FAQs

Why should I go solar?

Solar energy is a great way to reduce your long term electrical costs, help clean up the environment, add value to your property, and get backup power for emergencies.

Can I get solar panels even without a downpayment?

We do offer no money down financing options for people who want to go solar. A credit score of 620 or above is helpful in obtaining favorable solar loan rates. Having some equity in your home also helps to keep interest rates low to secure the best solar loan options.

What is net-metering?

Net-metering is a process where the utility company measures the output of your solar panels and pays you for excess power you produce. Kansas City Power and Light and other utility companies in our area use net-metering. The amount of electricity you produce from the sun will be subtracted from the amount you consume from the grid. This helps to offset your electric bill or almost eliminate it altogether. Your utility company will usually replace your present meter with a net meter.

Will buying solar panels make it hard to sell my house?

Studies have actually shown that solar installation makes it much easier to sell a house. People are often willing to pay 20% more for a house that has major efficiency upgrades like these. Solar powered houses typically sell faster and for more than neighboring houses.

How do solar panels work?

In short, solar panels have two silicon plates, one with a positive charge and one with a negative charge. When sunlight hits the side that has more negative charges, they move across the gap to the other side. This creates an electrical current, which goes out through electrical wires into an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current power to alternating current power that your house can use.

Do solar panels work on a cloudy day?

Yes, solar panels still produce some energy on cloudy days.

Will my solar panels work in the case of a power outage?

Most solar companies won’t tell you that a standard inverter (the box that converts solar energy into the type of energy that your house uses) will only work if the grid power is on. If you want to have a system that works when the grid is down, you need to have what is known as a hybrid inverter with a battery backup system, which works even in a power outage. If this is a concern to you, talk to our design specialists about creating a system with backup power. It is totally worth the extra investment.

Will I still have to pay an electric bill?

Solar energy will dramatically reduce your electric bill, but usually you’ll still need to be connected to the grid. This is a good thing because you’ll want to have electricity even on cloudy days or if your solar panels have snow on them. Most of the year, you’ll only have to pay the basic charge of being an electric customer, but the sun will take care of the rest of your payment!

What financing options do you have available?

A-Line Energy Solutions is partnered with several local credit unions, mortgage lenders, and other financing companies. We will help you find a home equity line of credit, a solar loan, or an FHA construction loan. We are also a registered HERO contractor, which is a unique financing option that does not depend on your credit score.

Is solar affordable?

Yes, if you can afford to buy electricity, you can afford solar. Having some equity in your home and/or a credit score above 620 is helpful to make solar a cost effective decision.

Will solar panels raise my property taxes?

Residents of Kansas and Missouri are always pleased to learn that they won’t have to pay more on their property taxes when they install a renewable energy system. Solar energy is a great way to add property value in our area without having to pay more in taxes!

Should I replace my roof before or after solar installation?

If your roof needs to be replaced in the near future, we do recommend replacing it first before getting solar panels installed.

Does A-Line Energy Solutions do more than just install?

A-Line Energy Solutions has grown to become one of Kansas City’s premier energy companies. Not only do we install for other solar businesses, but we have our own design team who can help you go through the whole solar process from start to finish.

Do you work outside of the Kansas City area?

We’ve done solar projects all over the midwest, as far away as Wichita, Topeka, St. Louis, Des Moines, etc. However, we mainly install in the 100 mile radius of Kansas City. Even if you live outside of the 100 mile radius of Kansas City, contact us. We will gladly point you in the direction of a reliable solar company in your area.

How does the process work?

First, contact us by filling out one of the solar information forms on our website. One of our experts will reach out to you via phone or email to get a few more details. Then, we’ll create an accurate design using our state-of-the-art software. Then, we’ll come to your place for a no-obligation consultation, where one of our experts will explain our design to you. If you feel good about the proposal, you’ll sign the contract, and our technician will do a brief survey of your property, taking pictures of the roof, the electrical meter, and electrical panels. Then our design team finishes the plans and sends it to the city to get approved. Shortly thereafter, our crews will install the panels and inverters. The city and utility company will complete their safety inspections. Before you know it, you’ll be saving on your electricity!

What is an LED?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. It’s a special type of light that only allows electricity to flow one way. You see them everywhere in things like your smartphone or on electronic devices. New technologies have made LEDs a very cost effective and efficient way to light entire buildings.

What types of places would you install LEDs?

A-Line Energy Solutions does most of its LED installations in commercial buildings. Talk to us about our special low cost commercial PACE financing so you can short the rise of energy costs. We can also help with home LED installations.