Sungevity Frequently Asked Questions

(510) 200-8947
66 Franklin St, Suite 310
Oakland, CA 94607
Q: Will my roof leak with a solar system on it?
A: "No. We follow all the best practices recommended by the American Roofing Association to ensure that any kind of roof penetration is flashed and otherwise sealed up. This isn’t the case across the industry, but for us, it’s standard practice. We use the same tools and materials as professional roofers and follow their guidelines and policies. And we try to minimize the potential for leakage by using systems designed to require fewer penetrations, as well as less intrusive mounting structures to secure them to the rafters."
Q: How does a solar system work?
A: "We have a great deal of information on our website (www.sungevity.com) to help people understand the process. Basically, the solar panels attached to your roof generate electricity from sunlight. This energy is then sent to an inverter, and from there it flows into your home. If your home system generates more power than you use, the excess is sent to your utility company, and you’ll get a credit on your bill. If you use more energy than what your system generates, you’ll draw on the utility’s electricity. Your electric bill with be calculated using a process called ‘net metering,’ which takes into account your total use."
Q: Why should I buy a solar system? Didn’t the White House try it 30 years ago and then remove panels because it didn’t work?
A: "It’s true that Jimmy Carter installed a solar system in the White House during his presidency and made a statement to the effect of, ‘It would be a symbol of a road not taken if it stopped here.’ And it’s true that it was a road not taken, because the system was removed from the roof during the Reagan administration—not because it wasn’t performing, but for required maintenance and cleaning. Unfortunately, it was never returned to its proper place. We’re constantly trying to redress that misunderstanding. Currently, we’re joining with other solar partners to encourage the Obama administration to reinstall solar panels on the White House. Please visit www.solaronthewhitehouse.com for more information."
Q: I can’t afford the upfront payment. How can you help me?
A: "Solar power has traditionally been presented as an upfront capital purchase, because you’re actually buying into the service of electricity. Fortunately, homeowners have more than one option. We offer a fantastic lease that effectively allows about half the value of the solar system to be financed by U.S. Bank, through which a monthly payment structure can be arranged with the customer. This makes it affordable for many people who would otherwise shy away from solar."
Q: What kind of savings will I experience?
A: "We see 60 percent or more of our customers making some money every month from their solar electricity bills versus their old utility bill—on average, about 15 percent savings. Another thing to keep in mind is that conventional electricity rates tend to rise, whereas solar rates basically remain flat. So the difference will grow from 15 percent savings to more than 20 percent savings over the 10-year term of the lease."
Q: What kind of benefits will I realize if I decide to lease from your company? Will you help me through all the steps?
A: "We spare our customers the burden of dealing with such things as design engineering, implementation and permanent application. What’s amazing is that half of the work isn’t on the roof itself but in the paperwork required to follow up on local permits, the interconnection application with the utility, and so forth. We take away all that hassle by processing everything as smoothly as we can. We also provide guaranteed installments along with free cleaning and maintenance."