frequently asked questions

Solar Prep

The sun rises every day. That's why solar power is a completely
renewable, reliable and clean energy source. It reduces our reliance on
dirty sources of power such as oil, coal and natural gas, which produce
harmful emissions affecting our health and environment.
Zanbur Energy pioneered the "solar-as-a-service" model in 2017. Since
then, we have been delivering on a vision to create a planet run by the
sun and provide Americans with affordable, reliable and clean energy.
Residential solar energy systems represent an investment in the future
of the planet, conserving non-renewable energy sources and protecting
the environment.
In addition, solar panels and home batteries are becoming more
affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient. They provide peace of
mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or
the next storm strikes. Unlike those from your utility, Zanbur Energy
customers pay predictable, affordable rates for 20 to 25 years. With
home solar, you get to control your energy future.

A lot of things affect how well-suited your home is for solar, including where your home is, the angle of your roof, how much shade it gets throughout the day, and how old your home is.
Our solar advisors can help you determine if your home is a good fit for solar at the moment. They’ll run a custom analysis of your home with our proprietary solar design technology and they’ll get a sense for your energy needs.

Every household is different. When determining the number of solar panels your home needs, consider the following questions:
How much power do I need? Check your electric bills to see how many kilowatt hours (kWhs) you use throughout the year. We’ll go over this with you in detail during your free solar consultation to figure out just how much power your panels will need to produce.
What’s your climate like? The number of panels you need depends on how much sun reaches the ground where you are.
How much direct sun hits your roof? Shading, which direction your roof faces, and any aesthetic preferences you have can impact how big your system needs to be.
At Zanbur Energy, we have proprietary solar design technology to help us create a customized system that maximizes energy production better and faster than if we did it by hand.

Your historical electricity usage allows us to design a custom solar system that is the right size for your home.
Electricity usage varies from person to person and from season to season. That’s why we request a full year of your electricity bills so we can build a system that’s right for you.
Your sales consultant is trained to review a year’s worth of usage data so we can get the full picture. Energy usage can change with the seasons so we look at 12-months of data to best understand your home’s usage patterns and needs.

We customize your home solar system by taking into account your past usage, the available roof space and your design preferences to make sure the system will work for you and your home.
We start with your historical usage and design a solar system that will provide you with the right amount of power based on how much you normally use.
Then we look at your roof via satellite imagery to see how many panels can fit on each roof plane, keeping in mind that south-facing roofs are the best for solar.
We verify our measurements and system design with a site survey,a visit to your home to check the roof and your main electrical panel.
Finally, we reconfirm our final design with you so you know exactly what it will look like and how much electricity you'll receive from solar.
If you want to learn about the efficiency of your panels or review what the equipment will look like for your specific home, talk to your sales consultant.Electricity usage varies from person to person and from season to season. That’s why we request a full year of your electricity bills so we can build a system that’s right for you.
Your sales consultant is trained to review a year’s worth of usage data so we can get the full picture. Energy usage can change with the seasons so we look at 12-months of data to best understand your home’s usage patterns and needs.

After you switch to solar, you won’t notice a difference. Your lights, appliances, televisions and everything else that uses electricity will work exactly as they did before.

The one key difference you will notice after switching to solar is in how you pay for your power. You will still receive a monthly bill from your utility company. If you have a monthly bill with Zanbur Energy, you will have two separate bills.

How much energy you end up having to buy from your utility depends on the size of your solar system and how much electricity you're actually using.

Because of weather and seasonal changes, your utility bill will vary from month to month. But you’ll always know exactly what you owe Zanbur Energy for the duration of our agreement.

See where Zanbur Energy currently operates and what solar incentives may be available in your state. The most common solar incentives include state tax credits, net metering and rebates from your local utility. No matter what state you live in, you’ll also be eligible for the federal solar tax credit when you purchase your own solar system.
The great thing about Monthly Subscription is that any benefits you would get through rebates and tax credits come to you in the form of a lower monthly cost with Zanbur Energy. You can avoid high upfront costs, and we'll take care of the paperwork.

Just like any upgrade, installing a home solar system can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A 2019 study showed that, on average, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than homes without solar panels.
(Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/)

Just like any upgrade, installing a home solar system can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A 2019 study showed that, on average, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than homes without solar panels.
(Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/)

Installation

From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Zanbur Energy pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.
Your sales consultant will work with our design team to customize your solar system and find the right payment plan for your needs. Then a project coordinator who is well-versed in your region will manage the rest of the process.
After your system is up and running, our customer care team will be your go-to for any questions or concerns you have.
There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.
Learn more about the Zanbur Energy team.

From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Zanbur Energy pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.
Once we have finalized your system design and have all of the necessary approvals, it will be time to install the solar panels on your roof.
Our local installation crews are experienced and efficient. A lot of times, they can complete installations in one day. Here's what a typical installation day looks like:
Step 1 - Crew arrival and preparation
First things first. We introduce ourselves and map out where we’ll be working and parking our vehicles.
Step 2 - Review system design and equipment location
Your foreman will review the plans with you and confirm the equipment and where it will go.
Step 3 - System installation
The crew will install the solar panels and wiring on your roof, while the foreman installs your inverter and other electrical equipment.
Step 4 - Crew clean up
We clean up as construction winds down to make sure we leave your property exactly as we found it.
Step 5 - Final walk-through
Once installation is complete, your foreman will explain how your new home solar system works and how to power it on.After your system is up and running, our customer care team will be your go-to for any questions or concerns you have.
There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.
Learn more about the Zanbur Energy team.

Since Zanbur Energy home solar systems are roof-mounted, we do drill holes in the roof to anchor the racking equipment for the panels during installation. All our roof penetrations are made watertight and are guaranteed by a workmanship warranty. 
One little known benefit, once the solar panels are on your roof, they can protect the underlying sections from normal weathering and increase its longevity.

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Zanbur Energy meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Zanbur Energy meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.
4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."
5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

The process of having the solar system installed on your roof can be relatively quick — many Zanbur Energy installations are completed in one day.
Before our crew comes to your house, it takes several weeks to prepare your project so that you have the smoothest installation day possible. Whenever possible, we’ll do the work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Here’s what we’ll do:
Conduct a site survey to look at your roof, attic and electrical panel
Finalize your custom design
Apply for permits and wait for approval
Collect other necessary approvals and documentation that is specific to your neighborhood (such as HOA approval)
When it comes time to install the system, we’ll let you know how long the construction process will take for your home and what you can do to prepare.

All homeowners associations (HOAs) are different. It’s a good idea to reach out to your HOA to find out about their solar approval process. Let your project coordinator know, and they’ll take care of as much of the paperwork as possible

When you turn your solar system on, your home will officially be powered with energy from the sun, produced right on your roof.
You will be able to monitor your solar energy production through myZanbur Energy.com.
For customers with a monthly bill, you will receive your first bill 30 days after you get the green light to turn on the system.

my solar options

Home Solar

A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.
1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.
2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.
3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.
4. Zanbur Energy meter
Your Zanbur Energy meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Zanbur Energy if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.
5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Zanbur Energy Meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Zanbur Energy meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.
4) Main Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."
5) Utility Meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

We aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems. However, if you qualify, Zanbur Energy can add a second home solar system under a second agreement. If you’re interested, psubscription talk to a solar advisor or Customer Care.

At this time, GenSystem™ is only available to new Zanbur Energy customers. We can’t install GenSystem if you already have an existing solar installation or if it isn’t offered in your area.
If you’re still interested in GenSystem, psubscription let us know. You’ll be the first to know when we’ve come up with a solution. We’re hard at work on optimizing our technology to provide a better customer experience.

Home Solar and Battery

Zanbur Energy currently offers GenSystem battery service in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Texas and Vermont.

GenSystem is Zanbur Energy’s solar battery service.

Depending on where you live, the battery can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power costs.

It is currently available in select states {link to https://www.Zanbur Energy.com/solar-battery-storage} for new Zanbur Energy solar customers.

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Battery
Your battery stores extra solar energy for later use, like during a power outage.
4) Zanbur Energy meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Zanbur Energy meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
5) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel, or more familiarly the "fuse box," distributes AC electricity to your entire home.
6) Backup panel
Your backup panel connects your battery to the breakers you chose to backup during installation.
7) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar. But due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

Zanbur Energy’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed-up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery lasts will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Remember, you can always check the charge of your battery to help you plan your usage and make sure you have power through the night.
If you live in Hawaii, your backup solution may be slightly different. A quad outlet installed near your inverter will allow you to plug in up to four things during an outage if we are unable to back up your breakers directly.

During a power outage, GenSystem allows you to backup your kitchen (including the refridgerator), bedroom and bathroom lights, garage door opener and wifi for approximately 8 to 12 hours. When the sun rises again, your solar panels will recharge your GenSystem battery. The most important rooms and appliances in your home will be powered by your home battery until the grid is up and running again. Learn more about how home solar batteries work.

It's possible, depending on the type of generator.
For standby generators, the answer is no. We will not install a battery if you have one, because a standby generator is likely to damage your Zanbur Energy equipment.
For portable generators, the answer is yes. It is not connected to your house’s wiring, so you should be able to plug in to your generator without hurting your Zanbur Energy equipment.

Your GenSystem home solar and battery system is grid-connected when the power is up and running. However, GenSystem 'islands' from the grid during power outages, allowing people to keep the lights on and food fresh. As soon as the utility restores power, the home solar battery system is grid-connected once again.

Yes. We currently do not sell stand-alone batteries. At this time, GenSystem is only available from Zanbur Energy as part of a new home solar system.

Just like solar panels, the size of your GenSystem solar battery is determined by your unique energy needs and habits. Factors such as the amount of electricity you use at home and the devices and appliances you want to back up will play a key role when selecting the right battery storage solution for you.

Just like solar panels, the size of your GenSystem solar battery is determined by your unique energy needs and habits. Factors such as the amount of electricity you use at home and the devices and appliances you want to back up will play a key role when selecting the right battery storage solution for you.

Most residential batteries are installed and configured with baseline settings by your solar installer. Batteries last between 10 and 15 years, and manufacturers typically offer a 10-year warranty. GenSystem includes professional maintenance and monitoring for 25 years with select plans, two things that may prolong your battery's life.

Why Go Solar with Zanbur Energy

Every home is different and your electricity demands are unique. Our experts are here to help you. Zanbur Energy designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains solar home solar systems, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more. As the nation’s largest residential solar, battery storage and energy services company, we provide families with industry-leading service, products and financing options to be able to meet different peoples’ needs. Our solar subscriptions offer the financial value and flexibility you deserve.
With Zanbur Energy, you can take control of your own electricity, and not be left at the whims of your utility company with the next inevitable rate hike. Join the more than a quarter of a million American households who have gone solar with Zanbur Energy.
Hear from our customers about why Zanbur Energy is the best choice for home solar.

You have a choice when it comes to solar providers. Since you’ll be working with your provider for the life of your system, you’ll want to choose an established one you can count on for the long haul. Most solar companies offer the bare minimum for what you need to put up a home solar system, while extra benefits like warranties, maintenance, and repairs can come at an extra cost. At Zanbur Energy, we take all the guesswork out of going solar so that you don’t have to worry about the fine print or hidden fees.

Here are some key things to look for in a home solar company:

A high volume of positive ratings and a great track record of service before, during and after installation.
Solar companies that take care of the paperwork, inspections, and working with the city.
Flexible payment options including solar subscriptions and PPAs.
Lifetime maintenance on your system should be included, not an add-on.
An honest provider won’t sell you solar if it can’t save you money—insist on a performance guarantee.
Choose a provider with the most residential experience.
We’ll just make this easy for you and tell you that yes, our products include these services, and then some. We’re here to make going solar worry-free. That means helping you with designing your home solar system and controlling your electricity costs, and taking care of the technical details like paperwork, approvals, and installation. And when you choose solar subscription, your solar system comes with 24/7 maintenance and performance guarantees.* Get a free quote today.

*Zanbur Energy direct sales PPA compared to Tesla and Sunrun Solar PPA, and SunPower and NRG subscription. Claims based on contracts created in February, May, & July 2014

Our nationwide network of certified partners are the bedrock of our business because they allow us to provide stellar Zanbur Energy service where you live.
We only work with the best so you can rest easy knowing that whether Zanbur Energy installs your system or one of our trusted partners does, you’ll have top-notch service as long as you’re a customer.

my life with solar

Solar Electricity Production

kWh stands for kilowatt hour, and a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. A kilowatt hour is the standard unit of measure for electricity. It represents the amount of energy required to power a 1 kilowatt appliance for one hour.
The more power an appliance consumes, the faster it will use up 1 kWh. For example, a power-hungry, 500-watt vacuum cleaner will use up a kWh in two hours, whereas the same amount of energy will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Your utility will track how many kWh your buy from them, as well as how many kWh you send into the grid.
Zanbur Energy will track how many kWh your solar panels produce.

Solar panels are capable of producing electricity in all types of weather all year round. You will notice that performance will vary from day to day. On a cloudy day a solar system typically performs at 10% to 25% of its capacity.
When we design our systems and estimate their production, we take in to account the amount of sunlight that your specific region receives each year. This means that your system will be sized appropriately for the amount of sunny (or cloudy) days you receive each year.

Yes, your solar system will provide your home with power all year, though the amount of power that is produced does shift with the seasons.
Summer is when solar production peaks with the longest days of the year and consistent sunshine. During winter, solar production is at its lowest due to short days and more variable weather.
We design our systems with all four seasons in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation will be factored into your solar production estimate.

Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity--they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.
Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it's sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Zanbur Energy operates in except for Hawaii.
Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Since there is no Net Energy Metering available for new customers in Hawaii, we use battery storage to make use of solar power at night. Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You'll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.
A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Zanbur Energy solar panels and a GenSystem battery will have you covered both day and night.

During a power outage, Zanbur Energy solar systems automatically turn off to protect utility workers that may be working on power lines. This means that the solar system will not provide power to the house during an outage. It will turn back on automatically when the utility restores power to the grid.

The exception to this is home solar systems that have GenSystem, Zanbur Energy’s solar battery service.

Depending on where you live, GenSystem can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power usage.

It is currently available in select states {link to https://www.Zanbur Energy.com/solar-battery-storage} for new Zanbur Energy solar customers.

Shade on your solar panels decreases their efficiency. When we design your system we account for existing shade on your roof but changes in tree shape or height can increase shade and lead to decreased production over time. When you go solar, it is best to keep your trees trimmed so they do not block the sun from shining on your panels.

The solar panels on your roof should continue to produce electricity well past the 25 year mark but their efficiency will decrease slightly over time at an average rate of 0.5% per year.
We design our solar agreements with the lifespan of our equipment in mind and have taken this expected decline in performance into account in our production estimates.
This means that after 25 years, your system should still be operating at around 88% of its original capacity and providing your home with clean, renewable energy.

When your panels don't produce as much energy as you need you will then purchase any additional power from the grid.  This is not a sign that something is wrong, rather it is a very normal part of the seasonal shifts in solar energy production and your own personal energy consumption.
When we’re designing your home solar system, we make sure it fits your household electricity needs, helping control your energy costs over time. We look at 12 months of past electricity usage to make sure your solar panels produce the the right amount of power for your home over the course of a full year.
Keep in mind that there’s the chance you’ll have an unseasonably hot summer that requires you to run the air conditioning more than usual. If that’s the case, you may have to use some extra electricity from your local utility, resulting in a slightly higher energy bill for that month. Your solar panels would still be producing the amount of power they’re supposed to—your higher-than-average energy usage will just need an added boost from the grid to support it.

You will be able to log in to your Zanbur Energy account to check your system's production. There you will be able to see how your production varies on a day to day basis and how it adds up over weeks and months.
If you are leasing a system from us, purchasing electricity under a PPA, or own your system and have chosen the Protection Plus program, you also get the benefit of Zanbur Energy's monitoring team who keep a close eye on the system to make sure it is producing as expected.