Frequently Asked Questions
Pure Energy Solar General
Yes, Pure Energy Solar is a fully licensed and insured Florida Certified Solar Contractor (#CVC56695) and Florida Certified Electrical Contractor (#EC13009677). Our staff has completed training courses by FSEC, Florida's energy research institute, and NABCEP (National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). We are dedicated to professional excellence and meeting all state requirements.
Pure Energy Solar does not hire subcontractors. Every solar installation is performed by our experienced in-house engineers and certified technicians. This ensures consistent quality, accountability, and adherence to our high standards on every project.
Look for a Florida State Solar Contractor License and certification with The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some solar installers lack the appropriate license or qualifications to install solar systems. Pure Energy Solar holds both a Florida Solar Contractor License and NABCEP certification, ensuring we are fully qualified to handle your solar project.
Pure Energy Solar carries full Workers Compensation and Liability insurance. This protects both our installation crew and your property throughout the entire solar installation process. You never have to worry about liability or coverage gaps when working with us.
Yes, Pure Energy Solar performs a full and comprehensive site assessment that includes a detailed solar access and shade report. This analysis allows us to design the optimal solar solution for your specific property, ensuring maximum energy production and return on investment for your home or business.
Pure Energy Solar is based in Gainesville and serves a 70-mile radius including Alachua, Marion, Clay, Putnam, Bradford, Columbia, Levy, and Union Counties. We service communities including Jacksonville, Ocala, Starke, Lake City, Palatka, and surrounding areas. Contact us to confirm we serve your specific location.
The complete solar installation process typically takes 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to system activation. This includes site assessment and design (1-2 weeks), permitting and approvals (2-4 weeks), professional installation (1-3 days), and utility interconnection (1-2 weeks). We manage every step and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
Every Pure Energy Solar installation is backed by our comprehensive 25-year parts and labor warranty. This covers both the equipment and our workmanship for the entire life of your system. We also provide lifetime support—we're here for maintenance, repairs, and service long after installation, whether we installed your system or another company did.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar installations typically cost $15,000-$30,000 for residential systems (6-12 kW), depending on system size, equipment quality, roof complexity, and electrical requirements. Florida's 6% sales tax exemption saves you $900-$1,800 immediately. We provide transparent pricing with detailed ROI calculations showing your exact payback period and 25-year savings.
Most Gainesville homeowners see payback periods of 8-12 years depending on system size, electricity usage, and financing method. After payback, you enjoy 15+ years of free power. With average monthly savings of $150-$300, most systems pay for themselves while significantly increasing property value.
Not necessarily, but your roof should have at least 10-15 years of remaining life. We conduct thorough roof assessments during site evaluation. If your roof needs replacement soon, it's more cost-effective to reroof first. Installing solar on an aging roof often results in expensive removal and reinstallation costs within a few years.
The complete process typically takes 4-8 weeks from signed contract to system activation. This includes system design (1-2 weeks), permitting (2-4 weeks), installation (1-3 days), and utility interconnection approval (1-2 weeks). Actual installation work is usually completed in 1-3 days depending on system size.
Not when installed properly by licensed professionals like Pure Energy Solar. We use proper mounting techniques, quality flashing, and waterproofing at all penetration points. Our installations meet Florida building codes and manufacturer specifications. Properly installed systems protect your roof and maintain its integrity for decades.
System size depends on your electricity consumption, roof space, and energy goals. Average Florida homes need 6-12 kW systems. During your free consultation, we analyze your energy bills, assess available roof space, and design a system sized to meet your specific needs and budget.
Yes, solar panels installed to Florida building codes are rated for 140+ mph winds. Pure Energy Solar uses hurricane-rated mounting systems and follows stringent installation standards required by Florida law. Properly installed systems routinely survive major hurricanes. We also offer pre-storm panel removal services for extreme storm events.
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during outages for safety (prevents back-feeding electricity to the grid endangering utility workers). To have power during outages, you need a battery backup system or off-grid setup. We design both types and explain the benefits and costs of each option.
Maintenance Services
We recommend professional maintenance annually for optimal performance and warranty compliance. Homes near high-traffic areas, agriculture, or with significant tree coverage may benefit from bi-annual service. Regular maintenance maximizes energy production, extends system life, and catches potential issues before they become expensive failures.
Our complete maintenance service includes professional panel cleaning, comprehensive system inspection (electrical and visual), performance analysis, connection tightening, inverter optimization, shade assessment, and a detailed written report with photos. Minor adjustments are included at no extra cost. We identify any developing issues and provide repair recommendations.
Yes, significantly. Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and environmental buildup can reduce panel efficiency by 15-30% or more in Florida's humid climate. Regular professional cleaning ensures your panels produce maximum energy and deliver the savings you expect from your solar investment.
Many solar manufacturers recommend annual inspections and documentation to maintain warranty coverage. While not always strictly required, regular professional maintenance ensures your system meets manufacturer requirements and provides documented service history if warranty claims become necessary.
While possible, DIY cleaning carries risks of panel damage, roof falls, and voiding warranties. Professional cleaning uses proper techniques, correct cleaning solutions, and safety equipment. We also inspect while cleaning, catching issues homeowners typically miss. For safety and warranty protection, professional service is recommended.
Common causes include dirt accumulation, tree growth creating new shade, loose electrical connections, inverter setting drift, component aging, and weather damage. Regular maintenance addresses these issues proactively, keeping your system operating at peak efficiency throughout its 25-30 year lifespan.
Compare current production to historical data from the same season. Production 10-15% below previous years (accounting for weather) indicates potential issues. Most inverters provide production data. Our maintenance service includes performance analysis comparing your system's output to expected values based on weather and equipment specifications.
Basic cleaning ($199) includes professional panel cleaning, visual inspection, and safety checks. Complete maintenance ($299) adds electrical testing, detailed performance analysis, connection inspection and tightening, system optimization, and a comprehensive written report. We recommend complete maintenance annually for best results and longest system life.
Emergency Repair
We provide same-day emergency response for most Gainesville-area emergencies, with priority service for safety hazards like electrical fires, smoke, or sparking equipment. We're available 7 days a week and respond within hours for critical situations. Standard non-emergency repairs are typically scheduled within 24-48 hours.
Yes, Pure Energy Solar services and repairs all solar system brands and types regardless of who installed them. We have experience with all major manufacturers and inverter brands. We provide honest assessments and quality repairs using premium parts, whether we installed your system or not.
The $149 diagnostic fee covers our technician's response, complete safety evaluation, problem diagnosis, and detailed repair quote. This fee is waived if you approve the recommended repairs. The diagnostic includes comprehensive system testing to identify all issues, not just obvious failures.
Common repairs like disconnect replacements and wiring fixes typically cost $200-$500. Major component replacements (inverters, panels) range from $800-$3,000 including parts and labor. We provide upfront pricing before starting work—no surprise charges. Most issues are resolved same-day when parts are in stock.
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover solar system damage from hurricanes, hail, falling trees, and other covered perils. Pure Energy Solar provides complete damage assessment, detailed repair estimates, photo documentation, and direct communication with insurance adjusters to help expedite your claim and maximize coverage.
True emergencies include electrical fires, smoke, burning smells, sparking equipment, active roof leaks at mounting points, or complete system failure after storms. Routine issues include gradual production decline, inverter error messages without immediate danger, or minor connection issues. When unsure, call us & we'll assess urgency and prioritize response accordingly.
Yes, we specialize in storm damage assessment and repair. We evaluate panel damage, replace broken panels, repair or replace damaged mounting systems, fix roof leaks at penetration points, and restore complete system function. We document all damage with photos and detailed estimates for insurance claims.
All emergency repairs are backed by our 25-year workmanship warranty. Parts are covered by manufacturer warranties (typically 10-25 years). We use only quality replacement components and stand behind our work. If issues arise after repairs, we make it right at no additional cost.
Removal & Reinstallation for Reroofing
The timeline depends on your roof size and system complexity, but most reroof projects are completed within 3-5 days total. We coordinate closely with your roofing contractor to minimize downtime and ensure your system is offline for as short a period as possible.
No, when panels are removed and reinstalled by a licensed professional like Pure Energy Solar, your warranties remain intact. We follow all manufacturer guidelines and document the process to ensure warranty compliance. Improper removal by unlicensed contractors, however, can void warranties.
No, solar panel removal requires a licensed solar contractor with proper electrical and roofing knowledge. Improper removal can damage panels, void warranties, create safety hazards, or violate building codes. Pure Energy Solar has the required licenses and expertise to handle this specialized work safely.
Costs typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on system size, roof complexity, and accessibility. We provide transparent upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Our service includes safe removal, secure storage, professional reinstallation, and complete system testing.
Yes, when reinstalled properly by Pure Energy Solar, your system will perform at the same level or better. We test and optimize all connections, verify proper panel orientation, and ensure system settings are correct. You'll receive a detailed performance report confirming optimal operation.
Yes, we provide secure climate-controlled storage for your panels during the reroofing process. Your panels are protected from weather, damage, and theft while your roof work is completed. Storage is included in our service—no additional charges.
Pure Energy Solar carries full insurance coverage for your solar system during removal and reinstallation. In the unlikely event of damage, our insurance covers repair or replacement at no cost to you. We also conduct thorough inspections before and after to document panel condition.
Yes, we work directly with your roofing contractor to coordinate timing and ensure smooth project execution. We handle all scheduling, communicate throughout the process, and ensure your solar system is safely removed before roofing begins and properly reinstalled once roofing is complete.
Inspections & System Evaluations
We recommend annual inspections for optimal performance and warranty compliance. Regular inspections catch developing issues before they become expensive failures, verify your system operates at peak efficiency, and provide documentation for warranty maintenance requirements. Systems in harsh environments or near agriculture may benefit from more frequent inspections.
Our comprehensive inspection includes visual examination of all panels and mounting hardware, electrical testing of connections and components, thermal imaging to detect hot spots or failures, production analysis comparing actual to expected output, inverter diagnostics, shade assessment, and a detailed written report with photos and specific recommendations for any issues found.
If your production has gradually declined 10-15% over recent years, routine maintenance and cleaning often restore performance. Sudden drops, frequent inverter errors, or systems 10+ years old may benefit from upgrades. Our performance audit identifies whether simple fixes or component upgrades make financial sense. We provide honest assessments—if upgrades aren't cost-effective, we'll tell you.
Annual inspection ($149) includes visual examination, basic electrical testing, production review, and written report—perfect for routine checkups. Comprehensive audit ($249) adds thermal imaging, detailed diagnostics, IV curve testing, and in-depth efficiency analysis with optimization recommendations. Choose annual for healthy systems, comprehensive when investigating performance issues or considering upgrades.
Yes, inspection fees are credited toward any repairs or upgrades approved within 90 days. For example, if you pay $249 for a comprehensive audit and approve a $3,000 inverter upgrade, the inspection cost is deducted from your upgrade total. This ensures you're not paying twice for the same diagnostic work.
Yes, Pure Energy Solar inspects and services all solar system brands regardless of original installer. Our engineer-owned approach provides unbiased evaluations with no pressure to sell unnecessary services. We have experience with all major manufacturers and inverter types. Many homeowners choose us specifically for honest second opinions on their existing systems.
Battery Storage & System Upgrades
Battery storage systems typically range from $8,000 to $20,000+ depending on capacity and your backup power needs. Basic backup systems (5-7 kWh) start around $8,000, while whole-home backup systems (10-13 kWh) range from $12,000 to $15,000. We provide free assessments and honest recommendations based on your specific requirements and budget.
Yes, most existing solar systems can be upgraded with battery storage. The process depends on your current inverter and electrical setup. Some systems only need batteries added, while others may require inverter upgrades for battery compatibility. Our engineers assess your system and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Runtime depends on battery capacity and your power consumption. A 10 kWh battery can typically power essential loads (refrigerator, lights, internet) for 24+ hours. Whole-home backup systems (15-20 kWh) can run all loads including AC for 24-48+ hours. During daylight, your solar panels recharge batteries, extending runtime significantly during multi-day outages.
Yes, in most cases you can expand your existing solar array. We evaluate your roof space, electrical capacity, existing equipment compatibility, and utility interconnection limits. System expansion typically costs $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the number of panels added and any necessary electrical upgrades.
Quality lithium batteries typically last 10-15 years depending on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and environmental conditions. Most batteries retain 70-80% capacity at end of warranty period. We only install premium battery brands with comprehensive warranties covering defects and performance degradation.
It depends on your current inverter type. Grid-tied inverters without battery capability require replacement or addition of battery-compatible inverters. Hybrid inverters can usually integrate batteries with minimal upgrades. Our engineers assess your system and provide clear recommendations with cost implications for each option.
