Skip to main content Scroll Top
19th Ave New York, NY 95822, USA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOLAR, ROOFING, INSULATION, AND MORE
Clear Filters

Solar Energy Systems

We are fully licensed and insured as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractor across Florida and Texas. We have major hubs in Doral, Tampa, and Oldsmar (FL) as well as Houston and Katy (TX), allowing us to serve residential and commercial properties throughout both states.

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, offsetting your need to purchase power from the utility company. In Florida and Texas, where electricity rates are rising, most homeowners see 50-90% reductions in their monthly electric bills. With net metering (where available), you can even earn credits for excess power sent back to the grid.

Yes, but at reduced efficiency. Solar panels can still generate 10-25% of their normal output on cloudy days by utilizing diffused sunlight. Fortunately, in Florida and Texas, the sheer number of sunny days annually more than makes up for the occasional storm. Net metering allows you to ‘bank’ the excess energy from sunny days to use during cloudy periods.

We primarily install Enphase Microinverters. Unlike old ‘string’ inverters where one shaded panel affects the entire system (like Christmas lights), microinverters function independently. If one panel is shaded by a tree or covered in dust, the rest of your system continues to produce at 100% capacity. This is critical for maximizing production in variable weather.

Yes. Florida law requires investor-owned utilities (like FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO) to offer 1:1 Net Metering. This means for every kWh of excess solar energy you send to the grid during the day, you get a full 1 kWh credit to use at night. It is one of the best solar policies in the country.

Texas has a deregulated energy market (ERCOT). Instead of mandated net metering, you choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) with a Solar Buyback Plan. These plans credit you for excess generation. We help you shop for the best plan (like those from Rhythm, Green Mountain, or Tesla Electric) to maximize your savings.

Ideally, South-facing roofs produce the most energy in the Northern Hemisphere. However, East and West-facing roofs are also highly effective, especially for capturing morning or late afternoon sun. We create a custom 3D model of your home to show exactly how much energy each roof plane will generate before you sign anything.

Yes, especially with our Microinverter systems. Since each panel operates independently, adding more panels down the road (for example, if you buy an Electric Vehicle or add a pool pump) is essentially ‘plug and play’. We simply add the new panels to your existing monitoring system.

We provide you with a powerful mobile app (like the Enphase Enlighten or Tesla app) that lets you see your energy production in real-time, 24/7. You can track how much energy you’re producing, how much you’re consuming (with consumption monitoring), and your overall savings, all from your phone.

No. Florida offers a Property Tax Exclusion for Residential Renewable Energy Property. This means the added value of your solar system (typically $20k-$50k) is 100% exempt from property tax assessments. Your home value goes up, but your taxes stay the same.

Yes. Texas offers a 100% Property Tax Exemption on the appraised value of solar and wind-powered energy devices. You must file Form 50-123 with your county appraisal district to claim this exemption, and we provide you with the necessary paperwork.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows you to deduct 30% of the total cost of your solar system (including batteries and necessary site prep) from your federal taxes. There is no cap on residential systems. This credit is available through 2032.

Quality solar panels are warrantied for 25 years for performance and typically last 30-40 years. We use Tier-1 panels that are tested for extreme weather, including Florida hurricanes and Texas hailstorms.

Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during outages for utility worker safety. However, if you add a battery backup system (like Tesla Powerwall), your solar panels can continue to power your home and recharge the battery even when the grid is down.

For Realtors: Selling a Mobile-Equipped Home

Yes. According to Zillow and NREL studies, homes with solar sell for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without it. In Florida and Texas, buyers specifically look for energy efficiency to offset rising cooling costs. The added value is tax-exempt in both states.

Absolutely. Our 25-Year ‘Ultimate Peace of Mind’ warranty is fully transferable. This is a huge selling point: the new owner gets a guaranteed energy rate and full protection for the system’s remaining life. We handle all the paperwork to transfer the warranty at closing.

Sellers have two options: 1) Pay off the loan at closing using the home’s equity (most common, simplifies the sale). 2) Transfer the loan to the buyer. If the buyer qualifies, they can assume the monthly payments, often replacing their electric bill immediately.

We provide a comprehensive ‘Closing Packet’ including: Warranty Transfer forms, UCC-1 termination (if getting paid off), system specifications, and past production data to prove the energy savings to prospective buyers.

HOA & Architectural Review

Generally, no. Florida Statute 163.04 and Texas Property Code 202.010 prevent HOAs from prohibiting solar collectors. While they can request reasonable aesthetic modifications (like hiding conduit), they cannot enforce rules that significantly reduce the system’s efficiency or increase its cost.

Yes. We have a dedicated dedicated HOA coordination team. We prepare the architectural diagrams, fill out the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) forms, and submit them on your behalf. We know the specific statutes to cite if an HOA board is unfamiliar with the law.

We design ‘Sleek’ systems. We use all-black panels, install low-profile mounting rails, and run conduit through the attic whenever possible (instead of over the roof). We can create design mockups for your HOA showing how unobtrusive the system will look.

Roofing & Storm Protection

Yes, this is one of our specialties. We offer a Solar + Roof Bundle. By doing both simultaneously, you ensure the roof is structurally sound for the panels, avoid future removal fees, and you may be able to bundle the financing for both projects into one low monthly payment.

Absolutely. We build to the strictest codes in the nation, including High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards required in South Florida. We use reinforced underlayment, stainless steel fasteners, and wind-rated shingles/tiles capable of withstanding 150+ mph winds.

Yes. For our Texas clients, we recommend Class 4 Impact Resistant shingles or metal roofing. These materials are designed to withstand significant hail impacts without cracking. Installing a Class 4 roof can also lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums in many parts of Texas.

We specialize in materials that pair well with solar:

  • Architectural Shingles: Cost-effective, durable, and available in multiple colors.
  • Metal Roofing: Longest lifespan (50+ years) and highest energy efficiency.
  • Tile: (Concrete/Clay) Classic look for specific HOA requirements, extremely durable.
  • TPO/Flat: For commercial properties.

Generally, a Metal roof costs 2x to 3x more upfront than an Architectural Shingle roof. However, a metal roof lasts 50+ years significantly longer than shingles (15-25 years). If you plan to stay in your home long-term, metal is often cheaper per year of life. We can price both options for you to compare.

Yes. If your roof was damaged by hail, wind, or hurricanes, our team can assist in documenting the damage for your insurance claim to ensure you receive the full coverage you are entitled to for a replacement. We work with all major insurance companies.

Most residential roof replacements are completed in just 1-3 days. We work efficiently to minimize noise and disruption. We also take great care to protect your landscaping and perform a thorough magnetic sweep for nails after the job involves finished.

We provide a comprehensive warranty package: 25-Year Workmanship Warranty on installation, Manufacturer’s Material Warranty (varies by product, typically 25-50 years), and a Roof Penetration Warranty ensuring our solar mounting points will not cause leaks.

Attic Insulation & Energy Efficiency

In Florida and Texas, attic heat is the #1 enemy of efficiency. Your attic can reach 150+ degrees in summer! Upgrading to fresh Blown-In Fiberglass or Spray Foam insulation prevents heat from transferring into your living space, allowing your AC to run less frequently. This maximizes your solar savings by reducing overall consumption.

Yes! Under the Inflation Reduction Act, you may claim an Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit of up to 30% of the cost of qualified insulation materials (up to $1,200 annually). Consult your tax professional for specific eligibility details.

Yes. Closed-cell spray foam creates an air-tight seal that blocks not only heat but also pollen, dust, and moisture from entering your attic. This seal also eliminates the gaps that insects and rodents use to enter your home, leading to cleaner indoor air and a healthier living environment.

Absolutely. Insulation acts as a sound damper. By adding a thick layer of insulation, you significantly reduce outside noise (traffic, neighbors, storms) from entering your home, making your living space quieter and more peaceful.

Yes. We can blow in additional insulation through existing attic access points. However, if you’re planning a roof replacement anyway, it’s the perfect time to upgrade insulation simultaneously.

Electrical & EV Charging

If your home is over 20 years old or if you are adding high-load appliances (Solar, EV Charger, Central AC, Heat Pump), your electrical panel may need an upgrade from 100A to 200A to handle the increased amperage safely. Sunprise handles all permitting and labor for MPUs as a fully licensed electrical contractor.

Yes. As a Tesla Certified Installer, we can install the Tesla Wall Connector for Level 2 charging (up to 44 miles of range per hour). We also install universal EV chargers for Ford, GM, Rivian, and other vehicle brands. EV charger installation may qualify for additional federal tax credits.

Florida and Texas are lightning capitals. We recommend installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector directly at your main panel. This inexpensive device diverts power spikes to the ground before they can damage your TVs, computers, AC units, and appliances. It’s affordable insurance for your electronics.

A SPAN Panel replaces your standard electrical panel with a smart one. It allows you to monitor and control every circuit in your home from your phone. It pairs perfectly with battery backup, letting you prioritize which appliances (like AC) run during an outage to make your battery last significantly longer.

Yes. Sunprise is a fully licensed electrical contractor in both Florida and Texas. We do not outsource critical electrical work to unlicensed handymen; everything is done by our in-house team to NEC (National Electrical Code) compliance and local jurisdiction requirements.

Standby Generators

It depends on your goal. Generators can run indefinitely as long as gas flows, which is great for the multi-day outages we saw near Houston. However, they require maintenance. Many Texas homeowners are now choosing Solar + Battery to be independent of both the electric grid and gas lines.

A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home (like an AC unit). It monitors your power 24/7. When the grid goes down, the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) detects the outage and turns the generator on within 10-15 seconds—automatically. No manual intervention required.

Yes. Like a car engine, generators need regular oil changes, filter replacements, and battery checks. We offer comprehensive Service Plans where we perform annual tune-ups and 24/7 monitoring to ensure your generator is ready when the storm hits. Most manufacturers require this maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

Modern standby generators from brands like Generac and Kohler are much quieter than portable generators. They typically run at 60-70 decibels (dB), which is comparable to a central air conditioning unit. They also have a ‘Quiet Test’ mode for their weekly self-check exercise.

We size the generator based on your ‘Critical Loads’ (AC, Fridge, Lights) or for ‘Whole Home’ backup. A 22kW-26kW air-cooled unit is standard for most medium-sized homes. For larger estates, we install liquid-cooled generators (up to 150kW). We perform a precise load calculation during our site visit.

Our generators run on your home’s existing Natural Gas or Liquid Propane (LP) supply. This means you don’t have to manually refuel them with gasoline during a storm. As long as your gas line is active, your generator will run indefinitely.

We install Generac, Kohler, and Cummins standby generators—the three most trusted names in backup power. All units come with manufacturer warranties and our installation workmanship guarantee.

Solar Batteries (Tesla Powerwall & More)

Yes! In Texas, if you have a Tesla Powerwall, you can join programs like Tesla Electric. These programs allow you to sell your stored battery power back to the grid during peak demand events (like heat waves) for significantly higher rates, turning your battery into an income source.

Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall are silent, instant (0ms switchover), and maintenance-free. Unlike generators, they require no fuel deliveries or oil changes because they recharge daily from your solar panels, giving you indefinite backup power as long as the sun shines. They also provide energy cost arbitrage by storing cheap off-peak power.

While possible, most homeowners realize it’s more cost-effective to stay ‘Grid-Tied’ with battery backup. Going truly off-grid requires a massive battery bank to survive weeks of cloudy weather. By staying grid-tied, you get the security of the utility company as a backup-to-your-backup, while still enjoying near-zero bills and independence during outages.

We install batteries that use the safest chemistry available, typically LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or advanced NMC with active cooling (like Tesla). LFP batteries are non-toxic, have no risk of thermal runaway, and offer a longer lifespan (often 6,000+ cycles) compared to older battery technologies.

This depends on your usage. A single Powerwall (13.5 kWh) typically covers essential loads (lights, fridge, WiFi, TV) for 12-24 hours. For whole-home backup including AC, we typically install 2–3 units. During the day, solar recharges them for the next night, providing indefinite backup during extended outages.

Yes! As of 2023, standalone battery storage (installing a battery without solar) AND solar-paired batteries both qualify for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit. This makes battery backup significantly more affordable than ever before.

Commercial Solar & Services

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows Texas business owners to finance 100% of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements with long terms (up to 20 years). The loan is tied to the property, not the business owner, and is repaid through a special property tax assessment. We can help you navigate the Texas PACE program.

Yes. As a fully licensed EPC contractor, we design and install commercial solar systems for warehouses, office buildings, retail centers, HOAs, churches, schools, and agricultural operations. We handle projects ranging from 25kW to multi-megawatt installations.

Yes! Solar carports are incredibly popular for businesses. They serve dual purposes: generating clean energy to lower operating costs AND providing premium shaded parking for employees or customers (protecting cars from the harsh sun). We design custom steel structures that are wind-rated for extreme weather.

Commercial solar qualifies for the same 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) as residential. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of MACRS Depreciation (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System), allowing you to depreciate 85% of the system cost over 5 years. Combined, these incentives can cover up to 50-60% of the total project cost.

Most commercial solar projects achieve full ROI in 4-7 years after accounting for tax benefits, depreciation, and utility savings. After that, the system produces free electricity for 25+ years. For businesses with high daytime energy usage (retail, manufacturing), ROI can be even faster.

Financing & Payment Options

Yes. We partner with top solar lenders like GoodLeap, LightReach, and Mosaic to offer flexible terms (10-25 years) with $0 down payment options. In many cases, your new monthly solar payment will be lower than your current fluctuating electric bill. We can also bundle roofing, batteries, and other upgrades into one loan.

No. Most of our loan options include a ‘Bridge Loan’ feature. The lender structures the payments assuming you will pay down 30% of the principal (the tax credit amount) within the first 18 months. This keeps your monthly payments low from day one, giving you time to file your taxes and receive your refund.

No. Most of our solar loans (like GoodLeap and Mosaic) place a UCC-1 Fixture Filing on the solar equipment itself, NOT a lien on your home. This means if you sell your home, it’s much easier to transfer or pay off compared to a mortgage lien. It does not prevent you from refinancing your home.

This depends on your financial goals. Paying cash provides the fastest ROI (typically 6-9 years) and maximum lifetime savings. Financing allows you to go solar with no upfront cost and start saving immediately. Many homeowners use financing and then pay off the loan with their tax credit refund to get the best of both worlds.

Service, Maintenance & Warranties

We are a financially stable, debt-free company built for the long haul. However, for your peace of mind, it’s important to know that the Equipment Warranties (Panels, Inverters, Batteries) are held directly by the manufacturers (like Tesla, REC, Enphase) who are multi-billion dollar global corporations. Your warranty coverage remains valid regardless of your installer.

Our ‘Ultimate Peace of Mind’ warranty covers 25 Years for Workmanship, Parts, and Performance. It guarantees energy production, covers equipment defects, and includes a Roof Penetration Warranty ensuring our mounting points will not cause leaks for 25 years. This is transferable if you sell your home.

Solar panels are virtually maintenance-free. Rain naturally cleans them in most cases. We recommend a visual inspection annually and professional cleaning every 2-3 years if you live in an area with heavy pollen, dust, or bird activity. We offer Annual Monitoring & Maintenance Plans for worry-free ownership.

Solar technology is mature, like car engines. While efficiency improves slightly each year, the current panels are already converting 21-23% of sunlight, which is excellent. Waiting 5 years for a 1-2% efficiency gain means you lose 5 years of savings (potentially $10,000-$15,000 in electric bills). The best time to start saving is now.

General Questions

Yes. Both states have strong laws protecting homeowners. Florida Statute 163.04 and Texas Property Code 202.010 generally prohibit HOAs from banning solar panels. They can impose reasonable restrictions on placement, but they cannot stop you from saving energy.

From signing your contract to flipping the switch, the typical timeline is 6-12 weeks. This includes design, permitting (2-4 weeks), installation (1-3 days for residential), utility interconnection approval, and final inspection. We keep you updated at every step via our customer portal.

No, as long as the installation is done correctly by a licensed contractor (like Sunprise). In fact, we provide our own Roof Penetration Warranty that works alongside your existing roof warranty. If we install a new roof and solar together, both are covered under one comprehensive warranty.

We are a true EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) company. Unlike most solar companies that are just sales organizations who outsource installation, we have our own licensed crews for every trade (roofing, electrical, solar, structural). This means faster timelines, better quality control, and a single point of accountability.