Without a battery, a standard grid-tied solar system shuts off automatically during an outage — this is a safety requirement to protect utility workers. Adding a battery backup changes that entirely. When the grid goes down, your battery kicks in and keeps your home powered using the energy your panels have stored.
Yes. We work with multiple battery brands to find the right fit for your home, budget, and energy goals. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the options and recommend the best solution for your situation. Call us at (509) 593-8036 to get started.
It depends on the size of your battery bank and how much you’re drawing. A single battery can typically power essential loads — lights, refrigerator, phone charging, a few outlets — for 10-24 hours. Pair it with your solar panels and the system recharges during the day, giving you extended or even indefinite backup during a prolonged outage.
Yes, it’s possible. A properly sized solar array combined with enough battery storage can power your home independently of the utility grid entirely. We’ll design a system around your actual energy usage to make sure you’re covered day and night, summer and winter. Off-grid setups require more planning and typically a larger investment, but for the right homeowner, it’s a great long-term solution.
Yes. For homeowners who want the ultimate backup plan, we install generators that can work alongside your solar and battery system. A generator provides peace of mind on extended cloudy stretches or during high-demand periods when batteries alone may not be enough.
It depends on your priorities and budget. A battery is silent, automatic, and charges from your solar panels — great for short outages and daily energy independence. A generator is a powerful backup for extended outages or off-grid living, but requires fuel. Many of our customers choosea complete, resilient energy system. We’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home.
In most cases, yes. If you already have solar installed — whether by another company or us — we can evaluate your current system and recommend compatible battery options. Give us a call,and we’ll take a look.
Panel prices, efficiency, and warranty quality have never been better. Electricity rates in Eastern Washington average about 4% increases per year — and with aging grid infrastructure and potential peak-rate charges on the horizon, locking in your energy costs now with solar is one of the smartest financial moves a homeowner can make.
It depends on your energy usage. The easiest way to find out is to call your utility and ask for your rolling 12-month kWh total. From there, we can size a system to offset 50%, 80%, or 100% of your usage — whatever your goal is. You can also use our online calculator for a quick estimate.
When your solar system produces more electricity than you’re using, the excess goes back to the grid and your meter runs backward — effectively banking that credit on your utility bill. You draw on those credits at night or on cloudy days. In our area, unused credits reset around April 1st, so we size your system to make sure you use up what you produce throughout the year.
Yes, any legitimate system should come with monitoring included.
Solar panels typically carry a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 25-year production warranty. Microinverters come with a 25-year warranty. String inverters are generally 10-12 years. We’ll confirm exact warranties once your equipment is selected.
Almost none. Panels are designed to be self-cleaning — rain and snow take care of most dirt. Ground-mounted arrays may need occasional cleaning. There are no moving parts and nothing to winterize.
Not a problem. East or west-facing roofs typically see only a 10-15% reduction in output compared to south-facing. We simply adjust the number of panels to hit your target production.
Research consistently shows solar adds value at resale. Nationally, buyers pay a premium for solar homes. In the Tri-Cities, homeowners have seen gains ranging from $1 to over $11 per watt depending on system size and market conditions.
Most residential solar installations are completed in 1-2 days. The full process from contract to permission to operate typically takes a few weeks, as it includes permitting and utility interconnection paperwork — but the actual work on your home is fast and minimally disruptive.
It’s worth thinking about. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, we recommend replacing it before installation to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling your panels down the road. We’re happy to assess your roof during the design consultation and give you an honest recommendation.
Absolutely. We offer solar removal and reinstallation starting at $200, which includes all new railing as part of the price. Give us a call at (509) 593-8036 to get a quote for your specific system.
It’s fully automated. A sensor monitors when heat is available, then directs your pool water through the solar panels on your roof. The system cycles until your target temperature is reached, then stops. No manual controls needed.
Absolutely. Most of our customers swim at their target temperature (78-80°F) from mid-May through September — a significant extension of the swimming season.
Both of our system options are designed to last 20+ years. Warranties are 7 years (limited lifetime) or 12 years, depending on the product selected.
Very little. The systems drain back automatically after each cycle, so there’s no winterization needed for the panels — just your normal pool pump winterization.
Solar pool heating uses the sun to warm water as it circulates through rooftop collectors. It’s simple, reliable, and runs when the sun is out—so your pool stays warmer without the constant cost of traditional heating.
Quality pool heating systems can last a long time when installed properly and maintained. The best indicator is the warranty and the track record of the equipment we install.
Very little. Most maintenance is just seasonal checks and keeping the system clean and running correctly. We’ll explain what to watch for.
Yes—when sized correctly for your pool and goals. The key is proper sizing and realistic expectations based on the season and your pool use.
You can, but most DIY installs miss key details (plumbing layout, roof penetration sealing, correct sizing). A professional install ensures performance and prevents roof issues.
