Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ GUIDE
Start here if you're considering solar or off-grid power.
Use the menu below to quickly navigate common questions about solar, off-grid systems, costs, and getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ GUIDE
Start here if you're considering solar or off-grid power.
Find clear answers about the process, costs, and what we need to get you an accurate quote.
We are a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience serving Montana communities.
Send us your power bill, and we’ll design a system based on your actual energy usage. This allows us to give you the most accurate recommendation from the start.
In most cases, we only need:
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your power bill (for grid-tied systems)
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basic information about your property
For off-grid systems, we may request that you complete a load chart so we can properly size your system.
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We keep the process as simple as possible.
Typically, the only paperwork required is signing the Interconnect Agreement.
Depending on your utility provider, there may be a few additional steps that we guide you through.
We encourage clients to explore their options.
While there are industry standards, there can be small differences in pricing and equipment.
Clearwater Credit Union is also a helpful resource for understanding and comparing solar proposals.
There is currently a 30% federal tax credit available for solar systems.
This is applied to your taxable income during the tax season following installation.
Financing options are available through:
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Clearwater Credit Union
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Montana DEQ programs
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Recent power bill, photos of your meter, breaker panels, and property details help us create a more accurate estimate.
Yes. For new homes we typically need structural drawings, roof details, and electrical plans.
SOLAR BASICS
Understanding Solar Systems
How solar works, key terms, and what to expect from your system.
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity (DC power).
An inverter then converts that into usable AC electricity for your home or building.-
Grid-tie systems are connected to your utility provider and allow you to send excess energy back to the grid.
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Off-grid systems operate independently and rely on batteries instead of utility power.
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Net metering allows your system to send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for credits.
These credits can be used later when your system isn’t producing enough energy.When your system produces more energy than you use, that energy is sent to the grid and credited to your account.
You can then use those credits when your system is producing less power.Your bill will show:
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Energy you used from the grid
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The energy your system produced
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Any credits applied from excess production
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Credits are typically reviewed/reset annually. We help size systems to minimize unused excess energy.
Standard grid-tied systems shut down during outages for utility worker safety unless battery backup is installed.
SYSTEM DESIGN
How Your System Is Designed
How we size your system, calculate production, and ensure it performs reliably over time.
Yes. We use tools like PVWatts to calculate production based on:
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roof direction (orientation)
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roof angle (pitch)
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shading and environmental conditions
This helps us estimate how much energy your system will produce throughout the year.
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We design your system based on your actual energy usage.
By reviewing your power bill, we can:
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understand your consumption
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estimate your future needs
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recommend a system that fits your goals
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Your inverter converts solar energy into usable electricity, but it has a fixed output limit.
For example, even if your panels can produce more under ideal conditions, the inverter will cap output at its maximum capacity (such as 7.6 kW depending on the system).
Clipping happens when your solar panels generate more energy than the inverter can handle.
When this occurs:
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The output is limited to the inverter’s maximum
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Your monitoring may show a flat line during peak production
In most systems, this results in minimal energy loss (often less than 1%) and is accounted for during design.
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No. Solar panels are rated under ideal conditions (STC), but real-world factors reduce output, including:
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temperature
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shading
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panel orientation
This is normal, and your system is designed with these conditions in mind.
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OFF-GRID SYSTEMS
Off-Grid Solar Systems
What you need to know about independent systems and how we design them around your exact energy needs.
An off-grid system operates independently from the utility grid.
Instead of relying on a power company, your system generates and stores energy using solar panels and batteries.
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Grid-tie systems are connected to the utility grid and can send excess energy back
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Off-grid systems rely entirely on batteries and must be carefully designed to meet your energy needs
Because of this, off-grid systems require more detailed planning.
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A load chart is a list of all the appliances and equipment you plan to use.
It helps us understand:
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How much energy do you need
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When you use it
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How to properly size your system
Your system is designed to support these loads — nothing more, nothing less.
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To design an accurate system, we typically need:
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A completed load chart
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Details about your property
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How and when you plan to use power
This ensures your system performs reliably year-round.
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Possibly — but it depends on your system capacity.
Off-grid systems are carefully sized, so adding new loads later may require:
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system upgrades
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additional batteries
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or inverter changes
We always recommend planning.
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If your energy usage exceeds system capacity:
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Batteries may drain faster
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You may lose power temporarily
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Backup solutions may be needed
This is why accurate planning is essential for off-grid systems.
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Large heating loads usually require special planning and are often not ideal for standard battery systems.
The load chart helps us design a system based on your actual needs so the battery bank and equipment are properly sized.
FINANCING
Costs, Incentives & Financing
Understanding available incentives, financing options, and how solar investments work.
Yes. Financing options are available through:
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Clearwater Credit Union
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Montana DEQ programs
These programs can help make solar more accessible, depending on your situation.
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Yes. There is currently a 30% federal tax credit available for solar installations.
This credit can be applied to your taxable income during the tax season after your system is installed.
The process is simple:
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You pay for the system
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During tax season, you apply the credit
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The credit reduces your taxable income
We recommend speaking with a tax professional for specific details.
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Solar can provide long-term savings by reducing your monthly energy costs.
Factors that affect value include:
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Your current energy usage
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Utility rates
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System size
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Available incentives
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We always recommend comparing options.
While there are industry standards, there may be differences in:
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pricing
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equipment
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system design
Clearwater Credit Union is also a helpful resource for understanding and comparing proposals.
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We can help point you toward available financing resources such as local lenders and applicable programs.
SYSTEM SUPPORT
Monitoring, Maintenance & Warranty
How to track your system, what maintenance is required, and what’s covered long-term.
Yes. All of our systems (grid-tie and off-grid) can be monitored as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection.
You’ll be able to:
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Track energy production
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Monitor system performance
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View usage over time
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Yes. A Wi-Fi connection is required to access real-time monitoring data.
Without Wi-Fi, your system will still work, but you won’t be able to track performance remotely.
Solar systems require very little maintenance.
In most cases:
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Occasional cleaning may be needed
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Periodic checks ensure everything is running properly
We design systems to be reliable and low-maintenance.
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Warranties vary slightly depending on equipment, but typically:
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panels & optimizers: up to 25 years
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inverters: 12 years (extendable to 25)
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workmanship: 1 year
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As a local company, we’re available if anything needs attention.
If there’s an issue:
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We diagnose the problem
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Provide support
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And resolve it as quickly as possible
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Yes. We offer monitoring support and maintenance options to help ensure your system performs as expected.