Solar & battery questions, answered.

A good solar site combines useful sunlight, suitable installation space and an energy bill worth reducing. Shane reviews your roof’s condition, shade, electricity use and future plans, such as an EV or heat pump, before recommending a system. We assess rooftop and ground-mounted options and explain any site limitations upfront.

We use your electricity history, roof layout, shade and utility rate plan to estimate production and bill savings. We also account for planned changes, such as EV charging. Your proposal explains the system size, expected production and savings assumptions, including how much solar energy you use at home. Actual savings vary with usage, weather and future utility rates.

The installed price depends on the solar system size, battery capacity, backup circuits, roof conditions and electrical work required. Backing up a refrigerator, lights and internet can require a different design than supporting large appliances throughout the home. Shane prepares a custom proposal that explains the equipment, installation scope and any required upgrades, so you can understand what is included before deciding. Request a free custom proposal.

It can. Solar panels still produce electricity in cloudy weather, but fog and shade reduce output. Conditions vary across Santa Cruz County, so we assess your property’s sunlight, roof orientation and seasonal shading rather than assume every home will perform the same. If limited sun makes a project a poor fit, we will explain that during the assessment.

Yes, if your home remains connected to the grid. Solar can reduce the electricity you buy, but utility service charges and other applicable charges remain. Your bill also depends on when you use electricity and how your utility credits exported energy. We account for your current rate plan when estimating savings; a solar system does not guarantee a zero bill.

We primarily use REC solar panels and select equipment to suit each project. Shane is a certified Tesla, Enphase and FranklinWH installer. We will explain the proposed equipment, layout and available alternatives. Explore our services.

The federal homeowner Residential Clean Energy Credit under Section 25D ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025. Other programs and ownership arrangements have different requirements. We can discuss project options, but eligibility should be confirmed with your tax professional and the current program rules. See current IRS guidance.

Yes—many existing solar systems can be paired with a battery. We check your inverter, electrical service, installation space and backup priorities to identify compatible options. Your proposal explains any equipment changes and the difference between storing energy for everyday use and providing power during an outage.

We design backup around the appliances and circuits that matter to you. That might mean your refrigerator, lights, internet and selected outlets, or a larger system designed for more of the home. Air conditioning, well pumps and other large loads need particular attention to startup power and simultaneous use. Standard grid-connected solar alone generally shuts down during a grid outage.

The answer depends on both stored energy and what you run. A refrigerator, internet and a few lights use much less energy than electric heating or several large appliances. We compare your priority loads with usable battery capacity and discuss realistic outage scenarios, including available solar recharging. Reducing nonessential usage can extend backup time.

Yes. We install home EV chargers on their own or alongside solar and batteries. We review your vehicle, driving habits, charging location and electrical capacity to recommend an appropriate setup.

Shane reviews your inquiry and contacts you to discuss your home, energy use and priorities. From there, we gather site and utility information, prepare a custom design and proposal, and walk you through the equipment, scope and next steps. If you move forward, we coordinate installation and required approvals, then show you how to use and monitor your system. You have a direct contact for questions throughout the process.

We separate the onsite installation schedule from the full project timeline. Design, equipment availability, permits, inspections and utility permission to operate can take longer than the physical installation itself. Your project schedule will identify the expected onsite work and approval steps. Shane keeps you informed about progress and changes that affect your project.

If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it is worth addressing before solar is installed. We review roof condition during planning and can coordinate solar panel removal with a reroofing project. Shane’s roofing experience helps inform practical installation decisions.

Your system has two different types of coverage: manufacturer warranties for the equipment and the workmanship coverage specified in your Arrow Energy agreement. Coverage periods, exclusions and labor costs can differ, so we review the terms for your proposed equipment before installation. For a warning message, unexpected production drop or service question, contact Shane at 831.471.7909 or shane@arrowenergy.solar. Share the equipment name, error message and a screenshot when available so we can help identify the next step.

Yes—contact us about troubleshooting, battery additions or expansion, even if another company installed your system. Send the equipment brands, approximate installation date, any error messages and a short description of the issue. Shane will review the details and let you know whether Arrow Energy can take on the work. Service scope and scheduling depend on the equipment and project.

Yes, we assess system expansions and coordinate solar panel removal for roofing projects. For an expansion, we check the existing equipment, available space and increased electricity needs. For reroofing, we discuss removal, reinstallation and coordination with your roofer. We confirm compatibility and the proposed scope before recommending the work.

It can, so we review your current program before recommending changes. Expanding solar beyond the applicable limits can move a legacy Net Energy Metering system to a different billing plan. A qualifying battery addition may be possible while retaining your existing NEM status, but equipment changes and interconnection requirements matter. We assess the proposed design and confirm applicable utility requirements before proceeding. See PG&E’s Solar Billing Plan information.

Most solar systems need relatively little routine maintenance. Check your monitoring app for alerts or unexpected changes, and watch for new shade or visible debris from a safe location. Cleaning needs depend on your site and the manufacturer’s instructions; avoid climbing onto the roof or opening electrical equipment yourself. Contact Shane if output drops unexpectedly, an alert persists or you need help deciding whether an inspection or cleaning is appropriate.

Your usage history helps us understand when and how you use electricity, so we can customize your solar and battery system. The optional UtilityAPI authorization link lets you review the information and permissions before sharing. You can contact us first without completing it. Share utility data.

We serve homeowners throughout Santa Cruz County and the South Bay. Our service area includes Aptos, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Capitola, Scotts Valley and Watsonville, as well as Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Altos and nearby communities. Contact Shane about your location and project so we can discuss the next step. Request a free custom proposal.

Balcony solar is a small, portable solar setup intended to offset some electricity used in a home. Depending on the approved equipment and site, panels may be placed on a balcony, patio or another suitable sunny area. It is a smaller-scale option than a full rooftop system and is not automatically an outage-backup system.

California’s SB 868 creates a simpler utility-interconnection pathway for qualifying portable solar devices starting January 1, 2027. The law includes equipment, electrical-code and safety requirements; not every kit qualifies. Product availability, site suitability and applicable installation requirements must still be checked. Read California SB 868.

We are exploring select balcony solar projects for suitable homes in 2027. Assistance will depend on compliant equipment availability, the site, project scope and our schedule. Tell us about your space and goals so we can discuss whether professional help makes sense. Ask about balcony solar.