On average, most homes require 20–24 solar panels to meet their energy needs. This corresponds to an installed system capacity of around 10–12 kilowatts (kW), which can typically cover most household energy consumption. However, the exact number may vary based on your energy usage, location, and roof size. 

Solar panels are designed to last between 25 and 30 years while maintaining peak performance. After this period, their energy production may gradually decrease, but they will not stop generating electricity entirely. The panels we use at Paradigm Solar are built to last even longer, with a lifespan of up to 45 years, ensuring long-term value and reliability. 

Shingle and metal roofs with large, unobstructed surface areas are ideal for solar panel installations. However, we assess each roof individually to ensure it meets structural requirements. Paradigm Solar works closely with local municipalities to comply with regional building codes and guarantee the safety and stability of your system. 

The installation time for a solar system typically ranges from 1 to 3 days. The exact duration can vary depending on factors such as system size, roof type, and site accessibility. 

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows you to send excess solar energy back to the grid in exchange for credit. During the day, when your solar panels produce more energy than you use, the surplus is sent to the utility grid. At night, when your solar panels aren't generating energy, you draw power from the grid. These credits help offset your energy costs, reducing your overall utility bill. 

To securely attach the solar panels, we anchor the mounting rails directly to the roof rafters. Our certified technicians ensure that all penetrations are sealed with high-grade, weather-resistant sealants and flashing to maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent leaks. 

Yes, you can expand your system in the future, depending on available space and electrical capacity. We also offer stackable batteries, which can be added to enhance your energy storage. Batteries.

Our solar panels come with a manufacturer's warranty of 15 years, and we provide a 1-year workmanship warranty. Maintenance requirements are minimal, and should any issues arise, panels can typically be replaced within one week of warranty approval. 

Solar panels are designed to minimize snow accumulation, allowing it to slide off naturally. If snow covers the panels, they may temporarily stop producing energy. However, the dark surface of the panels absorbs sunlight, which helps melt the snow quickly and restore energy production with minimal disruption. 

Solar panels are built to withstand typical and severe weather conditions, including hailstorms. They are constructed with high-strength tempered glass and durable backing materials, ensuring they remain intact and fully operational even during harsh weather events. 

Yes, cold weather can actually improve the efficiency of solar panels. The conductivity of the materials used in solar panels increases in colder temperatures, which can slightly boost their energy output. 

While the manufacturing process of solar panels has some environmental impact, their long-term use significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional energy sources. According to the International Plant Protection Convention, the carbon footprint of solar panels is about 12 times lower than natural gas and 20 times lower than coal, in terms of CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy produced. Solar panels also make efficient use of space, reducing the need for land development while harnessing a renewable resource—the sun. 

Most solar systems offer a payback period of 5–13 years, but the exact ROI varies based on factors like system cost, energy consumption, local energy rates, sun exposure, and the roof's orientation and pitch. Contact us for a personalized consultation to estimate the potential return on investment for your specific situation. 

Explore available rebates and financial incentives on our Funding Page

The design of your solar panels will greatly reduce accumulation by allowing snow to slide off naturally. The dark surface efficiently absorbs sunlight which heats the panels and speeds up the melting process, quickly clearing the panels to minimize the disruption in energy creation.

Constructed with high-strength tempered glass and robust backing materials, solar panels are built to endure the impacts of hailstones in typical and severe weather conditions. Their durability ensures that the panels will remain intact and operational over their lifespan.

Cold weather does not impact solar energy creation as much as one would think. The conductivity of the materials in the panels can even improve in the cold, which would slightly enhance their output.

While manufacturing of solar panels does have an impact on the environment, the utilization of these panels for energy creation far outweighs traditional alternatives. According to the International Plant Protection Convention, the carbon footprint of roof-mounted solar panels is approximately 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times less than coal, in terms of CO2 emissions per kWh of energy creation. Rooftop applications are an efficient use of space which limits the demand for land development, while utilizing a renewable resource (the sun) rather than finite resources (ie. fossil fuels).

As people have become more educated about solar, and system popularity has increased, prices have drastically reduced over the course of time with some regions seeing a 90% decrease in the last decade alone. Increased efficiencies in manufacturing and a greater demand in the market have allowed us to provide you with an affordable solution for your energy needs, with the added benefit of potential government grants.