Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Decatur
Imagine transforming Decatur’s abundant sunshine into clean, wallet-friendly power that fuels your home or business every single day. HEP’s certified renewable energy electricians design and mount panels that capture maximum rays, install high-efficiency inverters, and wire every component with the meticulous skill we’ve built our reputation on. From the first site assessment to final inspection, you’ll have a dedicated local crew explaining each step, handling permits, and leaving your roof as pristine as we found it—only now it’s earning its keep.
With decades of electrical expertise and industry-leading warranties, we make the switch to sustainable energy effortless. Lower your utility bills, add real property value, and shrink your carbon footprint while supporting a hometown team that’s here whenever the sun shines—or when it doesn’t. Ready to start your solar installation journey in Decatur? Let’s light up a brighter future together.
FAQs
Does Decatur get enough sunshine to make solar power worthwhile?
Yes. Decatur averages about 4.5–5.0 peak sun-hours per day, which is comparable to many parts of California and well above the national average. This means a properly sized photovoltaic (PV) system can produce 60–70 % of a typical home’s annual electricity needs, significantly lowering utility bills and carbon emissions.
What incentives or rebates are available for solar installations in Decatur?
• Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30 % off the total installed cost through 2032. • Net Metering / Bill Credits: Georgia Power and several cooperative utilities offer monthly bill credits for excess energy you send back to the grid. • Local & Utility Rebates: Occasional cash incentives (such as Georgia Power’s Renewable & Non-Renewable energy program) that can shave $200–$450 per kW; availability varies, and we help customers apply. • Property Tax Exemption: Solar equipment is exempt from county property-tax assessments in much of DeKalb County, including Decatur. We guide you through every application to maximize your savings.
How much does a typical residential solar system cost and what financing options exist?
For a 6–8 kW array—sufficient for most three-bedroom homes in Decatur—turn-key pricing runs $16,000–$23,000 before incentives. After the 30 % federal ITC, net cost may drop to $11,000–$16,000. Financing choices include: • $0-down solar loans (5–20 year terms, rates from 3.99 %). • Home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs) with tax-deductible interest. • Cash purchase, which yields the fastest payback (7–9 years) and greatest lifetime savings (often $25,000+ over 25 years).
What is the installation process and timeline?
1. Site Assessment & Proposal (1–2 days): We inspect roof condition, shading, and electrical panel, then provide a custom design. 2. Permitting & Utility Interconnection (2–4 weeks): We secure city permits, HOA approvals, and file interconnection paperwork. 3. Installation (1–2 days for most homes): Our NABCEP-certified crew mounts racking, panels, inverter, and wiring. 4. Inspection & Utility Meter Swap (1 week): City inspector signs off, then the utility installs a bi-directional meter. 5. System Commissioning: We activate monitoring and walk you through performance data. From contract to flipped-on system typically takes 4–6 weeks, weather and permitting officers permitting.
How much maintenance do solar panels need and how long will they last?
Solar PV systems are largely maintenance-free: no moving parts, sealed wiring, and corrosion-resistant framing. In Decatur’s moderate climate you may only need to rinse panels annually if pollen or dust accumulates. Inverters have a 12–25 year warranty; panels are warranted for 25-30 years with expected output of 80–88 % at year 25. We include 24/7 online monitoring and offer optional maintenance plans if you’d rather leave cleaning and inspections to us.
Will my solar panels keep the lights on during a grid outage?
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off for line-worker safety, so you won’t have power unless you add battery storage. We offer lithium-ion battery options (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery) that provide 10–30 kWh of backup energy—enough to run critical circuits like refrigeration, lighting, Wi-Fi, and medical devices for several hours to multiple days depending on usage. Batteries also allow time-of-use bill optimization and can qualify for the same 30 % federal ITC when installed with PV.