FAQs
Honest Answers. Clear Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Going solar is a big decision, and we understand you probably have questions. At Superior Energy Solutions, we believe informed customers make the best decisions, so we’re here to provide real, straightforward answers. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often, from how solar works to what it costs, how incentives apply, and what happens if the power goes out.
Whether you’re just starting to explore solar or you’re ready for a detailed quote, this page is designed to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Is solar energy a good investment in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana?
Yes! Solar energy is an excellent long-term investment across rural areas of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. With rising electricity rates, advancements in solar technology, and federal incentives, solar systems can deliver a payback in as little as 4–10 years. At Superior Energy Solutions, we’ve been helping customers maximize their energy savings since 2009.
How does solar power work when the sun isn’t shining?
Our grid-tied solar energy systems are designed so you’ll always have power. When the sun isn’t shining, your system pulls electricity from the utility grid. When your system overproduces during sunny hours, the excess energy is sent back to the grid, often earning you net metering credits.
What kind of maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar energy systems are built to be low-maintenance and highly durable. With no moving parts, they typically require just an annual inspection and occasional cleaning. At Superior Energy Solutions, we offer optional maintenance plans for added peace of mind.
What solar incentives and rebates are available in my area?
The biggest benefit is the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC), available for residential, commercial, agricultural, and nonprofit solar installations. Many rural businesses and farms may also qualify for USDA grants. We help you identify and apply for all eligible incentives to reduce your upfront cost.
What if my roof is old or doesn’t face the right direction?
No problem. We assess every site to determine the best system type. If your roof isn’t ideal, we offer ground-mounted solar systems that work especially well for farms and commercial properties. We can also coordinate roof upgrades if needed.
How long does it take to install a solar system?
For residential solar projects, the full process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks from signed contract to final energization. Agricultural, commercial, and municipal systems may take longer due to permitting and utility requirements—but we manage the entire process for you, start to finish.
Do you install solar for farms and agricultural operations?
Yes, we specialize in agricultural solar systems for grain operations, irrigation systems, barns, shops, and more. As a rural-based contractor, we understand the unique power needs of farmers in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and we help secure REAP funding and other ag-specific incentives.
What happens if my solar system generates more power than I use?
If your solar panels produce more electricity than your property uses, the excess power is sent back to the utility grid. Through net metering, you earn energy credits that can be used to offset future usage, reducing your overall utility bill.
Do you offer financing for solar installations?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options, including $0-down loans for qualified homeowners, equipment financing for farms, and solar-specific commercial lending. We’ll work with you to find the best payment plan for your budget and energy goals.
Why choose Superior Energy Solutions over national solar companies?
Since 2009, Superior Energy Solutions has proudly served local communities across rural Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. As a locally owned and operated solar contractor, we bring personalized service, fast response times, and deep knowledge of local utility requirements—backed by over a decade of experience and a commitment to long-term customer support.
Do I need batteries?
No – Solar systems do not require batteries. The system is designed to produce the total amount of electricity you use during the year. The system is hooked into the grid, allowing the electrical supplier to purchase extra energy that is produced by the system. This process generates credits that are used to offset you bill when you use more energy than the system produces.
Does the solar require batteries?
Most systems are “”grid-tied”, and therefore do not use batteries. However, an off-grid application, or a grid-tied with battery backup system, will use batteries. Battery systems are continuously improving and makes sense for certain installations.
What type of battery do you use?
We typically don’t use batteries. However, when we do, we use a deep-cycle battery, like a golf-cart or marine battery. We recommend AGM type, so they do not require regular maintenance of fluids. New battery systems use various other types of batteries, i.e. lithium ion.
How much solar does an average home need?
There is no average home. We have installed as little as 6 and as many as 72 modules for a home. A large farm may use 288 modules, and a commercial installation can be unlimited.
How do you decide how many panels are needed?
We look at a recent electric bill and 12-month history to determine the recommended solar size. We typically design the solar system to produce 60% to 80% of the annual electricity usage.
Is it better to use ground mount or roof mount?
There are pros and cons to both; site evaluation and personal preference help determine which is best.
What is the life expectancy of a system?
Typically 30 to 40 years.
What is the warranty on solar?
Modules have a 25-year warranty on output plus ten-year product warranty, some inverters have a I 0-year warranty with options for extended warranty, others have up to 25-year warranty, and Superior Energy Solutions provides a I -year installation warranty.
How do I know how much solar power I am producing?
Inverters track their output, and the inverter manufacturers each have a website to track it, if there is internet access available at the solar site. Normally we also install a “utility grade” meter to record the total output of the solar.
What is your return on investment?
Residential is typically about 10-12 years and commercial/agricultural can be as short as 6-8 years. This is the equivalent to 6% to 12% return on your investment.
How much does one solar panel cost?
A single panel will not function without the various other equipment needed to make it work as a system. Each solar system is priced according to the parameters at the location. The largest parameter is the amount of electricity requested to be generated. Our design target is around 80% of the annual usage. Every building is different, so there is no average cost per panel.
What happens if the power goes out?
In a grid-tied system, your solar will also shut down and be restored when the power comes back on. This is to protect power-line workers. Battery backup, or off-grid systems will feed power to the Critical Needs Panel, while the solar will continue to charge the batteries.
How can I use my solar when the power is down?
You can install a battery backup system to utilize the solar for emergency circuits or install a whole house generator for all circuits in the house.
Is the solar equipment made in the USA?
There are manufacturers in the USA for all the equipment used in solar installations, but some of the components are made and/or assembled in other countries.
Is there enough sun in Ohio?
Yes, there is plenty of sun in Ohio, not as much as Arizona or California, but much more than Germany, which is one of the highest solar power producing countries in the world
Does the system operate when there is a power outage?
No, a standard solar system turns off when the grid is down. This is to protect workers as they repair the electrical grid. To install a system that will provide backup power when the power is out, you must purchase a battery and control box for the system.
Are you affiliated with the power company?
No – while many national companies’ salespeople make the claim. Electrical companies do not “partner with” or “employ” solar companies to help convert their customers to solar and cost them business. Electrical companies are legally obligated to allow customers to install solar systems on their property and tie into the grid. Many of these companies are great to work with and are very helpful in making the switch. However, their business is selling electricity, why would they pay someone to sell people on a product that will reduce their power usage?
What if I do not have a “smart meter”?
If you decide to install a solar system, the utility company will install a meter that will track the amount of power you produce (sell to the utility) and how much you use (purchased by you). The company will then show both amounts on your bill.
How close to the house does the solar system need to be?
How close to the house does the solar system need to be? It can be on the roof or up to 500 or more feet away.
How long does solar last?
Solar Technology has made great strides in the last several years. The system will last 30 years with standard equipment warranties of 25 years, providing worry free performance for the owner.
Is there any grant money available?
The federal government offers a tax credit to help off-set the cost of going solar. The tax credit is set at 22% in 2021, then 0% for residential, but remains at 10% for commercial solar installations. The USDA offers a 25% competitive grant called the REAP Grant for agriculture producers and commercial applications.
Is there financing available?
The Ohio State Treasurer offers a 3% reduction in the interest rate on a loan for solar panels called Eco-link for residential, and Re-Energize Ohio for commercial installations. Leasing arrangements are available on large solar installations.
What happens if there is an issue with the systems?
Each Solar System had continuous performance monitoring for the lifetime of the system. This monitoring allows a problem to be identified and notifies the owner and SES. We will then contact the system owner and arrange for an investigation of the problem and make the repair. While replacement of the components under warranty is free of charge, there is a fee for the labor required to install the replacement components.
What if the property is sold?
When a property with solar is sold, the value of the property should be higher than other similar properties without solar, since the electric bill will be considerably lower.
What incentives are available?
The government provides some incentives to encourage the purchase of solar systems. Every person and company that purchases a solar system is eligible for a 30% ITC tax credit. There are other incentives that are available based on each individual situation. These include additional tax credits, grants, depreciation bonuses, and other incentives.
Still have questions?
Contact the Superior Energy Solutions team in Kalida, OH today to schedule your free solar consultation or call us at 419-890-8067. We’re here to help you harness the power of the sun—whether it’s for your home, farm, school, business, or municipality.
