Your Questions, Answered

  • NABCEP, or North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is a nationally recognized solar energy installer certification that is awarded to individuals who have gone through a rigorous testing and training regime. The certification requires members to have multiple years of experience installing solar energy systems. There are different types of certifications from associate certifications to PV installation certifications. Hiring an installer with a NABCEP certification ensures a quality system design and install.

  • No one can predict future utility rates with certainty. However, after more than a decade of relatively flat electricity demand, the United States is entering a period of sustained growth in electricity consumption.

    According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2026⁠, expanding AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, and increased electrification are driving the need for significant investments in new power generation and grid infrastructure through 2050. The report projects U.S. electricity demand will continue to grow, requiring installed generating capacity to increase by 50% to 90% across its modeled scenarios. (EIA⁠)

    While future electric rates will depend on many factors—including fuel costs, utility investments, regulations, and local market conditions—many businesses are evaluating solar and battery storage as a way to reduce demand charges, improve energy resilience, and gain greater control over long-term operating costs.

    At New Farm Solar, our goal isn’t to predict where utility prices are headed. It’s to design energy systems that help your business reduce risk, improve efficiency, and provide greater control over energy costs for years to come.

  • Absolutely. Even without traditional net metering, solar still provides substantial savings by reducing the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid. Modern systems are now designed around self-consumption, battery storage, and energy independence — helping protect homeowners from rising utility costs and outages.

  • New Farm Solar combines technical expertise with truly custom system design. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solar. Every project is engineered around the customer’s individual energy usage, property layout, and long-term goals — whether that’s lowering electric bills, achieving energy independence, adding battery backup, or building a fully off-grid system. We focus on quality workmanship, honest communication, and designing systems that perform reliably for years to come. We truly see all jobs through to the very best of our abilities.

  • The cost of solar depends on the size of the system, energy usage, battery storage, and installation details. Every home and project is different, which is why we offer site visits and custom system design to build the right solution for your energy goals and budget.

    It is important to remember that with the right design, systems can be made buildable, allowing the home and business owner more financial flexibility as they expand their solar capacity.

  • Qualifying stand-alone commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) may be eligible for a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Unlike many solar and wind projects, these incentives were not subject to the accelerated phase-out deadlines under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and remain available under the current Section 48E timeline. Additional bonus credits may also be available for qualifying projects, including the Domestic Content Bonus (+10%) and the Energy Community Bonus (+10%). We’ll help you determine which incentives may apply to your project.

    IRS.gov

  • Many commercial solar and battery storage projects may qualify for valuable federal tax incentives that can significantly reduce the overall cost of installation. Depending on the project, businesses may be eligible for federal tax credits, and additional incentives may be available in certain situations.

    Because eligibility depends on factors such as project type, timing, labor requirements, and your business’s tax circumstances, every project should be evaluated individually.

    At New Farm Solar, we’ll help identify incentives that may apply to your project and provide the documentation your tax professional may need. While we don’t provide tax advice, we’ll help guide you through the process from start to finish.

    To stay up to date on the current interpretations of the OBBBA changes to IRA Solar Incentives, here are a few informative links to learn more:

    From IRA to OBBBA: A New Era for Clean Energy

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Modifies Renewable Energy Tax Credits

    EXPLAINED: The Clean Energy Provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

  • Yes — but only if the system is designed with battery backup or backup power capability. A standard grid-tied inverter, such as a GoodWe grid-tie inverter, will automatically shut down during a power outage to protect utility workers and the electrical grid. However, when paired with compatible battery storage and backup equipment, certain systems can continue powering essential loads during an outage.

  • Solar panels are expected to still generate power for over 35 years. Most premium panels have low annual degradation rates and have production guarantees of 85-92% output by year 25.

  • Solar systems require very little maintenance. In most cases, the only routine maintenance is occasional solar panel cleaning to remove dirt, pollen, or debris that may reduce performance over time. Homeowners can typically clean panels using a soft brush, water, and manufacturer-approved methods, or they can reach out to our team to schedule a professional annual cleaning service. Panel cleanings are considered routine maintenance and are not included under warranty coverage.

  • Microinverters are installed underneath each individual solar panel, while string inverters use one central inverter to manage a larger group of panels.

    With microinverters, if one unit fails, the rest of the system will continue producing power. However, repairs are more involved because the failed inverter is located on the roof beneath a panel and typically requires a crew and roof access to replace. Since there are many microinverters in a system, there are also more electronic components that could eventually fail over time.

    String inverter systems use far fewer inverters, which reduces the overall number of components that can fail. They are also much easier and faster to service since the inverter is usually mounted at ground level. If a string inverter does fail, the section of panels connected to it will stop producing until the replacement arrives, which is typically about a week.

    Both systems include monitoring and can alert the homeowner or installer if production issues occur. Modern string inverters also include advanced shade management software and perform very well unless a roof has significant shading concerns.

  • One of the great things about modern off-grid living is how many highly efficient appliance and heating options are now available. Going off-grid starts with understanding your energy usage and long-term goals. Proper system sizing, energy planning, and selecting efficient equipment are key to building a reliable and comfortable off-grid home.

    Technologies such as variable-speed HVAC systems and mini splits can dramatically reduce energy consumption while providing excellent comfort year-round. These systems are more efficient than traditional single-stage heat pumps, operate well in colder temperatures, and avoid the large startup surges common with conventional equipment — making them ideal for off-grid applications. In many cases, they can reduce energy usage by 20–30% compared to traditional systems.

    For colder months, combining efficient electric systems with alternative heating options such as propane, dual-fuel systems, or outdoor wood boilers can create a very reliable and cost-effective setup. Outdoor boilers, in particular, can provide efficient heating for both the home and domestic hot water when firewood is readily available. Conventional electric water heaters can also be a practical option in properly designed off-grid systems.

    With the right planning and equipment, today’s off-grid homes can be extremely comfortable, dependable, and energy efficient while offering a greater level of energy independence and security.

  • Yes! If you own your solar energy system rather than leasing one, it will increase your home and property’s value. Studies show that homes with solar will sell for higher amounts than homes without.


  • To get started, simply reach out through our contact form or give us a call. We’ll schedule a consultation and site visit to evaluate your property, energy usage, and goals. From there, we design a custom system tailored to your home, business, or off-grid project and guide you through the entire process from design to installation.

  • Project timelines can vary depending on system size, permitting, equipment availability, and our current project schedule. In most cases, equipment shipping timelines are running around two weeks. We complete projects in the order they are received, though when possible, we may prioritize projects with specific deadlines or circumstances with the understanding and blessing of our existing customers. We’ll always communicate scheduling expectations clearly throughout the process.

  • New Farm Solar has had an incredible opportunity to interact with remarkable people all across our region. We see our customers as an inspiration and always leave a job more knowledgeable about something; from the entertainment industry, fitness industry, to master gardeners. We respect and value our customers individuality and intelligence and hope our interactions with them reflects that.