Frequently Asked Questions

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Key Insights We Have and Share with You

Interested In Solar

My Home and Solar

Solar Prep

Why should I switch to solar?

The sun rises every day. That's why solar power is a completely renewable, reliable and clean energy source. It reduces our reliance on dirty sources of power such as oil, coal and natural gas, which produce harmful emissions affecting our health and environment.

In addition, solar panels and home batteries are becoming more affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient. They provide peace of mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or the next storm strikes. Unlike those from your utility, Lunar Solar customers pay predictable, affordable rates for 20 to 25 years. With home solar, you get to control your energy future.

Is my home good for solar?

A lot of things affect how well-suited your home is for solar, including where your home is, the angle of your roof, how much shade it gets throughout the day, and how old your home is.

Our solar advisors can help you determine if your home is a good fit for solar at the moment.

How many solar panels will my home need?

Every household is different. When determining the number of solar panels your home needs, consider the following questions:

How much power do I need? Check your electric bills to see how many kilowatt hours (kWhs) you use throughout the year. We’ll go over this with you in detail during your free solar consultation to figure out just how much power your panels will need to produce.

What’s your climate like? The number of panels you need depends on how much sun reaches the ground where you are.

How much direct sun hits your roof? Shading, which direction your roof faces, and any aesthetic preferences you have can impact how big your system needs to be.

Why do you need my historical electricity usage?

Your historical electricity usage allows us to design a custom solar system that is the right size for your home.

Electricity usage varies from person to person and from season to season. That’s why we request a full year of your electricity bills so we can build a system that’s right for you.

Your sales consultant is trained to review a year’s worth of usage data so we can get the full picture. Energy usage can change with the seasons so we look at 12-months of data to best understand your home’s usage patterns and needs.

How do you customize my solar system?

We customize your home solar system by taking into account your past usage, the available roof space and your design preferences to make sure the system will work for you and your home.

We start with your historical usage and design a solar system that will provide you with the right amount of power based on how much you normally use.

Then we look at your roof via satellite imagery to see how many panels can fit on each roof plane, keeping in mind that south-facing roofs are the best for solar.

We verify our measurements and system design with a site survey,a visit to your home to check the roof and your main electrical panel.

Finally, we reconfirm our final design with you so you know exactly what it will look like and how much electricity you'll receive from solar.

If you want to learn about the efficiency of your panels or review what the equipment will look like for your specific home, talk to your sales consultant.

Will I notice anything different after I go solar?

After you switch to solar, you won’t notice a difference. Your lights, appliances, televisions and everything else that uses electricity will work exactly as they did before.

How much energy you end up having to buy from your utility depends on the size of your solar system and how much electricity you're actually using.

Because of weather and seasonal changes, your utility bill will vary from month to month.

Does my state offer incentives to go solar?

See where Sunrun currently operates and what solar incentives may be available in your state. The most common solar incentives include state tax credits, net metering and rebates from your local utility.

Will solar panels increase the value of my home?

Just like any upgrade, installing a home solar system can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A 2019 study showed that, on average, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than homes without solar panels.

(Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/)

Installation

Who will help me when I have questions?

From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Lunar Solar pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.

Your sales consultant will work with our design team to customize your solar system and find the right payment plan for your needs. Then a project coordinator who is well-versed in your region will manage the rest of the process.

After your system is up and running, our customer care team will be your go-to for any questions or concerns you have.

There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.

What happens during an installation?

Once we have finalized your system design and have all of the necessary approvals, it will be time to install the solar panels on your roof.

Our local installation crews are experienced and efficient. A lot of times, they can complete installations in one day. Here's what a typical installation day looks like:

Step 1 - Crew arrival and preparation
First things first. We introduce ourselves and map out where we’ll be working and parking our vehicles.

Step 2 - Review system design and equipment location
Your foreman will review the plans with you and confirm the equipment and where it will go.

Step 3 - System installation
The crew will install the solar panels and wiring on your roof, while the foreman installs your inverter and other electrical equipment.

Step 4 - Crew clean up
We clean up as construction winds down to make sure we leave your property exactly as we found it.

Step 5 - Final walk-through
Once installation is complete, your foreman will explain how your new home solar system works and how to power it on.

What happens to my roof when solar panels are installed?

Since Lunar Solar home solar systems are roof-mounted, we do drill holes in the roof to anchor the racking equipment for the panels during installation. All our roof penetrations are made watertight and are guaranteed by a workmanship warranty.

One little known benefit, once the solar panels are on your roof, they can protect the underlying sections from normal weathering and increase its longevity.

What is installed as a part of a solar system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and night time, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

How long does the installation usually take?

The process of having the solar system installed on your roof can be relatively quick — many Lunar Solar installations are completed in one day.

Before our crew comes to your house, it takes several weeks to prepare your project so that you have the smoothest installation day possible. Whenever possible, we’ll do the work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Here’s what we’ll do:

Conduct a site survey to look at your roof, attic and electrical panel
Finalize your custom design
Apply for permits and wait for approval
Collect other necessary approvals and documentation that is specific to your neighbourhood (such as HOA approval)

When it comes time to install the system, we’ll let you know how long the construction process will take for your home and what you can do to prepare.

My Solar Options

Home solar

How does a home solar system work?

A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.

1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.

2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.

3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.

4. Lunar Solar meter
Your Lunar Solar meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Lunar Solar if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.

5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

What is installed as a part of a solar system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and night time, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

Can I add more panels to my system?

We aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems. However, if you qualify, Lunar Solar can add a second home solar system under a second agreement. If you’re interested, please talk to a solar advisor or Customer Care.

Can I add Lunar Backup Battery to my solar system?

At this time, Brightbox™ is only available to new Lunar Solar customers. We can’t install Brightbox if you already have an existing solar installation or if it isn’t offered in your area.
If you’re still interested in Brightbox, please let us know. You’ll be the first to know when we’ve come up with a solution. We’re hard at work on optimizing our technology to provide a better customer experience.

Home Solar and Battery

What states is Lunar Backup Battery offered in?

Lunar Solar currently offers Lunar Backup Battery service in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Texas and Vermont.

What is Lunar Backup Battery?

Lunar Backup Battery is Lunar Solar’s solar battery service.

Depending on where you live, the battery can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power costs.

It is currently available in select states for new Lunar Solar solar customers.

What is installed as a part of a Lunar Backup Battery system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Battery
Your battery stores extra solar energy for later use, like during a power outage.

4) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

5) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel, or more familiarly the "fuse box," distributes AC electricity to your entire home.

6) Backup panel
Your backup panel connects your battery to the breakers you chose to backup during installation.

7) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar. But due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work during a power outage?

Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed-up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery lasts will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Remember, you can always check the charge of your battery to help you plan your usage and make sure you have power through the night.

If you live in Hawaii, your backup solution may be slightly different. A quad outlet installed near your inverter will allow you to plug in up to four things during an outage if we are unable to back up your breakers directly.

What can my battery back up?

During a power outage, Lunar Backup Battery allows you to backup your kitchen (including the refrigerator), bedroom and bathroom lights, garage door opener and wifi for approximately 8 to 12 hours. When the sun rises again, your solar panels will recharge your Lunar Backup Battery. The most important rooms and appliances in your home will be powered by your home battery until the grid is up and running again.

Lunar Backup Battery in AZ

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Arizona?

Having a home solar battery service in Arizona will help save money by offsetting high time-of-use (TOU) rates while offering peace of mind when the power goes out. Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Arizona?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to optimize your utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money!

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Lunar Backup Battery PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES

Lunar Backup Battery will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.

If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.

From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.


WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.

Does Arizona offer any incentives for home batteries?

One of Arizona’s best solar incentives is the state’s Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit, covering 25% or up to $1,000 of your system’s cost. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

Other Arizona incentives include sales and property tax exemptions and Arizona Public Service’s Solar Export Plan (or net feed-in tariff).

For customers with our BrightSave Monthly and Prepaid products, Lunar Solar applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits from these rebates in the price we offer our customers.

How many batteries does my Arizona home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power. When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to back up your home until utility power is restored.

What is time-of-use?

Think of it as energy surge pricing. Time-of-use (TOU) rates are electricity rates in which utilities charge for both how much and when you use energy. Under these rates, energy tends to cost more during peak demand times, such as late afternoon and evening when demand is highest.

Lunar Backup Battery helps manage TOU rates by optimizing your battery’s charge and discharge behavior to offset power when it is most expensive.

Lunar Backup Battery in CA

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in California?

Having a home solar battery service in California will help save money by offsetting high time-of-use (TOU) rates while offering peace of mind when the power goes out. Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in California?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed for optimum utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Lunar Backup Battery PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES
Lunar Backup Battery will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.

If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.

From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.


WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.

Does California offer any incentives for home solar and batteries?

There are many reasons to go solar with battery storage in California, including a great incentive available to households that purchase home batteries. The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) incentivizes PG&E, SCE, SCG or SDG&E-powered households when they install a home solar battery to help defray costs for installing batteries. The incentive value will decrease as more households apply for it, so take advantage of it as soon as you can.

Other California incentives include rebates from your local utility and the federal solar tax credit, a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

For customers with solar leases, Lunar Solar applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits in our pricing.

How many batteries does my California home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power. When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to back up your home until utility power is restored.

What is time-of-use?

Think of it as energy surge pricing. Time-of-use (TOU) rates are electricity rates in which utilities charge for both how much and when you use energy. Under these rates, energy tends to cost more during peak demand times, such as late afternoon and evening when demand is highest.

Lunar Backup Battery helps manage TOU rates by optimizing your battery’s charge and discharge behavior to offset power when it is most expensive.

Lunar Backup Battery in FL

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Florida?

Having a home solar battery service in Florida will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Florida?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to optimize your utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Lunar Backup Battery PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES
Lunar Backup Battery will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.

If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.

From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.


WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.

Does Florida offer any incentives for home batteries?

Florida solar incentives like its Property Tax Exemption offers tax benefits at an average of $15,000. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. Get more information on Florida solar incentives.

For customers with solar leases, Lunar Solar applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits in our pricing.

How many batteries does my Florida home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power.

When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.

Lunar Backup Battery in HI

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, our home solar and storage service helps you make the most of your solar power. By storing power for later use, you maximize your solar production while minimizing your reliance on the grid.

Lunar Backup Battery offerings in Hawaii start at $0 down and come backed by the Lunar Solar Guarantee with coverage of monitoring and system maintenance for the lifetime of our agreement.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Hawaii?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Backup Battery HELPS YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM
Every killowatt-hour you create is a killowatt-hour you don’t have to buy from your utility, so between the sun shining all day and your battery running at night, you can control your costs by not buying a whole lot of killowatt-hours from the utility.

Here are a couple easy things you can do to save even more:

Avoid using multiple energy-intensive appliances at once
Do laundry and dishes during the day.
Turn off the air conditioning at night.

Lunar Backup Battery PROVIDES YOU WITH EMERGENCY POWER
During a power outage, you will be able to use power by plugging into the quad outlet that was installed with your system.

Does Hawaii offer any incentives for home batteries?

Hawaii has some great solar incentives in place, offering even more reasons to go solar in the Aloha State. One of its best incentives is the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, covering 35% or up to $5,000 of the cost of your solar system. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

How many batteries does my Hawaii home need?

Just like solar panels, the size of your Lunar Backup Battery solar home batteries is determined by your unique energy needs and habits. Our solar advisors are here to help select the right home battery solution for you.

How can I get the most value from my battery?

To maximize your solar production with Lunar Backup Battery, aim to use more power during the day while the sun is shining brightest. That could mean running appliances like the dryer or dishwasher while you’re out at work. The more power you use when the sun’s up, the more effectively you can save with your Lunar Backup Battery.

Lunar Backup Battery in MA

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Massachusetts?

Having a home solar battery service in Massachusetts will help you power through blackouts and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Massachusetts?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Does Massachusetts offer any incentives for home batteries?

Massachusetts has several incentives for going solar. One of them is the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit, covering 15%—or up to $1,000—of your solar system’s installation cost. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit. The federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

How many batteries does my Massachusetts home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power.

When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.

Lunar Backup Battery in NJ

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in New Jersey?

Having a home solar battery service in New Jersey will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in New Jersey?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Does New Jersey offer any incentives for home batteries?

New Jersey’s biggest solar storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. covering 30% of the total system cost when you purchase your own system. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We highly recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.

How many batteries does my New Jersey home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup and powers your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.

When sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.

Lunar Backup Battery in NY

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in New York?

Having a home solar battery service in New York will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in New York?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Does New York offer any incentives for home batteries?

One of the best reasons to own a solar system in New York is its Megawatt Block Solar Incentive, where you’ll receive a rebate on your system based on where you live, your utility, and the size of your system. The best part? State-approved solar installers will automatically apply the rebate to your bill so you don’t have to lift a finger. Plus, there's the New York’s generous Solar Energy System Equipment Credit, which covers 25% or up to $5,000 of your system cost. Finally, you can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

How many batteries does my New York home need?

For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup and powers your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.

When sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.

Lunar Backup Battery in TX

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Texas?

Having a home solar battery service in Texas will help you power through power outages, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Texas?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Does Texas offer any incentives for home batteries?

Texas’s biggest solar storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. Currently, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.

How many batteries does my Texas home need?

For most households, one battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup, powering your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.

When the sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until power is restored.

Lunar Backup Battery in VT

What are the benefits of Lunar Backup Battery in Vermont?

Having a Vermont solar battery service will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.

Your system is also covered by our Lunar Solar Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work in Vermont?

WITH Lunar Backup Battery YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Lunar Solar does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Lunar Solar HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Lunar Solar has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.

YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Does Vermont offer any incentives for home batteries?

Vermont’s biggest solar energy storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. Currently, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.

How many batteries does my Vermont home need?

For most households, one battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Lunar Backup Battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup, powering your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.

When the sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until power is restored.

Finance Options and Benefits - Solar Lease

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?

Leasing and buying solar panels come with their own unique advantages.

Purchasing solar generally requires upfront investment which can make it cost-prohibitive for many. That’s why Lunar Solar offers stress-free solar leasing so you can switch to solar for as little as $0 down. When you lease solar panels or pay for power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you are only responsible for a locked-in monthly payment. Since Lunar Solar owns the system when it is leased, we’ll also provide top-notch monitoring and maintenance during the length of your agreement, free of charge. That means clean, worry-free energy. And if it breaks, we’ll fix it.

We also know that many people want to own their equipment which is why Lunar Solar also gives you the option to buy your solar panels. When you own your solar system, you own your production and all the benefits that come with solar investment. That means solar incentives like state solar rebates, net metering and the federal solar tax credit will go directly to you. However, you’ll be responsible for any repairs and maintenance your solar system needs outside the scope of your solar system’s warranty.

To learn more about which solar plan is right for you, get connected with one of our solar advisors today

What's a solar lease or PPA?

Knowing there had to be a more affordable way to bring clean energy to the people, we invented solar leasing and power purchase agreements, or PPAs. So instead of purchasing a system outright, we offer additional options that require little to zero upfront costs.

The difference between a solar lease and solar PPA is simple: With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly “rent” in return for use of the system. With a PPA you pay a fixed price per kWh for power generated. We’ll help you decide which option is best for you. So now that you know what a solar lease and PPA is, you’re probably wondering why you shouldn’t just buy a home solar system outright. Here are a few reasons why:

Get started for as little as $0 down.
Skip the hassle of ownership. Lunar Solar will handle installation, maintenance, monitoring, and insurance for the life of the agreement.
Rain or shine, we guarantee solar system performance. If the system doesn’t produce the electricity we promised - for any reason - you’ll receive a refund for the difference. If the system overproduces, you keep the excess power.
Sell your home with ease. Lunar Solar has a team of service transfer experts and we guarantee a seamless agreement transfer to the new buyer.
Flexible financing options let you pay as you go, or you can receive the lowest possible rate with a prepaid option that eliminates monthly billing from Lunar Solar.
Want more reasons to get a solar lease or PPA? Our top five reasons to lease your solar system will show you why it’s the smartest way to go solar.

Can I really go solar for little to $0 down?

Yes. Qualifying Lunar Solar customers can take control of their long-term electricity costs for as little as $0 down with BrightSave Monthly. The benefits of solar are rolled up into a low, predictable monthly rate for solar power that replaces all or some of the power you used to receive from the grid.

How does a prepaid solar lease work?

With a solar power purchase agreement, or PPA, you pay for the power, not the panels. The amount you pay is based on a per kilowatt-hour rate for the electricity produced by your solar panels, and is usually lower than what the local utility charges for electricity.

With BrightSave Prepaid, you can go solar with just one, up front payment that covers 25 years worth of solar power. When you choose BrightSave Prepaid, we’ll also actively monitor and maintain your solar panels over the life of your agreement, so all you have to do is enjoy that glorious solar energy made right on your roof.

Finance Options and Benefits - Solar Purchase

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?

Leasing and buying solar panels come with their own unique advantages.

Purchasing solar generally requires upfront investment which can make it cost-prohibitive for many. That’s why Lunar Solar offers stress-free solar leasing so you can switch to solar for as little as $0 down. When you lease solar panels or pay for power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you are only responsible for a locked-in monthly payment. Since Lunar Solar owns the system when it is leased, we’ll also provide top-notch monitoring and maintenance during the length of your agreement, free of charge. That means clean, worry-free energy. And if it breaks, we’ll fix it.

We also know that many people want to own their equipment which is why Lunar Solar also gives you the option to buy your solar panels. When you own your solar system, you own your production and all the benefits that come with solar investment. That means solar incentives like state solar rebates, net metering and the federal solar tax credit will go directly to you. However, you’ll be responsible for any repairs and maintenance your solar system needs outside the scope of your solar system’s warranty.

To learn more about which solar plan is right for you, get connected with one of our solar advisors today

What is the average cost to buy solar panels?

Depending on the state, a home solar system can cost between $15,000 to $29,000 for system sizes ranging for 4kW to 8kW.* The more power your household uses, the more solar panels you’ll need, which will add to the cost of your solar system.

Sound like a lot? The upfront cost of a solar system doesn’t have to keep you from going solar. Get in touch with a Lunar Solar solar advisor to see how you can go solar for as low as $0 with our flexible financing options.

Will owning solar panels increase my home value?

Studies have shown that owning home solar panels can significantly increase your property value.* Solar homes in California sell for $20,000 more on average, while solar homes in other states sell for about $15,000 more. With numbers like that, you can likely recoup the cost of your solar system when you sell your home. Not only will you enjoy clean, reliable energy, you’ll know you've made a smart investment.

How does a solar system purchase work?

When you purchase a home solar system from Lunar Solar, you purchase the equipment and Lunar Solar takes care of everything related to the installation. When you buy your own system, you will directly receive the applicable federal and state solar incentives, tax credits and rebates.

Lunar Solar offers two different ways to finance your solar purchase: BrightBuy and BrightAdvantage.

BrightBuy is the full upfront purchase option where you would pay for the full price of the system at installation.

BrightAdvantage allows you to finance your solar system purchase with low, fixed monthly payments, upon qualification, at a competitive interest for as little as $0 down.

With either solar purchase option, you also have the option to add Protection Plus which is our service package that includes system monitoring and maintenance for the lifetime of the agreement.

My Life with Solar

Solar Electricity Production

What is a kWh?

kWh stands for kilowatt hour, and a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. A kilowatt hour is the standard unit of measure for electricity. It represents the amount of energy required to power a 1 kilowatt appliance for one hour.

The more power an appliance consumes, the faster it will use up 1 kWh. For example, a power-hungry, 500-watt vacuum cleaner will use up a kWh in two hours, whereas the same amount of energy will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.

Your utility will track how many kWh your buy from them, as well as how many kWh you send into the grid.

Lunar Solar will track how many kWh your solar panels produce.

Will my panels work when it is cloudy?

Solar panels are capable of producing electricity in all types of weather all year round. You will notice that performance will vary from day to day. On a cloudy day a solar system typically performs at 10% to 25% of its capacity.

When we design our systems and estimate their production, we take in to account the amount of sunlight that your specific region receives each year. This means that your system will be sized appropriately for the amount of sunny (or cloudy) days you receive each year.

Will my panels work in winter?

Yes, your solar system will provide your home with power all year, though the amount of power that is produced does shift with the seasons.

Summer is when solar production peaks with the longest days of the year and consistent sunshine. During winter, solar production is at its lowest due to short days and more variable weather.

We design our systems with all four seasons in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation will be factored into your solar production estimate.

Do solar panels work at night?

Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity--they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.

Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it's sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Lunar Solar operates in except for Hawaii.

Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Since there is no Net Energy Metering available for new customers in Hawaii, we use battery storage to make use of solar power at night. Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You'll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.

A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Lunar Solar solar panels and a Brightbox battery will have you covered both day and night.

What happens during a blackout?

During a power outage, Lunar Solar solar systems automatically turn off to protect utility workers that may be working on power lines. This means that the solar system will not provide power to the house during an outage. It will turn back on automatically when the utility restores power to the grid.

The exception to this is home solar systems that have Brightbox, Lunar Solar’s solar battery service.

Depending on where you live, Brightbox can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power usage.

Already Have Solar

My Solar System

Getting Started

How does a home solar system work?

A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.

1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.

2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.

3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.

4. Lunar Solar meter
Your Lunar Solar meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Lunar Solar if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.

5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

When will I be able to turn my system on?

You can turn on your solar system when we are granted permission to operate (PTO) from your utility. This typically occurs a few weeks after the system is installed.

Your installation is complete when all the equipment is installed on your home, and the city inspector has signed off on the final electrical building permit. At this point, Lunar Solar submits the final documents to your utility company for interconnection, and the utility will come out to install a new net meter on your home. You will receive a letter or email from your utility company when it has granted you permission to operate, which means you can turn on your solar system.

What is installed as a part of a solar system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and night time, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

What is Permission to Operate?

Permission to Operate (PTO) is when your utility grants you permission to connect your system to their grid. We cannot turn on your system without it.

To get it, Lunar Solar submits paperwork to the utility to request we be granted PTO. This is your application for interconnection. Inspection must be completed and permits must be approved by your local jurisdiction before the application can be approved.

The entire process can take two to six weeks.

My Installation

Who will help me when I have questions?

From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Lunar Solar pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.

Your sales consultant will work with our design team to customize your solar system and find the right payment plan for your needs. Then a project coordinator who is well-versed in your region will manage the rest of the process.

After your system is up and running, our customer care team will be your go-to for any questions or concerns you have.

There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.

What happens during an installation?

Once we have finalized your system design and have all of the necessary approvals, it will be time to install the solar panels on your roof.

Our local installation crews are experienced and efficient. A lot of times, they can complete installations in one day. Here's what a typical installation day looks like:

Step 1 - Crew arrival and preparation
First things first. We introduce ourselves and map out where we’ll be working and parking our vehicles.

Step 2 - Review system design and equipment location
Your foreman will review the plans with you and confirm the equipment and where it will go.

Step 3 - System installation
The crew will install the solar panels and wiring on your roof, while the foreman installs your inverter and other electrical equipment.

Step 4 - Crew clean up
We clean up as construction winds down to make sure we leave your property exactly as we found it.

Step 5 - Final walk-through
Once installation is complete, your foreman will explain how your new home solar system works and how to power it on.

What happens to my roof when solar panels are installed?

Since Lunar Solar home solar systems are roof-mounted, we do drill holes in the roof to anchor the racking equipment for the panels during installation. All our roof penetrations are made watertight and are guaranteed by a workmanship warranty.

One little known benefit, once the solar panels are on your roof, they can protect the underlying sections from normal weathering and increase its longevity.

What is installed as a part of a solar system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and night time, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

How long does the installation usually take?

The process of having the solar system installed on your roof can be relatively quick — many Lunar Solar installations are completed in one day.

Before our crew comes to your house, it takes several weeks to prepare your project so that you have the smoothest installation day possible. Whenever possible, we’ll do the work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Here’s what we’ll do:

Conduct a site survey to look at your roof, attic and electrical panel
Finalize your custom design
Apply for permits and wait for approval
Collect other necessary approvals and documentation that is specific to your neighborhood (such as HOA approval)

When it comes time to install the system, we’ll let you know how long the construction process will take for your home and what you can do to prepare.

My Solar Electricity Production

What is a kWh?

kWh stands for kilowatt hour, and a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. A kilowatt hour is the standard unit of measure for electricity. It represents the amount of energy required to power a 1 kilowatt appliance for one hour.

The more power an appliance consumes, the faster it will use up 1 kWh. For example, a power-hungry, 500-watt vacuum cleaner will use up a kWh in two hours, whereas the same amount of energy will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.

Your utility will track how many kWh your buy from them, as well as how many kWh you send into the grid.

Lunar Solar will track how many kWh your solar panels produce.

Will my panels work when it is cloudy?

Solar panels are capable of producing electricity in all types of weather all year round. You will notice that performance will vary from day to day. On a cloudy day a solar system typically performs at 10% to 25% of its capacity.

When we design our systems and estimate their production, we take in to account the amount of sunlight that your specific region receives each year. This means that your system will be sized appropriately for the amount of sunny (or cloudy) days you receive each year.

Will my panels work in winter?

Yes, your solar system will provide your home with power all year, though the amount of power that is produced does shift with the seasons.

Summer is when solar production peaks with the longest days of the year and consistent sunshine. During winter, solar production is at its lowest due to short days and more variable weather.

We design our systems with all four seasons in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation will be factored into your solar production estimate.

Do solar panels work at night?

Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity--they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.

Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it's sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Lunar Solar operates in except for Hawaii.

Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Since there is no Net Energy Metering available for new customers in Hawaii, we use battery storage to make use of solar power at night. Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You'll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.

A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Lunar Solar solar panels and a Brightbox battery will have you covered both day and night.

What happens during a blackout?

During a power outage, Lunar Solar solar systems automatically turn off to protect utility workers that may be working on power lines. This means that the solar system will not provide power to the house during an outage. It will turn back on automatically when the utility restores power to the grid.

The exception to this is home solar systems that have Brightbox, Lunar Solar’s solar battery service.

Depending on where you live, Brightbox can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power usage.

My Solar Service & Care - Lease and PPA

How do I care for my solar panels?

Lunar Solar covers all system maintenance and guarantees that you will receive a certain amount of power from your system when you sign up for a lease or PPA. There are also few things you can do as a solar homeowner to make sure you are gettting the most out of your solar system.

Trim back trees.
The more sun on your panels, the better. It's a good idea to keep nearby trees trimmed to allow the sunshine to reach your panels for as much of the day as possible.

Spray dusty panels.
Just a few rainy days a year is enough to clean your panels. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to hose them off — just do it from the ground to be safe.

Watch out for falling snow.
It's normal for snow to stick to your panels. Please resist the urge to clean them. The snow will eventually slide off. Try to avoid parking in the landing zone.

Who do I reach out to if I have a question or concern?

As a Lunar Solar customer, you have a team of experts that are ready to help whenever questions come up.

Throughout the installation process, your project coordinator will be your main point of contact should you have any questions or concerns. Our project coordination team is based out of Denver but specialize in managing projects within a specific region. Their contact information can be found on our website.

You will also have an installation coordinator that will help you with the logistics around your installation day. They are local to your area and work directly with the install team and local building inspectors to manage the on-site work. You’ll receive their contact information when you schedule your installation.

Once your system is activated, the customer care team is your long-term support system. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring, and are available during the office hours below to help you find a solution to any kind of problem.

Does Lunar Solar monitor my system?

Yes! We have an entire team dedicated to keeping an eye on your system, the Monitoring Team, and they’re watching all the time. This is how it works:

1 – We Record Production (in Real-Time)
Among the various components of your solar system is the Lunar Solar Meter. It counts your kilowatts as they’re produced.

2 – We Collect Your Production Data (Every Six Hours)
Four times a day, your Lunar Solar Meter sends your production data to our Denver, CO based Monitoring Team, where all production data is collected, stored and analyzed.

3 – We Evaluate Your Production (Every Day)
We compare your production to the estimates included in your contract to confirm that your system is working as expected. We also check the weather and other systems in your neighborhood to make sure you’re harvesting just as much sunshine as your neighbors.

4 – We Fix What Needs Fixing (If Necessary)
If your system isn’t working as expected, we will dive deeper to identify the issue and rectify the situation. If we cannot fix your system with remote troubleshooting, we may need to send a technician to take a look at your system in person.

What happens if my system breaks or isn't working as expected?

Lunar Solar takes complete care of your solar system, which includes making any necessary repairs or replacements to the equipment over the course of your agreement.

If you have reason to believe the solar system is damaged or not working as expected, please let us know right away by contacting our Customer Care team.

Will my home solar system have a warranty?

Yes, all of our solar equipment is backed by robust warranties. When you choose BrightSave, your solar system will also come with 24/7 monitoring and maintenance. So if it breaks? We’ll fix it, free of charge.

Monitoring My Solar

Why does my production show zero kilowatt hours some days?

Though system issues do happen, if myLunar Solar is showing zero kWh of electricity production for a recent day or several days, it is much more likely that there’s a gap in data communication rather than system operation.

We receive production data from systems via cellular signal. Sometimes those signals don't make it to us on a given day, so they’ll register as zero kWh of production. When this happens, the system is still operational and when we next receive communication from the system, all of the energy production data will be populated at once.

Why doesn't my production data match the readings on my meter or inverter?

It can take up to 24 hours for the energy production data on myLunar Solar to reflect the readings on the meter. The lag will not affect your billing statement or the amount of power you are receiving

My Solar Equipment

Can I add more panels to my system?

We aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems. However, if you qualify, Lunar Solar can add a second home solar system under a second agreement. If you’re interested, please talk to a solar advisor or Customer Care.

Can I add Lunar Backup Battery to my solar system?

At this time, Lunar Backup Battery is only available to new Lunar Solar customers. We can’t install Lunar Backup Battery if you already have an existing solar installation or if it isn’t offered in your area.
If you’re still interested in Lunar Backup Battery, please let us know. You’ll be the first to know when we’ve come up with a solution. We’re hard at work on optimizing our technology to provide a better customer experience.

What if I need to have my roof replaced?

If it’s time to replace your roof, we’ll temporarily remove your solar panels. Our local Lunar Solar branches are available to remove and later reinstall the panels for a fee. To get started, please reach out to Customer Care for a quote. Once you’ve approved the quote, our local branch will reach out to find the best time. If possible, we ask for 45 days notice for this kind of project.

How do I keep animals from nesting under my solar system?

Solar panels sometimes provide an attractive place for pigeons or squirrels to nest. In many instances, a critter guard can be installed to alleviate this problem. These guards are thin screens, which restrict wildlife from accessing the areas underneath the panels.

If you are interested in having critter guards installed on the solar panels, please contact Customer Care

Does Sunrun install snow guards?

In general, we don’t recommend installing snow guards. Snow guards may negatively impact your solar production, and they don't necessarily prevent snow from sliding off of your roof. In the event of snow accumulation, please avoid walking under your system, and avoid parking or keeping other valuables below the roof's edge.

If you'd like to learn more about snow guards, Customer Care can connect you with a local partner for additional information. Most of our partners can handle installation within two to three weeks of your approval.

What happens when I decide to move?

Lunar Solar makes it easy to transfer your solar lease agreement to the new homeowners. Our service transfer specialists handle everything from educating realtors and potential buyers to working with escrow officers, title agents, home inspectors, and anyone else who might need to know about your system or solar lease agreement. When you decide to move, contact us

My Lunar Backup Battery

How My Battery Works

What is installed as a part of a Lunar Backup Battery system?

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Battery
Your battery stores extra solar energy for later use, like during a power outage.

4) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

5) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel, or more familiarly the "fuse box," distributes AC electricity to your entire home.

6) Backup panel
Your backup panel connects your battery to the breakers you chose to backup during installation.

7) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar. But due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

How does Lunar Backup Battery work during a power outage?

Lunar Solar’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed-up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery lasts will depend on how much energy you use.

Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:

Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use

The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Remember, you can always check the charge of your battery to help you plan your usage and make sure you have power through the night.

If you live in Hawaii, your backup solution may be slightly different. A quad outlet installed near your inverter will allow you to plug in up to four things during an outage if we are unable to back up your breakers directly.

What can my battery back up?

During a power outage, Lunar Backup Battery allows you to backup your kitchen (including the refrigerator), bedroom and bathroom lights, garage door opener and wifi for approximately 8 to 12 hours. When the sun rises again, your solar panels will recharge your Lunar Backup Battery. The most important rooms and appliances in your home will be powered by your home battery until the grid is up and running again.

Can I have a generator and a Lunar backup battery?

It's possible, depending on the type of generator.

For standby generators, the answer is no. We will not install a battery if you have one, because a standby generator is likely to damage your Lunar Solar equipment.

For portable generators, the answer is yes. It is not connected to your house’s wiring, so you should be able to plug in to your generator without hurting your Lunar Solar equipment.

Does Lunar Backup Battery allow me to go "off the grid"?

Your Lunar Backup Battery home solar and battery system is grid-connected when the power is up and running. However, Lunar Backup Battery 'islands' from the grid during power outages, allowing people to keep the lights on and food fresh. As soon as the utility restores power, the home solar battery system is grid-connected once again.

Lunar Solar Billing - Monthly

How does monthly billing work with Lunar Solar?

If you didn’t pay for your solar system or electricity upfront, you’ll receive a monthly bill or invoice from Lunar Solar, either via email or in the mail. The invoice that you receive each month will list the amount due.

In general, the amount of energy your home solar system produces each month will vary based on the weather, seasons and more. If your home uses more electricity than your panels produce, you’ll use some electricity from your utility. Your utility will bill you separately.

Why did my Lunar Solar bill go up?

Some agreements include what’s called an “annual escalator.” Once a year, you’ll see a small increase.

By choosing a payment plan with an annual increase, you locked in the lowest possible starting rate. You can find more details about the annual escalator in your Lunar Solar agreement.

Utility Billing

Why am I still receiving a utility bill?

Since your home is still connected to the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility company. For months where your solar panels cover 100% or more of your home’s electricity usage, you will only receive a bill from your utility company for the taxes and fees associated with being connected to their grid. For months where your solar panels cover less than 100% of your home’s electricity usage, you will purchase the remaining electricity from your utility. Your utility will track how much power your home took from the grid and compare that to how much power your solar panels sent back to the grid, and it will charge you for the difference. This is known as net metering.

How is my utility bill different now that I've gone solar?

When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy from the utility. As a result, you will still receive a utility bill, but it will be a little different from before.

Your utility bill will now include energy that you sent back into the grid, as well as a billing credit as compensation. This credit will be debited from your total. If the credit is larger than what you owe for the energy you purchased, it will carry over to next month’s bill.

Remember, this billing credit is only for the excess energy you sold back into the grid. It does not represent your full solar production. Most of the energy you produce is used right away. You will not see it on your utility bill because it never touched the grid, so your utility cannot see it.

Why don’t the solar stats on my utility bill match mySunrun?

The answer is simple but can make understanding your energy consumption a little more difficult. Your utility cannot see what your solar system is doing, and Lunar Solar cannot see what your utility is doing. As a result, your full energy portfolio is not as easy to see as we would like.

Your energy falls into three different buckets.

1 – Solar energy you use.

2 – Solar energy you send to the grid.

3 – Utility energy you bought from the grid.

Lunar Solar can only see 1 and 2, but it cannot tell the difference between the two. This is your full solar production.

Your utility can only see 2 and 3, but 2 only represents a small piece of your full solar production, because the majority of your solar production is used right away.

Why is my utility bill higher than expected?

There are a few reasons why your utility bills might be higher than you expected.

Electricity usage - most people end up using more electricity after they go solar. Keep in mind that using more electricity than your panels produce means you’ll be buying more electricity from your utility company. If your utility bills have gone up, think about any lifestyle changes that may have impacted your home’s usage: a new addition to your household, new appliances, lowering the AC, etc. You can check to see if your home is using more electricity by looking at how many kWhs you received from your utility and comparing it to how many combined kWhs you received from Lunar Solar (this is equivalent to how many kWhs your panels produced, as shown on your myLunar Solar dashboard) plus the kWhs you received from your utility company (look for your “net usage” on your utility bill).

Seasonality - no matter where you live, your solar panels will produce more electricity in the summer and less in the winter because days are shorter in the winter and the sun is lower on the horizon. Because of this, you may be drawing more electricity from your utility in the winter. This is completely normal, and your solar production will increase once winter is over. We recommend you look at your electricity costs on an annual basis to account for this seasonality.

Solar production - if there is an issue with your solar panels, that will cause you to get more of your electricity from your utility company. Rest assured, if there’s an issue with your solar panels, we’ll let you know.

How can I shrink my utility bill?

There are a few reasons why your utility bills might be higher than you expected.

Electricity usage
Most people end up using more electricity after they go solar. Keep in mind that using more electricity than your panels produce means you’ll be buying more electricity from your utility company. If your utility bills have gone up, think about any lifestyle changes that may have impacted your home’s usage: a new addition to your household, new appliances, lowering the AC, etc. You can check to see if your home is using more electricity by looking at how many kWhs you received from your utility and comparing it to how many combined kWhs you received from your panels (this is equal to how many kWhs your panels produced, as shown on your myLunar Solar dashboard) plus the kWhs you received from your utility company (look for your “net usage” on your utility bill).

Seasons
No matter where you live, your solar panels will produce more electricity in summer and less in winter because days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky in winter. Because of this, you may use more electricity from your utility in winter. This is completely normal, and your solar production will increase once winter is over. We recommend you look at your electricity costs on an annual basis to account for this seasonality.

Solar production
If there is an issue with your solar panels, you will have to use more electricity from your utility company. Rest assured, if there’s an issue with your solar panels, we’ll let you know.
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