YOUR HOME SOLAR SYSTEM
Love your new panels? Now, let's talk savings.
Congratulations! As a new solar homeowner, you can now produce your own power. Use the resources below to learn more about your solar energy system including maintenance, performance, and savings.
Solar Savings 101
Most homeowners go solar to save money. But how does it work? And how can you track the results? Explore the basics of solar energy savings with our top two how-tos.
Top resources for new solar homeowners
Know what to anticipate in the months and years ahead, and how to get the most out of your investment.
Solar System Performance
Explore the key factors that impact solar panel performance.
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Seasonality in Solar Production
Your solar energy savings will vary throughout the year. Learn what to expect.
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Account Login
Log in to your Palmetto account for new features and performance tracking.
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Electricity Bill Integration
See how and why to sync your electricity bill (if available in your area).
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Tax Credit Eligibility & Forms
Make sure you’re ready for tax season with our guide to the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
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Troubleshooting Your Solar Energy System
Learn how to reset your system if you see a lapse in performance.
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Permission to Operate: Steps & Requirements
Permission to Operate or PTO indicates that it's time to activate your system. See the process and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact for support?
Please reach out to our Customer Experience Team by clicking Support in your Palmetto account. You can also email help@palmetto.com or call (855) 339-1831. Click here to see hours and holidays.
How can I tell if my solar panels are working?
Keep an eye on your Palmetto account. While system performance varies throughout the year—due to temperature, cloud cover, day length, and other factors—sudden dips or lapses in performance may indicate a need for repair. In most cases, we can automatically see if a system is down, and work with you to get production restored. However, some errors may not trigger an alert.
By tracking your performance in the app, you’ll be able to quickly respond to any dips in performance that may impact your monthly and long-term savings.
Do I have a warranty?
Yes. Every solar energy system installed by Palmetto includes a panel, inverter, workmanship, and roof penetration warranty. See your contract for terms and conditions.
What happens if I produce more power than I need?
If you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced can flow back into the grid, and earn you credit on your electricity bill.
How does solar energy work with my electricity company?
It depends on how electric rates are structured in your area. If you’re in an area with full 1:1 net metering, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy produced by your solar power system counts as a credit towards your energy bill. When your panels produce more energy than you use, the excess power is fed into the grid for use in your community. When your panels produce less energy than you use, you can draw power from the grid. Your bill will be calculated based on the total energy you use relative to the total energy you produce.
If, however, you’re in an area with time-of-use rates, your electricity fees are structured to increase during peak usage hours when demand is high, and decrease during low usage or off-peak hours when demand is lower. In this case, a solar power storage system may be an easy way to save more money on your monthly electricity costs by allowing you to tap into stored energy when rates go up, and rely on grid power when rates are low.
Are solar panels expensive to maintain?
Solar panels require little to no maintenance and often reduce the overall maintenance costs of your home by protecting the structure of your roof. All solar panels installed by Palmetto must meet our minimum manufacturer warranty standards: A 12-25 year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee.
Your investment may also include Palmetto Protect maintenance and service coverage. See your contract for details.
If there is a power outage, will my power go out?
If your solar energy system does not include a home battery, then yes, your power will go out. In the event of an outage, all standalone solar energy systems will automatically shut down in accordance with grid codes and mandatory inverter specifications, in order to protect the workers that are repairing the power grid.
How do solar tax incentives and rebates work?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit can be applied toward solar panels, solar batteries, and in-home vehicle chargers, and allows you to deduct a percentage of your solar system and installation costs from your total tax liability for the year of purchase. If your credit is higher than your total tax liability for the year of purchase, the difference can be rolled over to subsequent years. To learn more about the tax credit, visit Everything You Need To Know About The Solar Tax Credit.
On top of the Residential Clean Energy Credit, many states, municipalities, and electric utilities offer credits, incentives, and rebates. These vary by location but our solar energy specialists are familiar with the offerings in your area and can help you optimize your returns.
How does the Solar Tax Credit work with my loan?
If you’re eligible for the Solar Tax Credit and apply the full value of your savings toward your solar loan within the first 18 months, your monthly payment will remain fixed for the life of the loan.
If you choose not to apply your savings toward your solar loan, your monthly payment will increase in month 19 to reflect the full principal of the loan.
Please contact your lender to discuss any prepayment, downpayment, or other re-amortization options.
What if I need to move or sell my home after I’ve installed solar panels?
While it is possible to remove solar panels and reinstall them on a new home, it's often preferable to sell the home with the panels in place. Solar panels increase the value of your home, making it stand out, sell faster, and earn more in the national real estate market. If you choose to lease your solar array, it can easily be transferred to the new homeowner.
How do I access my Palmetto account?
Click here for detailed instructions on how to log in to your Palmetto solar account. If you still need help, please contact our Customer Experience Team at 855-339-1831 or help@palmetto.com.
What are the features of my Palmetto solar account?
Your Palmetto account is your dashboard to solar savings! Once your solar energy system has been activated, your account dashboard will offer a detailed view of your solar energy production—available by day, week, or month. You can also request service, connect with support, and manage your account.
Your clean energy questions answered
It's a smart choice to own your electricity, made smarter with knowledge and support.
Solar Panel Payback Period
See the factors that impact your solar panel payback period, and how to calculate your own return on investment.
How To Electrify Your Home
Explore the ways to electrify your home, including the pros, cons, costs, and rebates associated with modern home electrification.
Your Guide to Net Metering
Review what net metering is, how net metering works, and if net metering is available in your area.
Solar Power Maintenance And Service Guide
Learn how to tell if you need solar maintenance and common causes of damage.
Selling A House With Solar Panels
Get tips for selling a house with solar panels (and how they increase the value of your home).
You’ve come so far!
As you look ahead to cleaner power, lower electricity bills, and years of solar energy savings, don’t forget how far you’ve come and the information you learned along the way.
STEP 1: Proposal to Contract
You've reviewed a proposal and decided to go solar. What happens next? View our early guide to going solar: costs, financing, incentives, and next steps.
See STEP 1
STEP 2: Contract to Installation
While we work with your local permitting office and electricity company to secure required approvals, you can review pre- and post-installation resources so you know what to expect.
See STEP 2
STEP 3: Installation to Power
Your system is installed. You're ready for power. But wait! There are still two steps that remain. Prepare you for your first year of ownership while you wait for final approval.
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Have a question?
We’re here to help! Our Customer Experience team is available to answer questions, address concerns, and make sure you're getting the most out of your Palmetto solar energy system.