Electrical Infrastructure
Electrical Infrastructure | Solar Installation | Electrical | Rutledge
Harness the abundant sunshine that bathes Rutledge year-round and let HEP transform your property into a self-sustaining energy hub. Our experienced electricians design and build complete solar installation packages that integrate seamlessly with your existing electrical infrastructure, from rooftop panels and ground-mounted arrays to smart inverters and battery storage. We handle everything—site assessment, permitting, utility coordination, and final commissioning—so you can watch your meter spin backward while lowering monthly bills.
Every project is backed by HEP’s decades of electrical expertise and a commitment to craftsmanship that withstands Tennessee’s toughest weather. Whether you manage a family farm, a lakeside cabin, or a thriving Main Street business, our team tailors each solar installation to your power demands and architectural style, maximizing efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Start generating clean, reliable energy where you live and work, and let HEP illuminate Rutledge’s sustainable future—one panel at a time.
FAQs
What incentives or tax credits can Rutledge homeowners claim when they install solar panels?
Rutledge residents are eligible for the 30 % Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on the total project cost. Georgia also offers a property-tax exemption on the added home value that solar provides, so your county tax bill will not rise because you went solar. Depending on your utility—Georgia Power, Walton EMC, or Snapping Shoals EMC—you may also qualify for one-time rebates or ongoing net-metering credits for every excess kilowatt-hour you export to the grid. We identify and file all applicable incentive paperwork for you during the project.
Do I need permits or HOA approval before a solar installation in Rutledge?
Yes. Morgan County (and the City of Rutledge, if you are inside city limits) require building and electrical permits for any rooftop or ground-mount solar array. Our team prepares stamped engineering drawings, submits the permit package, and schedules inspections with the local building department. If you live in a community with a homeowners’ association, state law (O.C.G.A. § 44-3-232) prevents the HOA from prohibiting solar, but most HOAs require an architectural review. We supply the drawings, photos, and spec sheets they need and handle revisions until approval is granted.
Will my solar system still be connected to the utility grid, and how does net metering work here?
Nearly all residential systems in Rutledge are grid-tied. Your existing single-direction electric meter is replaced with a bi-directional meter provided by your utility at no cost. When your panels produce more than your home is using, the excess power flows to the grid and spins the meter backward, earning you a credit that offsets power you pull from the grid at night or on cloudy days. Credits roll over month-to-month and settle annually (true-up), lowering your electric bill. If you choose to add batteries, the system will automatically keep critical loads running during an outage while remaining net-metered the rest of the time.
How large of a solar array do I need, and how much roof space will it take?
A typical Rutledge household that spends about $150 per month on electricity usually needs a 6–8 kW array to offset 90–100 % of annual usage. That equates to roughly 15–22 high-efficiency panels and about 350–500 sq ft of unobstructed, south- or west-facing roof. During our free site assessment we: • Pull 12 months of utility data to pinpoint your energy profile. • Use drone imagery and solar-design software to model shading, roof angle, and azimuth. • Size the array to meet your target offset while leaving room for future battery or EV-charger upgrades.
What is the timeline from contract signing to powering up my solar system?
Most Rutledge projects take 6–10 weeks: 1. Site survey & design finalization – 3–5 days. 2. Permit submission & utility interconnection application – 2–3 weeks (dependent on county/utility processing times). 3. Panel & inverter delivery plus any service-panel upgrade – 1 day. 4. Physical installation – 1–3 days for rooftops, 3–5 days for ground mounts. 5. County/City inspection – within 5 business days after installation. 6. Utility meter swap & Permission to Operate (PTO) – 1–2 weeks. We manage each step and keep you updated through our customer portal so you always know where your project stands.
What maintenance is required after installation, and what warranties do you provide?
Solar PV systems are largely maintenance-free because they have no moving parts. Rain usually keeps panels clean, but we recommend a quick rinse or a professional cleaning once or twice a year if pollen or dust accumulates. All systems include online monitoring, so if production drops, we receive an alert and can troubleshoot remotely or schedule a site visit. Panels carry a 25-year performance warranty (guaranteeing at least 80–85 % of original output in year 25) and a 12-year to 25-year product warranty, depending on the brand. Micro-inverters or optimizers are covered for 25 years, and our workmanship is warranted for 10 years, covering roof penetrations and wiring. Optional Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plans are available for extended peace of mind.