All Energy Solar

Going Solar 101

Working With All Energy Solar

We’ve served thousands of residential and business customers in multiple states across the U.S.A. With that experience comes a proven process where we take your project every step of the way from start to finish. Take a look at some of the most common questions we get.

Who is All Energy Solar?

All Energy Solar is a premier full-service solar energy installer based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with offices located in Wisconsin and  Massachusetts, and services extending to Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. We’ve been providing solar energy solutions since 2009, and we’ve installed thousands of systems throughout the country for property owners of all kinds.

Which solar incentives do I qualify for?

All Energy Solar does all the legwork for you to find the incentive applicable to your solar project. We fill out and submit all the paperwork for incentive applications, too.

Learn more about solar incentives available to you.

How can I prepare my property for the Engineering Site Visit? (ESV)

The ESV is an important step that involves going to a property to gather information critical for creating an accurate proposal and design for a solar panel system. The technician will look at the roof condition, roof pitch, existing electrical panels, shading on the property and more. The most important thing a client can do for an ESV tech is to ensure that roads and paths to the property are clear and unobstructed. Also, secure any pets or livestock that could interfere with the technician’s evaluation. 

Do I have to pay for my solar panels upfront?

You can, but you don’t have to. There are options to pay for your system, including direct financing, solar incentives, tax rebates, and more. If the property belongs to a business or non-profit, and/or is located in a rural location,  there may be even more incentives and financing options available.  The only way to find out is to get a free evaluation. Act soon, some incentives are limited to first come, first served!

Preparing for Your Installation

While you’re working through the process and waiting for the scheduled date of your solar installation, there are some things you can do and keep in mind.

How will my system be designed?

The system designed by All Energy Solar will be based on your needs and your property’s unique features. We’ll take a look at your electricity consumption patterns over the past 12+ months to see how many panels you need to generate energy to meet your energy demands. The roof of your property will be taken into consideration of the design, including angles, obstructions and shade potential. Ultimately we want to get your stamp of approval on the final design specs.

What if my roof needs to be replaced or trees are in the way?

You will want to ensure that the roof is in good condition before proceeding with solar panels. Your solar representative should have indicated during your evaluation whether your roof was a good candidate for solar. If your property is within 80 miles of All Energy Solar’s St. Paul, Minnesota headquarters, we can help you with a roof replacement or repair prior to solar panel installation. If your property is outside of this radius, you will want to work with a trusted roofer to replace or repair your roof. If there are trees you want to cut down to increase your solar energy production, you will want to do this before your installation design is finalized to get the most accurate projected energy output for your design.

How should I prepare my property for the day the solar installers arrive?

A solar installation should be fairly simple and non-invasive. That said, make sure the area the installers will be working in is unobstructed and easily accessible. Be sure to clear anything that may be in the way of your electric panel and utility meter, in addition to areas where a battery system or electric vehicle charger may be installed. Secure any pets or livestock that could interfere with the installers’ work.

Once the installers arrive, how long does it take to install solar panels?

Most residential solar systems can be installed in 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity. For larger commercial installations, it may take several weeks to get all the panels and wiring in place.

Are there other things I can do ahead of my solar installation?

Conducting your own internal energy audit could be helpful. Some appliances need to be on all the time, such as refrigerators and freezers, though more energy-efficient models are on the market these days. However, there are many electronic devices that consume energy even when they appear to be off. If it has a red indicator light, odds are it’s still using power, it’s just simply in standby mode. Adjusting your property’s energy usage can maximize the cost-saving benefits of your solar panels.

Download our eBook, Energy Vampires, to learn more about the devices in your home increasing your energy consumption—without you even realizing it.

How can I prepare my property for the Engineering Site Visit? (ESV)

The ESV is an important step that involves going to a property to gather information critical for creating an accurate proposal and design for a solar panel system. The technician will look at the roof condition, roof pitch, existing electrical panels, shading on the property and more. The most important thing a client can do for an ESV tech is to ensure that roads and paths to the property are clear and unobstructed. Also, secure any pets or livestock that could interfere with the technician’s evaluation. 

Post-Installation Questions

The day has finally come and your solar panels have been installed! Here are some things to know that can keep your solar panels working great for long into the future.

How can I tell if my solar panels are working?

The most immediate way to tell if your solar panels are working is to look at your monitoring device, software, or app. The longer-term way to tell if your solar panels are working is to regularly review your energy bill or utility statement. Make it a regular habit to check both your monitoring and your energy bill. If you suspect that one or more of your panels isn’t working or if your monitoring is inaccessible or incorrect, please take a look at our Contact Customer Service for troubleshooting tips or to submit a support ticket.

Download our Solar Energy Monitoring eBook to learn more about monitoring your solar panels.

What do I need to do to maintain my solar panels?

A solar system that’s designed, installed, and maintained properly can last more than 30 years. That said, there is very little maintenance associated with owning solar panels. There are a few steps you can take to help ensure they stay in tip-top shape. Check out our eBooks about Taking Care of Your Solar Panels and how your Solar Energy Monitoring system works.

Download our helpful eBooks on caring for Solar Panels and solar monitoring to learn more.

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

Most solar panels are designed to tilt at an angle, allowing most dust, dirt, debris and snow to fall off or blow away easily with the wind. Rain typically eliminates the need for regular cleaning of any kind. Review our tips to keep your solar panels clean, but if you suspect they are dirty enough to require intervention, please contact All Energy Solar first. It may not be safe for you to clean the panels yourself, and any damage caused by cleaning tools or chemicals could impact your warranty coverage.

What is the warranty coverage for my solar installation?

Most All Energy Solar systems are warrantied for up to 25 years. That said, your individual solar project will likely have multiple warranties of varying coverage. Each component, from racking and panels to inverters and accessories like electric vehicle chargers and/or batteries, will have its own warranty. Additionally, the workmanship of the efforts put forth by the installers will have a warranty period. Please consult your closeout documentation or contact your solar project coordinator for more information. You can also reach out to our customer service department.

I’ve experienced hail damage, lightning strike, property fire, tornado, or other catastrophes that require roof repair and/or solar panel replacement. How can All Energy Solar help?

Bring us into the repair and replacement process as soon as you know that your solar panels have been impacted by an adverse event. If your property is within 80 miles of All Energy Solar’s St. Paul, Minnesota headquarters, we can perform the roof replacement or repair at the same time as your solar panels are replaced or repaired. If your property is outside of this radius, or you want to work with a roofer you already trust, we can work with that company to ensure that your replacement and repair needs are completed in a way that preserves the warranties associated with your solar array(s).

What happens if I want to sell my solar-powered property?

It can be easy to transfer ownership of your solar panels to the next owner of the property. Some things that might need to change hands include financing, net metering agreements, monitoring login information, and more. If you’re selling or have sold your solar home, or you recently purchased a property with an All Energy Solar installation, contact us as soon as possible so we can get the paperwork and process going for you.

Certified and Trusted Experts

NABCEP Board Certified - PV Installation Professional
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
SEIA - Solar Energy Industries Association
SolarReviews 2023 -Trusted Solar Brands
energysage - Elite + Screened and Verified

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