FAQ
Convert Solar is your local Virginia based expert in solar power. If you have a question about our services, are looking for advice, or want to schedule a consult, our experts are here to help.
We provide turnkey solar energy solutions for residential and commercial clients. Our areas of expertise include the contracting process of design, permitting, installation, inspection, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Our high quality solar site assessments enable you to be fully informed during your decision-making process.
We install photovoltaic cells, which are also called PV cells or solar panels. PV cells convert photons from sunlight into electricity. The panels or PV cells can be installed on the roof or mounted on the ground using pedestals or a rigid framework.
The basic setup is a grid-tied system where you are still connected to the electric grid. Solar power may be affected by extended periods of cloud cover, so staying connected to the grid ensures you can always meet your power and energy needs.
With a basic grid-tied setup without a battery, your solar panels will shut off during a grid power outage. An upgrade option is available to add an emergency backup power package.
Batteries are an optional upgrade feature to provide backup power during a grid outage. You will still be connected to the electric grid similar to a basic grid-tied system.
Convert Solar guides you through the process with software and solar site assessments. The amount of solar you need is a balancing act of available space, budget, and electric energy consumption.
Convert Solar is licensed with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) as a licensed Class A Alternative Energy Systems contractor.
Yes. Chad Wilkins and Ryan Healy are both NABCEP certified Solar PV Installers.
Convert Solar needs the legal address of your property and a recent copy of your electric bill. The electric bill allows the team to analyze your rate structure and determine how much energy you use monthly and annually.
Yes. After gathering your address and electric bill, Convert Solar can set an appointment at your property to meet, walk through the site together, and answer questions.
Convert Solar takes the information and provides a solar site assessment that details annual solar energy production, annual consumption offset, annual revenue, environmental benefits, cost, and financial analysis.
Net metering is a policy that compensates a solar energy generator when electricity is fed back into the grid. When the total power output of the solar panels exceeds what the property is consuming, excess power is fed into the electric grid.
Convert Solar processes the necessary net metering paperwork with the utility. After installation is complete, the utility swaps the existing meter with a net meter capable of reading bi-directional current flow.
Solar has a wide range of cost depending on system size. Convert Solar provides an accurate estimate that details total system cost, and the site assessment helps customers decide if solar is right for them.
Yes. Convert Solar provides detailed financial analysis showing expected savings, payback period, and return on investment.
The average residential payback period is 9 years. The average commercial payback period is 7 years.
Yes. Financing solar supplements the monthly utility bill with a new solar payment. Customers still receive additional benefits from the federal tax credit and helping the planet with clean energy.
Convert Solar offers direction on current state and federal incentives for residents of Virginia. For the most up-to-date information, call the team directly.
This tax credit incentive is processed by you or your tax professional with your return during filing season. Convert Solar can provide a copy of the forms they recommend.
Residential installation averages 1 day. Commercial jobs vary depending upon system size, averaging from 3-4 days for a smaller system to 3-4 weeks for a large system.
Yes. Convert Solar pulls all necessary permits with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction and makes the process easy and hassle free.
Yes. Convert Solar handles coordination and site visits with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction and sees everything through until final inspections have passed.
Solar panels typically have an industry standard production warranty of 80% by year 25. This means the panels should still produce at 80% of the initial nameplate capacity by year 25.
Inverters typically have a standard 10-12 year warranty. Convert Solar also has an upgrade option that can extend the standard warranty up to 20-25 years.
Convert Solar provides expert diagnosis of any system problem and the labor to resolve the issue free of charge for 10 years from the date of installation.
Convert Solar provides expert diagnosis of any system problem and the labor to resolve the issue free of charge for 10 years from the date of installation.
Convert Solar clients do not usually have roof leak issues as a result of panel installation. If a leak does occur, the team can remove the necessary panels to find and fix the leak.
Your system can be removed before shingle tear-off and re-installed after the new roof is in place. Convert Solar covers cost details of removal and re-installation during the site visit.
Yes. Maintenance is typically minimal and includes replacing any failed equipment. The panels usually stay clean through a combination of rain and warm weather.
Yes. Every system installed includes monitoring for both you and Convert Solar to view. Residential systems are typically monitored with panel-level monitoring, and commercial systems use string-level monitoring.
Convert Solar’s system monitoring capabilities provide the necessary data to ensure all components are performing properly.
Bon Air homes vary in age, roofline, and energy use, so each project begins with a detailed property review. Convert Solar analyzes your actual previous 12 months of electricity usage, performs a drone roof assessment, and evaluates the available solar exposure before creating a system plan for your home.
Choose between purchasing your solar system or moving forward with a solar lease. Our team explains the structure, responsibilities, and benefits of each option in straightforward terms, helping you make an informed decision based on your household’s needs.
Convert Solar keeps your project coordinated through every major stage. Our in-house professionals manage system planning, engineering, permit filings, installation, and utility interconnection applications, giving you one experienced team from the initial assessment through activation.
Provider relationships with leading solar manufacturers and trusted industry brands.
FAQ
Share a few details about your property or project and Convert Solar can route your request to the right local team.
