Homeowner FAQ

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Homeowner FAQ

Below you can find our answers to some of the most frequent questions we get from Homeowners. Thank you again for joining the Powur community, and for helping to accelerate the transition from dirty to clean, renewable energy.

How do I know if my solar panels are working properly?

You can monitor your solar system's performance through the monitoring app or portal (see below). A sudden drop in energy production or an issue with monitoring may indicate a problem. If you're unsure, you can contact Powur's support team for assistance.

What should I do if my electricity bill is higher than expected even with solar panels?

If your bill is higher than expected, it could be due to factors like increased energy consumption or changes in your utility rates. Review your energy usage habits and consider energy-efficient upgrades in your home. If you still have concerns, reach out to Powur's support team for assistance.

How can I maximize my solar savings and energy efficiency?

Your solar system is designed to provide the energy you need based on your past consumption, but it won't prevent your usage needs from going up. To maximize savings with solar, consider energy-efficient practices, such as using appliances during peak sun hours, reducing energy waste, and maintaining your solar system. 

What maintenance or cleaning is required for my solar panels?

Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. Occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris is usually sufficient. Your solar panels come with warranties that cover any defects or significant issues.

To maximize your solar production, it is generally recommended that you check on your panels and consider a quick cleaning between two and four times per year, depending on the climate where you live. Usually, rainfall will clear away debris; however, during the dry season or extended periods without rain, you may want to clean them manually to remove accumulated dust. The good news is that this doesn’t require much work. All you really need is a leaf blower and a quick spray with a garden hose, and your panels will be clean and performing in top condition.

What is net metering and how does it work?

Click here to view a video from our CEO describing net metering.

Net Metering is a policy that makes it possible to get the most out of your solar system. In most states, Net Metering policies ensure that for every kilowatt hour (each unit of electricity) that you deliver to the electric grid, you will receive a credit for that kilowatt hour (kWh). So, if your solar system produces 100 kWh of energy, and you only use 60 kWh, that extra 40 kWh is sent back to the grid to share with your neighbors. The next time you need more electricity than your solar system is generating, you can use the 40 kWh credits you have at no charge. That's Net Metering in a nutshell.

The reason why Net metering is so important is that solar systems produce energy during the daytime, but you use energy during the nighttime as well. When you’re out of the house during the day, you're banking all the credits your solar panels produce. Then at night or on a cloudy day, you can cash in on all that energy you delivered to the grid and use the credits you accumulated.

That's net metering. It's an amazing policy. One that has enabled the solar industry to grow and, in effect, gives you the ability to use the grid as your own battery, reducing the cost of electricity for you and your family.

How do I configure my system monitoring?

If you have an Enphase system:

You can monitor your solar system online through the Enphase website or on your mobile device by downloading the Enphase Enlighten App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

  1. To set up monitoring, go to the Enphase Enlighten Monitoring Portal at https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com 
  2. Enter the email address that Powur has on file, and click the 'Forgot Password' link. You will then receive an email on how to reset your password. Follow the instructions so you can log in with your new password and get access to your account. Watch this video on how to navigate the Enphase Enlighten app. 

Once your system is in operation and producing Powur, it's important that you monitor the system performance and notify us if problems occur or if you believe your system isn't producing as expected. We recommend checking in on your production each month or so to make sure everything is working as it should. If you have any problems in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us at www.chat.powur.com!

If you have a SolarEdge system:

You can monitor your solar system online through the SolarEdge website or on your mobile device by downloading the SolarEdge Monitoring App from Apple Store or Google Play Store.

  1. To set up monitoring, go to the SolarEdge Monitoring Portal at https://monitoring.solaredge.com/solaredge-web/p/login 
  2. Enter the email address that Powur has on file, and click the 'Forgot Password' link. You will then receive an email on how to reset your password. Follow the instructions so you can log in with your new password and get access to your account. Watch this video on how to navigate the SolarEdge Monitoring app.

Once your system is in operation and producing Powur, it's important that you monitor the system performance and notify us if problems occur or if you believe your system isn't producing as expected. We recommend checking in on your production each month or so to make sure everything is working as it should. If you have any problems in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us at www.chat.powur.com!

What do I do if I don't think my solar panels are producing the energy I expected?

First, check if there are any obvious issues like shading or dirt on your panels. If everything seems fine don't worry, solar energy production can vary due to weather conditions. However, if you still suspect a problem, please reach out to us at www.chat.powur.com. We understand your concerns, and we're here to assist you! We'll work together to ensure your panels are producing as expected.

What if I want to add more panels or a battery in the future?

That's a great idea! Expanding your solar system or adding a battery can further reduce your energy costs and increase your sustainability. Simply get in touch with the independent solar consultant who helped you go solar to schedule a consultation. They'll assess your current setup and additional energy or storage needs, and design a solution that suits you perfectly. We'll guide you through the process, making it easy to upgrade and enjoy even more benefits from your solar installation.

If you went solar with another company or you no longer have the contact information for the Powur Independent Consultant who helped you with your initial solar installation, go to www.powur.com, enter your zip code in the top right field of the screen, and click "Get Quote."

What if I notice a problem with my system monitoring or something doesn't look right?

Your system's monitoring is there to keep you informed, and it's a great thing that you're paying attention to it. If you notice anything unusual or if your monitoring system reports an issue, please don't hesitate to contact us at www.chat.powur.com. Our support team is ready to assist you to get to the bottom of the issue and find support for you if necessary. Your satisfaction and the smooth operation of your solar system are our top priorities, so let's work together to address any concerns and keep your system running at its best.

How does the Federal Tax Credit work?

The Federal Investment Tax Credit for residential solar is a financial incentive for homeowners in the United States who install solar energy systems. It allows eligible homeowners to receive a credit on their federal income taxes to reduce their overall tax liability.

 

Suggestions or Comments?

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