SolarSME, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar SME believes that homeowners and business owners deserve honest and professional advice in their decision-making processes regarding solar energy. The following comprehensive FAQ section contains questions related to Solar SME’s services, including Residential Solar, Commercial Solar, Backup Power Systems, Electric Vehicle Charging, and Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation, among others, which are most frequently asked questions and provide answers to them. Whether you are a beginner interested in solar energy or an advanced user looking to expand your current system, Solar SME is always there for you.
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR
Solar installation at home is among the best economic moves you can make as a homeowner. With rising electricity prices and flexible payment plans, Solar SME helps you make the transition to sustainable solar power easier than ever before. Whatever stage you’re at in your journey to residential solar, here is everything you should know about installing solar panels in your home.
With the rising electricity costs in 2026, most residential solar customers of Solar SME are able to reduce their electricity bills by up to 95%. The extent of your savings depends on a number of variables, including energy use, roof orientation, utility prices in your locality, and the system capacity.
The increase in costs of grid electricity in 2026 is in fact, reducing the payback period for solar energy as each kilowatt hour generated by your panels becomes more valuable. The solar payback period for many Solar SME residential clients is now 6-9 years, followed by 20+ years of minimal or free electricity bills. Our financial calculations incorporate current and forecasted rates for an accurate and conservative estimate of returns on investment.
The solar system size required will be determined based on your household's annual electricity consumption, available roof space, number of sunny hours, and your objectives. A household with a yearly consumption of 10,000-15,000 kWh requires a 7-12 kW system. Solar SME evaluates your past year of utility bills to properly size your system without over-selling and considering any potential future additions like electric vehicle chargers.
A properly installed system is likely to protect your roof rather than cause any damage, as the solar panels will protect your shingles from any weather effects and UV rays. Solar SME guarantees that our installations use only industry-standard flashings and waterproofing of roof penetrations. If any leakage or roof-related problems occur due to our installation, we guarantee protection.
Nowadays, there is a performance guarantee of 25 years and an expected lifespan of solar is over 35 years. Solar SME offers Tier-1 solar products with a production guarantee of 25 years manufactured. Also, our company provides a workmanship warranty of 25 years that includes the installation process itself, mounting equipment, and roof penetrations waterproofing.
Solar SME ranks as one of the top solar companies when it comes to residential solar installation in the USA. With high-quality solar panels and accessories and a streamlined process, from initial energy audit up until utility interconnection, Solar SME offers hassle-free, efficient, and professional solar services near you.
Reliability comes down to Solar SME. From the quality of panels offered to the precision of our installation, every home solar installation by Solar SME comes with a workmanship warranty and a performance guarantee, along with a support team that will help out at any moment after the installation of the system.
For 10+ years now, Solar SME has been offering residential installations in the country. We hold all necessary certifications, use NABCEP-certified teams for all projects, provide full service from design through monitoring and beyond, and stand behind the quality of our work with a 25-year warranty. Also, we offer competitive pricing and flexible financing options to make solar accessible to all.
In 2026, Solar SME provides various options for financing your residential solar installation: 0% down payment solar loans at fixed interest rates, solar leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), where you will be paying for electricity produced rather than an upfront fee. In many cases, the amount of your monthly payments will be less than your previous bills for utility services.
Solar SME specializes in providing expertly designed residential solar systems. Our installation services are limited to the realm of residential solar only, meaning our crews have been specially trained to install everything from basic rooftop panels to larger multi-paneled arrays for your household's unique needs.
Solar SME is BBB Accredited and enjoys consistent customer ratings of 5 stars when it comes to home solar installation services. This comes through decades of successful project completion and excellent after-sales service, making us one of the most highly rated solar companies across the U.S.
Solar SME is a certified installer of top battery brands, including Tesla, Generac, Enphase, Solix Power, LG, Panasonic, Franklin, Fox, and Lunar Energy backup solutions, and offers seamless battery storage integration with every residential solar installation. We design and install solar-plus-storage systems using industry-leading batteries, enabling time-of-use optimization, emergency backup power, and maximum energy independence. Solar SME creates a complete, intelligent home energy solution tailored specifically to your needs.
Yes. Solar installations add up to 3%–4% to your home’s value at the time of resale. With the energy-focused nature of the market, prospective buyers are looking for solar-smart efficient homes. Solar SME ensures that all your systems come fully owned and backed by full warranty documentation for maximum resale value transfer.
A grid-tied solar system without a battery will turn off in case of power outages for safety reasons to ensure no harm comes to utility staff. The installation of battery storage ensures a continued power supply during outages. Solar SME provides fully automated solar and battery installations with leading battery brands.
In most cases, “free solar panels” refer to solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) programs where homeowners pay little to no upfront cost for installation. However, you usually still pay a monthly fee for using the solar system or the electricity it generates. While these programs can help reduce initial costs, homeowners may not qualify for full ownership benefits. It’s important to review contract terms, savings estimates, maintenance responsibilities, and system ownership details before signing any agreement.
Solar SME offers completely free, no-obligation residential solar consultations. You can get a FREE online estimate of your solar savings with our smart solar calculator. Or you can book an appointment with our energy experts, also.
COMMERCIAL SOLAR
Commercial solar systems are among the most effective ways of saving operational costs, protecting yourself from future increases in utility rates, and showing that you care about the environment. Due to investment tax incentives, 100% bonus depreciation in the first year, and many other financing solutions still being possible, there isn’t a better moment to act than today. Solar SME offers unique commercial solar systems to fit your needs, regardless of whether you’re a small shop or a large manufacturer.
Commercial solar power is one of the best investments for a business owner. The ITC will be in place for all projects that have started their construction prior to July 4, 2026, or have been brought into service by the end of 2027. The OBBBA also made 100% bonus depreciation permanent. Let us help you maximize the advantages of each of them!
Using the ITC credits, 100% bonus depreciation in the first year, increasing electricity rates, and net-metering laws, most Solar SME commercial installations reach payback within 3–6 years. After that, savings are passed through to your profit statement for another 20+ years of the system's lifespan.
In 2026, the federal ITC credit (construction beginning by July 4, 2026), 100% bonus depreciation per OBBBA, property and sales taxes exemption at the state level, SRECs, net metering, and utility company rebates are some of the incentives for commercial solar projects. In some states, there are extra incentives when using solar panels in conjunction with energy storage systems. Solar SME's team looks into all applicable incentives for your location.
Yes, Flat commercial roofs are some of the most flexible options for installing commercial solar. Solar SME utilizes ballasted racks that don't penetrate the roof or tilted low-slope racks that improve energy generation. Our team conducts structural analysis, avoids air conditioning units and parapets, and guarantees compliance with building codes. Additionally, we confirm that the installation process will not nullify your roof warranty.
Solar lease/PPA allows your business to have access to solar energy with no upfront investment. Your business pays a predetermined price per unit for the power the provider generates on your property from the system owned by the developer of the solar panels at prices reduced by 10-30% compared to your utility rates. Solar SME collaborates with reputable solar lease providers to provide this arrangement. It is especially suitable for companies preferring off-balance-sheet financing or insufficient tax appetite for the ITC.
For the ITC tax credit to apply to your project, construction should be commenced by July 4, 2026, as confirmed through the Physical Work Test or the 5% Safe Harbor Test. Solar SME is currently fast-tracking all commercial solar projects and assisting clients in meeting these vital requirements. Get in touch with us today, each week counts for your federal deadline.
We size your commercial system based on your current needs, but also plan for future scalability from day one. Should you see increased energy usage or business expansion in the coming years, we can always increase the system size and incorporate additional technologies like battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Scalability comes standard with all Solar SME commercial solutions.
Solar SME is known to be one of the best-rated commercial solar installers across the United States. We are NABCEP-certified, licensed and professional engineers & electricians who offer quality services. All our services comply with the industry regulations, and we have great feedback from previous customers.
Solar SME is capable of handling commercial solar energy installations in sizes ranging from 50kW all the way to multiple megawatts. We handle all kinds of projects, whether rooftop-mounted solar panels, ground-mounted systems, solar carports or systems with multiple buildings. We design, permit, install, and connect large projects in time.
Solar SME offers all of its commercial clients complete after-installation services, which include performance monitoring, preventative maintenance, quick troubleshooting of faults, inverter repair and cleaning, as well as yearly reports about production.
Solar SME is experienced with the installation of commercial-scale solar on warehouse buildings in the US. Warehouses provide perfect environments for solar panel installations with spacious rooftops, peak energy usage during daylight hours, and heavy demand charges that can be slashed by pairing solar with batteries. Solar SME develops solar arrays for warehouses that utilize all available rooftop real estate.
Solar SME has the commercial electrical contractor license and certified NABCEP commercial photovoltaic installers. We are experienced professionals in completing projects for various industries like solar for Ai data centers, including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and hospitality. Our company is in charge of every step, from conducting a feasibility study and designing the solar array to its successful completion and operation.
Solar SME maintains very high ratings from customers, no matter which city you hail from or which market segment you belong to. Our commercial customers are always impressed by our professionalism, communication, punctuality, and excellent work. The testimonials of Solar SME show that we have a proven reputation when it comes to commercial installations.
With the incentive experts at Solar SME, you can be sure that we will locate all possible commercial solar incentives for you, including federal investment tax credit, 100 percent bonus depreciation, state tax credits, utility rebates, SRECs, and grants. We take care of all application procedures for the maximum benefit.
Solar SME combines battery storage into its commercial solar systems to perform peak shaving, time of use management, emergency back-up power, and energy off the grid. Battery storage is beneficial for reducing your commercial demand charges, which can be a significant expense for your firm.
Solar SME combines battery storage into its commercial solar systems to perform peak shaving, time of use management, emergency back-up power, and energy off the grid. Battery storage is beneficial for reducing your commercial demand charges, which can be a significant expense for your firm.
Battery Backup Systems
Today, there is no doubt that having a battery backup system is an essential aspect of any residential and business electricity strategy. From protection against power failures to reducing electricity costs and increasing energy independence, Solar SME has an impressive line of high-quality batteries. Here are some common questions with detailed answers about the installation of a battery backup system to ensure you know its principles, pricing, and other key aspects.
Solar batteries are used to store extra electricity produced by your panels when they generate it. In case panels do not produce electricity, the battery starts supplying your house or office with the previously stored electricity. Smart battery backups installed by Solar SME will switch to working mode automatically, ensuring complete protection for your premises at all times.
No. Solar SME has you covered! The company will install battery backup systems that use grid energy to recharge and store energy for emergencies. But if you want more benefits, it’s recommended to add a battery backup system with solar installation since the energy will be provided by the sun for free, making the system completely independent.
Depending on the system installed, usually one battery unit (between 13 – 15 kWh) can power up all important loads for about 12-24 hours. If it gets recharged with solar daily, then it will provide unlimited power during the blackout. Solar SME will help calculate your requirements to choose the right battery capacity.
Solar SME has great deals with some of the top battery providers like Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery, LG, Panasonic, Solix, Fox, GM Energy Storage, Generac, and Franklin WH APower. They all feature amazing monitoring applications, a warranty from the manufacturer, and have positive experiences working with homeowners.
Each of our solar batteries installed by Solar SME offers a warranty of 10 years minimum warranty throughout and capacity retention from the manufacturer. The actual lifespan of a battery system can go up to 12-15 years. Batteries based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry offer excellent durability, safety, and performance degradation rates lower than in previous types of lithium batteries.
A: Usually, a typical American household needs to purchase between 20 and 40 kWh of batteries, which is roughly 2-3 units of battery capacity. If you have HVACs or other high-power equipment and/or electric cars in your house, you'll likely need more storage. We'll analyze your electrical loads to figure out precisely how many batteries you need.
Absolutely! Every solar battery system installed by us comes with a remote management software offered by the manufacturers as a mobile application. This tool allows you to monitor your storage system's performance, receive outage notifications, and switch operating modes remotely from your smartphone.
Yes. Solar SME will retrofit battery storage to most existing solar installations, independent of the original installer. Solar SME analyzes your current inverter and breaker box setup to determine the best battery system match. In most cases, a few electrical changes are needed to enable full battery backup for your existing solar system.
The battery backup system starts immediately and quietly without any fuel, fumes, or sound. The generator takes 10–30 seconds to activate, uses gasoline storage, needs regular servicing, and emits carbon monoxide. Among solar battery vs generator, for power outages, a solar battery backup system is clean, silent, and dependable. Solar SME also integrates battery backup with generator power.
Critical load backup powers a selection of circuits, such as refrigeration, lighting, medical devices, and cell phone chargers, for maximum backup time and reduced expenses. Whole-home backup supplies power to all circuits, including air conditioning and large appliances, and requires greater battery capacity. Solar SME designs and suggests an appropriate system according to your needs and budget.
The addition of a battery might decrease grid exports because storing more solar energy means that it is being used on-site rather than exported to the grid, and generating additional net metering credits. On the other hand, using solar energy on-site during peak periods is far more financially beneficial compared to exporting during off-peak times when I receive credits. Solar SME analyzes the impact of the investment on my finances, depending on the type of tariff applied by my local utility company.
It is possible to install a battery backup solution that powers all of the home appliances during an outage. However, Solar SME usually starts with the "critical loads" method, meaning that only the necessary appliances will be powered during the power outage. This approach helps to get the most value out of batteries.
Battery storage allows for rate optimization, where your battery will charge when electricity rates are low and discharge during times when rates are higher. The result will be cheaper electricity. For our business customers, the battery will help you optimize your power usage to reduce peak demand charges. We program our solar systems based on your rate plan to optimize energy security and cost savings.
Yes. Batteries provide benefits in terms of optimizing rate plans, increasing the use of self-generated solar energy, and mitigating any potential emergencies. As we move into 2026, extreme weather is expected across the nation due to climate change, and we'll see growing pressure on our grids due to higher electricity consumption. Batteries will soon be considered essential home infrastructure.
Several states provide battery storage incentives, such as Maryland's residential and commercial battery program, which provides up to $5,000 for residential applications, and many more utility-level rebates in other states. The team at Solar SME is well-versed with every state and local incentives that apply to your location, and we take care of applying them for you.
The latest Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries from leading manufacturers are one of the safest types of batteries and come with a UL certification for indoor installations, including garages, utility rooms, and controlled environments. The team at Solar SME takes into account every requirement by the respective manufacturers and the NEC solar code 2023 when installing indoor battery backup systems.
There are price hikes in electricity rates across most markets in the United States and the forecast shows an upward trajectory. Battery storage enables one to fixate on the value derived from cheap solar energy, thereby never having to pay the high peak-hour prices for the rest of one’s life. With solar panels, a well-designed battery storage system cuts out up to 95% of the cost of grid electricity.
EV Charger Installation
Combining a home EV charger with solar power is one of the best deals possible. Given that the number of EVs is growing like crazy and gasoline prices continue to fluctuate wildly, having a place where you can charge your EV at home and use solar power means that the electricity you need comes without a price tag. Solar SME supplies you with residential and commercial EV charger installation, combined with a solar system.
Definitely. In fact, this is one of the most economically beneficial applications of solar power. With Solar SME’s solar installation, you can plug in your EV for the charging process with totally free energy from your roof. Thus, a total energy solution will be provided where solar energy not only powers up your house but also provides you with an unlimited amount of power to charge your electric car with solar.
Solar SME offers different types of EV chargers for homes and businesses. EV chargers provide you with 25-40 miles of driving range per hour. They are significantly faster than the normal 120V plug.
On average, an EV requires about 400-500 kWh per month for its daily charging needs. The additional number of panels will be approximately 3-5, depending on your specific situation. Our engineers calculate both your car charging requirements and regular home energy use to determine how much solar energy generation capacity you need or, conversely, increase an existing system capacity.
Yes. By scheduling your car charging when solar power production is peaking (10am - 3pm), you'll be tapping into your panels with no real costs involved. Our Solar SME smart EV chargers can be scheduled for automatic charging during this time period. Adding a battery will also allow you to charge your EV at night from stored solar power. Your EV will now run purely on the power of the sun.
A level 2 EV charger will require a 240V circuit with 50 amps. Many times, the panel already has enough capacity; in some cases, a sub-panel will need to be added. This will be determined by our licensed electrician during the site survey, along with the cost included in a detailed estimate for the entire project prior to any work being done.
The price range for public DC fast chargers today is between $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh, which is higher than residential grid electricity rates. Solar EV charging is free during the day. The EV owner who spends between $1,500 to $2,000 yearly on public chargers can cut out nearly all that cost when they switch to residential solar-powered charging with an intelligent EV charger.
Yes. Solar SME provides commercial electric vehicle charging systems for fleets, office buildings, retail facilities, parking lots, and apartment complexes. Solar SME pairs rooftop or canopy solar power with Level 2 or DC fast charging to create solar charging stations, significantly reducing fleet fuel expenses.
The tax credits for EV charging stations experienced major changes in 2026; Nonetheless, many states and utility companies continue to provide rebates for the installation of residential and commercial charging stations, especially in designated census tracts. In Maryland, a $700 EV charger installation incentive is available. Solar SME is always up-to-date with any available charging station incentives, including rebates, per state and utility company, in our proposals.
A: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bidirectional charging allows a compatible EV to discharge stored battery power back to your house during a grid outage. EV batteries hold 60–100+ kWh - far more than most home batteries. Solar SME installs V2H-capable chargers for compatible vehicles, effectively turning your electric car into a powerful home backup power source.
A: All EVs with standard J1772 connectors are compatible with EV chargers. Tesla vehicles use a widely available NACS adapter. Solar SME installs smart chargers compatible with all major EV brands and verifies connector compatibility, charging protocol support, and solar integration capability during every free pre-installation site assessment.
Traditional EV chargers consume more than enough electricity to be incorporated into a typical battery backup circuit. But with Solar SME, we can customize your system with V2H-capable EV chargers that continue working during blackouts or integrate a separate backup circuit for an energy-saving EV charger that operates during grid blackouts. Let us know what your outage EV charging needs are during your design meeting, and we'll figure out the perfect solution.
Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation
The process of removal and re-installation of solar panels is a key service for people who have the need to install new roofing, do significant renovations to their homes or offices, move solar panel systems, or do emergency repairs. Most solar companies do not provide such a specialized service, making it difficult for the owner to find an insured and competent installer. Solar SME offers a range of high-quality services for removing and reinstalling solar panels across 11 major states.
Solar panel removal and reinstallation involve temporarily taking down the solar racks that support your system during construction, roofing, or renovation work, followed by a precise reinstallation back to its original state. Typical instances may include roof replacement, damage repairs, attic remodeling, and chimney work. Solar SME handles the entire R&R procedure, including disconnecting the panels safely, storing them securely, and finally reconnecting them to the electrical circuit without compromising the warranty period of your components.
No, as long as you entrust Solar SME, a licensed and qualified solar installation firm, with handling the solar removal and reinstallation process. The panel and inverter warranties will stay intact after having the solar system removed and reinstalled by a qualified specialist. Performing the removal by yourself or by an uncertified company can lead to panel damage and voiding of the warranty.
Absolutely. Solar SME offers its services regardless of who the original installer was. Our trained professionals will do an assessment before the removal of the panels to determine the system's specifications, such as the electrical components, mounting hardware, and the state of the panels themselves. We develop a comprehensive map of the system, allowing for a flawless replacement process.
In cases where the roof is due for replacement, Solar SME highly encourages you to do the replacement before the installation of solar panels. The reason being once the roof is damaged, you will have to pay for expensive removal and replacement service, and the newly replaced roof offers the best base for mounting the equipment. We do an honest evaluation of your roof in your free consultation session, and we won't encourage the installation of solar on an unfitting roof.
Of course! Solar SME will reinstall your solar system just as it was during the initial installation process with the help of matching mounting hardware. We conduct a performance test and compare your solar system output with your performance history. In case of damage to the equipment, we document it and offer a quotation for its replacement.
Get in touch with Solar SME at your earliest convenience, ideally 2-4 weeks prior to your roofing project. We will access your system, give you an exact quotation, and coordinate your timing with your roofer. Our scheduling staff schedules solar removal work in priority so that we minimize the time that your system is off the grid.
In most cases, yes, especially when the roof replacement itself is due to storm, hail, or wind damage. You should check your solar insurance policy for coverage on incidental removal and reinstallation costs. Solar SME gives you a detailed invoice listing all the necessary information required by insurance companies to claim solar repair expenses. We have helped many of our clients successfully claim their costs from their homeowners' insurance company.
Solar SME offers solar panel removal and reinstalling service in 11 major states, which include Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, and Arizona. Our teams operate under a scheduled system for providing quick and effective solutions. In case your premises are located at the edge of a service area, feel free to contact our office, as we will clarify availability. Solar SME is dedicated to servicing all Solar SME systems.
Got More Solar Questions?
Whether you need residential solar, battery storage, or EV charging solutions, our experts are ready to assist. Get in touch with Solar SME for professional support today.