Frequently Asked Questions About Solar

It depends on the structure. We’ll bring in an architect and, at times, a structural engineer to perform a thorough assessment during the design process to confirm whether additional support is required

Our team can install solar panels on practically any building in California. Our solar panels are well-suited for commercial, industrial, retail, and agricultural structures.

Absolutely! It’s our pleasure to help our clients maintain their commercial solar panel systems in California. When we install a commercial system, we discuss long-term maintenance needs with our clients and develop comprehensive maintenance plans designed to keep the system operating at its best.

At TENCO SOLAR, we can confidently say that you will save money if you invest in solar, but the amount you save will depend on many factors, including the size of your and the amount of sun that your property gets. Contact our team today for a solar proposal for your property that will include estimated savings customized for you.

Yes. Dirty solar panels can reduce energy production by up to 35%. Schedule annual care with our team to maximize the return on your investment.

We recommend scheduling preventative care for your solar panels at least once a year.

You can expect your commercial solar panels to last 25 to 30 years with routine, professional maintenance and prompt repair when necessary.

A commercial solar carport is designed to provide shade and protection for vehicles while incorporating solar panels to generate electricity. It typically consists of a durable framework that supports solar panels on top, allowing them to harness solar energy. The generated electricity can power nearby buildings or facilities, offsetting energy costs. Commercial solar carports are an innovative solution combining the benefits of shade structures and solar power generation.

Yes. The design and configuration of a solar carport can be tailored to match your available space, energy requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you have a small parking lot or a larger area, the size and layout of the carport can be adjusted accordingly. Plus, customization options are available for materials, colors, and additional features such as EV charging stations. Working with a reputable solar carport provider will ensure your requirements are met during the design and installation process.

There are several advantages to installing a commercial solar carport. They provide covered parking spaces, protecting vehicles from harsh weather conditions. This protection helps maintain the vehicles' condition and extends their life span. By incorporating solar panels into the carport structure, you can generate clean and renewable energy, reducing your dependence on traditional energy sources and lowering electricity bills. Installing a solar carport also demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, positioning your business as environmentally conscious and potentially attracting eco-conscious customers or clients.

Yes, but not as effectively as they do on a bright, sunny day. The amount of energy produced depends on the amount of direct sunlight hitting the panels, which can vary considerably throughout any day.

Due to government regulations, grid-tied solar systems will be shut down when the power goes out, to allow electrical workers to repair the power grid without danger from power flowing to the grid from your home or business. If you want your property to have energy during a power outage, consider a battery backup solar system, which unlike a generator, runs on the clean energy of the sun and are safe and reliable. Solar batteries work by diverting the excess solar energy your panels create to your battery so that you can power essential appliances when you need them.

While your solar panels will produce most, if not all of the electricity you need, most homes will remain connected to the power grid after installation. We wouldn’t advise anyone take their home completely off the grid unless they have a sturdy and reliable battery storage system in place.

PV panels absorb energy from the sun and convert this energy into a direct current. Once collected, an inverter converts this energy into the AC current used by your appliances and other electronics.

Yes, our team will provide a site analysis to help determine the best placement and design for your solar panels. In addition, we may provide recommendations about trees that should be cut back or removed to provide additional sunlight or prevent damage to your panels.

Two studies, one conducted by the US Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab over a 15-year period, and a more recent analysis conducted by Zillow, show having a solar energy system can increase the value of your home by $10-30K when it comes time to sell your home.

Solar panel installation is a job best left to the professionals at TENCO SOLAR. This process requires specific training and involves a great deal of time on the roof to get installation just right. There are many laws, regulations, and safety standards that must be carefully followed during solar panel installation, so it's best to contact the installation professionals to get the job done right rather than risking injury, electrocution, or electrical system damage.

The average size of a home in California is about 2,400 square feet, and the average customer uses about 718kWh of electricity per month. To cover the energy expenses for a home of this size, you need approximately 15 to 20 solar panels. However, depending on your exact energy consumption history and your home's actual size, the number of panels can vary.

The cost of solar panel installation depends on the amount of energy you use, the size of your home, available tax incentives, the type of panels selected, and how many panels will be installed. Solar panel installation can vary significantly in price, from $5,000 on the low end to more than $40,000 on the high end. A TENCO SOLAR specialist can provide you with a custom quote for your home.

We recommend solar pool heating systems manufactured by UMA and Aquatherm.

The number of panels you will need depends on the size of your pool. For the best results, we recommend 1 square foot of solar panel for every square foot of pool surface area.

Solar panels can increase the temperature in your pool by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit on a typical day. The actual temperature increase will depend on cloud cover, sun intensity, shade, and heat buildup. In Southern California, solar pool heating systems typically raise the temperature of a pool to 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit within a few days.

Solar systems have no moving parts and are designed to stand up to the elements. You can expect your solar system to provide reliable service for 30 years or more when the system is professionally installed and maintained.

It depends on what part(s) and how much of the panel is damaged. Our team can repair many problems by replacing glass or repairing wiring connections.

They can be, which is why we strongly recommend prompt repairs of any damaged systems. If the wiring is faulty, the insulation is insufficient, or the PV module is compromised, there is a fire risk.

It’s best to wash them at least once every year. This will help protect the panels from damage and will improve their efficiency. Homeowners can clean their panels themselves by blowing them off with a leaf blower and rinsing them with a garden hose, but this could void the panel warranty. We recommend that homeowners invest in a professional maintenance appointment for a deep cleaning and inspection of their entire solar system once per year.

Solar panels that are not significantly damaged will continue to generate electricity. However, they will not perform as well as panels that are not compromised.

Absolutely. Solar technology continues to evolve, and modern solar panels are far more efficient and effective than their predecessors. Replacing your aging panels with a modern alternative can substantially improve your system's capacity.

It depends on what exactly you're doing to your roof. If you're having repairs made near your solar panels, removing the panels can protect them from any accidental damage. When you need to replace the entire roof or a section beneath the solar panel, removal of the panels will be necessary for the roofers to access the roof.