from the front yard) and those pictures don’t raise any concerns. If the pictures raise concerns then we will schedule about an hour with you when you are home so one of our solar professionals can stop by your home to inspect and measure your roof, check out your attic, and gather photo documentation to evaluate your electrical system.

How long does a home assessment take?

Yes, we often install solar panels in these communities by coordinating with the HOA. However, this is dependent on whether or not the particular HOA allows solar energy.

Does Walker Power install in communities with an HOA?

A home assessment typically takes about an hour to complete but can take up to three hours depending on things like the size of your home or the sales volume in your area.

Do the panels still operate when there are power outages?

No. In a power outage, our systems automatically shut off for the safety of the workers that repair the power lines. 

How much does a solar panel weigh and how big are solar panels?

The average solar panel used in a Walker Power installation weighs 40 pounds and is 65 x 40 x 1.5 inches big.

Will solar panels work in overcast climates?

Does Paul Walker get a sunburn in overcast climate? Yes, just not as much. Just like me, performance may be affected. Solar panels produce more energy when the sun is shining.

Do the solar panels degrade over time?

Yes, slightly. Due to sun exposure, weather and other environmental factors, there’s a potential degradation down to between 92-96% during the 25 year loan term. Most of our panels degrade at a rate lower than this, but they won’t degrade more than the above amount. The solar panels are rated for above 80% effective around year 40, but it could be more.

Do the solar panels come with a warranty?

Your solar panels are performance warrantied for 25 years. You will receive a warranty that the work of installation will be free from material defects for 25 years and the inverters are warrantied for 10 years with the option of a 20-year warranty. Refer to your customer agreement for all warranty terms and conditions.

Will solar panels cause my roof to deteriorate?

That’s one of the best parts! No, they don’t; quite the opposite. Our solar panels are not attached directly to your roof, but rather to a racking system that has been wind, water, and fire tested to ensure no leaks or damage will occur. Additionally, shingles on your roof will often last longer under installed panels because they are less exposed to UV light.

How many watts per hour will a panel produce?

There are many factors that affect the production of a solar panel (location, orientation, tilt, weather, season, shade, etc.). Solar panels produce varying amounts of energy through the day. In the mornings and evenings, when the sun is low in the sky, solar panels will generate less power than in the afternoon when they are receiving direct sun exposure and they will generate no energy at night, which is why you will stay connected to the grid

What happens to the solar panels at the end of the contract?

That depends if you have a lease or a loan. If you have a Solar Loan your contract with the loan company ends when payments are complete which could take up to 25 years depending on your contract. Since you own them, you could do whatever you want; if you have them removed, you could recycle or sell them. If you decide to keep them, they will still perform well up to 35 or 40 years so keeping them past pay off date would give you free energy.