Frequently Asked Questions

From equipment and design to financing and install timelines, get clear answers for your home, commercial, and off-grid solar questions.

Home Solar

Equipment & Design

What size system do I need?

We size your system using 12 months of kWh usage, roof space, shading, and goals (bill offset, backup, EV). Your proposal includes a production model and right-sized options.

Which panel and inverter brands do you install?

We use top-tier, warrantied equipment selected for reliability and support. Exact makes and models are listed in your proposal with datasheets.

Will solar damage my roof?

No, mounts are flashed and sealed to manufacturer specs. If your roof is near end-of-life, we'll coordinate re-roofing before install to protect warranties.

Installation & Timeline

How long does the whole process take?

A few weeks to a few months depending on permitting and utility review. The on-site installation itself is typically 1–2 days for a standard roof system.

Who handles permits and inspections?

Lunex manages design, permitting, utility paperwork, and inspections end-to-end. We'll keep you updated at each milestone.

Do I need to be home during installation?

Someone 18+ should be available for access to the electrical panel and any interior equipment locations, plus a quick walkthrough at completion.

Incentives & Financing

What financing options are available?

Cash purchase and $0-down loans with various terms. We'll show estimated payments alongside your production and savings projections.

Are there incentives or tax benefits?

Programs vary by location and utility. Your proposal outlines currently available options and eligibility. Please consult a tax professional for personal advice.

Should I lease or buy my system?

Buying typically maximizes long-term savings and home value. Leases/PPAs can reduce upfront costs and shift some responsibilities. The best choice depends on your goals.

Utility & Net Metering

How does net metering work?

Excess solar flows to the grid and earns credits per your utility's policy, which offset usage when production is lower.

What is Permission to Operate (PTO)?

PTO is the utility's final approval to energize your system after inspections. We submit the paperwork and notify you when it's granted.

Will my electric bill drop to zero?

Most customers still see small fixed charges or seasonal usage. We model an annual offset that fits your roof, budget, and utility rules.

Monitoring & Warranties

How do I monitor my system?

You'll get app and web access to real-time and historical production. We can enable alerts so our team is notified if output trends change.

What warranties are included?

Panels and inverters include manufacturer warranties, and Lunex provides a workmanship warranty. Coverage terms appear in your contract and proposal.

What maintenance is required?

Solar is low-maintenance. Rain usually keeps panels clean; occasional rinsing may help if buildup occurs. We're available for service if needed.

Commercial Solar

Feasibility & System Design

How do you determine if my facility is a good fit?

We analyze your load profile, roof/land area, shading, and interconnection options. You'll get a preliminary layout, production model, and savings scenarios.

Can my roof support solar, or should we consider carports?

A structural review confirms roof capacity and attachment method. If the roof is limited, canopy/carport or ground-mount options can unlock a larger system.

What assumptions go into your savings model?

We model weather-normalized production, tariff structures (including demand charges), and degradation. Sensitivity analysis shows outcomes under different usage and rate paths.

Financing (Cash/Lease/PPA) & Incentives

What's the difference between cash purchase, lease, and a power purchase agreement (PPA)?

A cash purchase maximizes lifetime savings and gives you full ownership of the system. A lease or PPA lets you avoid upfront costs and pay predictable monthly amounts, which can be helpful when preserving capital or keeping solar off your balance sheet.

What incentives might apply to my project?

Programs vary by location, utility, and project type. We'll outline applicable incentives in your proposal and coordinate required documentation.

Who owns the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and tax benefits?

Ownership depends on your financing structure and contracts. We'll clearly document who retains RECs and tax benefits during contracting. We recommend looping in your tax advisor early to help you capture the full value of your savings.

Interconnection & Utility Studies

Will my project require a utility impact study?

Larger systems often need screening and impact studies. We manage the process and incorporate any export limits or upgrades into the final design.

Can we export excess energy to the grid?

Export rules depend on your utility and tariff. We'll design for self-consumption or controlled export based on the most economical path for your facility.

What's the interconnection timeline?

Expect several weeks to a few months depending on queue and study needs. We'll share a milestone schedule and keep stakeholders aligned.

Construction & Schedule

How disruptive is export construction to operations?

We phase work to minimize impact, coordinate access and safety plans, and schedule high-impact tasks off-hours when possible. Most work is exterior and contained.

What safety standards do you follow?

Crews follow OSHA and AHJ requirements with site-specific safety plans and daily toolbox talks. All subcontractors adhere to Lunex safety policies.

How long does export construction take?

Small commercial jobs can finish in weeks; larger rooftops or canopies can run a few months. We'll provide a detailed schedule with milestones.

Monitoring, O&M & Performance

What's included in O&M after commissioning?

Monitoring, alerts, and defined response times are standard. We offer preventative maintenance visits, reporting, and performance reviews per your SLA.

Do you offer performance guarantees?

If included, guarantees specify output thresholds and remedies. We rely on conservative modeling and transparent reporting to keep performance on track.

How do we access monitoring and reports?

You'll receive role-based access for your team and automated monthly summaries. Asset-level alerts help us respond quickly to anomalies.

Off-Grid Solar

System Sizing & Load Profile

How do you size an off-grid system?

We start with a detailed load audit (daily kWh and surge loads), then size PV, battery, and inverter capacity to meet your autonomy and growth goals.

How many days of autonomy do I need?

Most sites target 2–4 days, adjusted for climate and critical loads. We model seasonal production to right-size storage without overspending.

Can I expand later?

Yes, modular designs allow additional PV or batteries. We plan for expandability in racking, combiner capacity, and inverter selection.

Batteries & Generator Backup

Do I still need a generator with batteries?

A generator adds resilience during long storms or peak seasonal loads. We configure auto-start to protect battery health and reduce fuel use.

Lithium vs. lead-acid, which is better off-grid?

Lithium (LFP) batteries provide more usable capacity, charge faster, and last longer, but they cost more upfront. Lead-acid batteries are less expensive at first but require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.

How do you size battery capacity?

We align storage with daily kWh, surge loads, days of autonomy, and generator strategy, balancing comfort, resilience, and budget.

Inverters, Controllers & Architecture

AC-coupled vs. DC-coupled, what's the difference?

AC-coupled systems are flexible for retrofits; DC-coupled can be more efficient for charging batteries. We'll recommend based on loads and equipment.

What inverter/charger type should I use?

We look at surge ratings, parallel/stacking capability, and generator integration. Pure sine wave inverters are standard for sensitive electronics.

Do I need MPPT charge controllers?

Charge controllers regulate the flow of power from your solar panels to your batteries. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers adjust voltage and current to maximize energy harvest and work well with higher-voltage arrays. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers are a simpler, lower-cost option that work best for very small off-grid systems. For most modern setups, MPPT is preferred as your system size grows.

Installation, Safety & Code

Are permits required for off-grid systems?

Many areas still require electrical and building permits, even for off-grid setups. We design to meet all applicable codes and coordinate with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), such as your city or county permitting office.

Roof-mount or ground-mount, what's better off-grid?

Ground-mounts simplify maintenance and snow clearing; roof-mounts can reduce cost and trenching. Site specifics and winter access drive the choice.

What safety practices do you follow?

We adhere to electrical and structural code, use labeled disconnects, and design for safe service access. Commissioning includes system tests and owner training.

Monitoring, Maintenance & Support

Can I monitor my off-grid system remotely?

Yes, most inverters and battery systems support remote dashboards and alerts. We can enable notifications for low SOC, generator runtime, and fault events.

What spare parts should I keep on site?

We recommend critical spares like fuses, breakers, combiner lids, and a backup communication dongle, especially for remote sites or harsh climates.

What happens if something fails?

Open a ticket and we'll triage via monitoring data. If needed, a technician visits with the right parts. Warranty claims are coordinated through Lunex.

Electrical Services

Panel & Service Upgrades

When do I need an electrical panel upgrade?

If your panel is undersized, frequently trips breakers, or can't support new loads like an EV charger, solar system, or heat pump, an upgrade is likely needed. We'll assess your current capacity and recommend the right service size.

How do I know if my panel is outdated or unsafe?

Panels over 25–30 years old, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panels, or those with signs of corrosion, burn marks, or double-tapped breakers should be evaluated by a licensed electrician. We can inspect and advise.

What's the difference between a 100A, 200A, and 400A service?

Service size determines how much power your home or facility can draw at once. 200A is standard for most modern homes; 400A is common for larger homes with high electrical loads or commercial applications. We size based on your current and anticipated usage.

EV Charger Installation

What type of EV charger should I install at home?

Most homeowners benefit from a Level 2 (240V) charger, which charges significantly faster than a standard outlet. We'll recommend a charger compatible with your vehicle and install the dedicated circuit it requires.

Do I need a panel upgrade to add an EV charger?

Not always. If your panel has available capacity, we can add a dedicated circuit without an upgrade. We'll evaluate your panel during the quote process and let you know upfront.

Can you install EV chargers for commercial properties or fleets?

Yes. We design and install multi-unit charging infrastructure for offices, parking structures, and fleet facilities, including load management systems to keep demand charges in check.

Generators & Backup Power

What type of generator is right for my home or business?

Standby generators that run on natural gas or propane offer automatic, whole-home backup. Portable generators are lower cost but require manual setup. We'll walk through your critical loads and budget to find the right fit.

How does a generator integrate with my electrical system?

We install a transfer switch that safely isolates your home from the grid and connects your generator during an outage. This prevents backfeed and protects utility workers.

Can a generator work alongside a solar and battery system?

Yes. In a properly designed system, the generator acts as a backup source when batteries are low and solar production is insufficient, with automatic or manual handoff depending on the configuration.

Inspections & Code Compliance

Do electrical upgrades require permits?

Yes. All electrical work we perform is permitted and inspected per your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). We handle the permitting process and coordinate inspections end-to-end.

My home is older — are there code compliance concerns I should know about?

Older homes may have aluminum wiring, ungrounded outlets, or outdated panel equipment that doesn't meet current code. We'll identify any concerns during assessment and explain your options clearly.

How long does a permitted electrical job take from start to finish?

Timeline depends on permit queue and scope of work. Most residential jobs are completed within a few days of permit approval. We'll share a milestone schedule after the quote is finalized.

Wiring, Circuits & General Work

Can you add circuits for new appliances or a home addition?

Yes. Whether it's a new kitchen appliance, workshop, or finished basement, we can design and install dedicated circuits to handle the load safely.

What's the difference between a GFCI and AFCI outlet or breaker?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets protect against shock in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers protect against electrical fires caused by arc faults in wiring. Both are required by code in specific locations and we install them to meet current NEC standards.

Do you handle commercial electrical work as well?

Yes. We work on commercial properties including lighting, panel upgrades, EV infrastructure, and tenant improvement electrical scopes. Reach out for a site assessment.