Frequently asked questions

Green Lightning Energy was founded by Jason Plant and Kadin Burns when both of their mothers received excessively expensive estimates from large name-brand solar providers. Our parents wanted the financial advantages and the positive environmental impact that solar energy held, but artificially high prices prevented them from accessing that value. We believed that we could get them a better deal by offering the same high quality solutions, at reasonable prices. We were right, and now, we offer that same value to every homeowner and business we serve. Since our founding, we have experienced firsthand how hard it is to grow a business with burdensome overhead costs taking up valuable resources that could be invested elsewhere in the business. Costs that drive overhead, such as high electricity bills, take up capital that could otherwise be used to improve product quality, pay owners and employees more, or invest in the growth of the business. It is our experience as business owners that makes us so passionate about supporting local businesses and giving them the same affordable pricing that we provide to our residential customers. We want to see your business succeed! We offer free estimates, speedy and responsive service, and the most cutting-edge solar technologies in the industry. You can trust us to give you the best solar systems, and for the best price.

Several factors contribute to a property’s suitability for solar. The shading of the property by trees or other objects plays a crucial role in which areas will produce ample solar energy to power your facility. For roof-mount solar systems in the Northern Hemisphere, a South-facing roof provides ideal exposure. It is rare that we find a property that is not suitable for solar with few to no modifications (such as cutting down trees) made to the property, but if your facility is not suitable for solar, we will tell you. The best way to find out about your property’s suitability for solar is to reach out to a qualified solar provider.

Yes. Our choice suppliers offer a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on all solar panels, microinverters, and optimizers. These warranties are included in your installation and for your convenience, we manage the warranty registration process with the manufacturer. Via our electrician partners, we can also offer a 5 to 25-year workmanship warranty.

A solar system will typically last for 25 to 30 years. Our choice suppliers offer a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on all solar panels, microinverters, and optimizers. Via our electrician partners, we can also offer a 5 to 25-year workmanship warranty.

While the payback period on a solar system depends on the facility’s exposure, system wattage, and the utilization of incentives, the national average is 8 to 10 years. As of March 2025, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit for commercial solar installations. At Green Lightning Energy, we are passionate about lowering the cost of solar energy for businesses and because of our affordable pricing model, our customers see accelerated payback periods when compared to installations provided by other solar companies.

Yes. If you have a grid-tied solar system, most utilities will pay you for excess energy produced. Most utilities will compensate you in the form of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that can be redeemed for free energy from that utility. Please directly reference your utility’s policies when making a decision about installing solar on your property, as their policies on this subject are frequently updated.

If your solar system is installed by a qualified installer, it will not damage the roof. In fact, roof-mounted solar arrays often extend the lifespan of your roof by shading it and sheltering the roof from exposure to the elements. It is, however, important that your roof is in good condition when the solar is installed to avoid having to re-install the system as a result of needing a new roof installed underneath it. Via our electrician partners, we can also offer a 5 to 25-year workmanship warranty, which covers any damage done to the property during the installation - including damage to the roof. We have never had an incident of roof damage thus far.”

In a normal case, no maintenance should be required for a solar installation. During the winter months, even if solar panels are covered by snow, they will still quickly absorb sunlight and heat up in the morning hours, causing the snow to slide off the panels. Performance of your array and the status of all essential components, such as solar panels, microinverters, and optimizers, can easily be monitored via an app provided by the inverter manufacturer.

Yes! Once you have received your free estimate, we will send you the instructions to apply for a loan from our financing partner. We are partnered with EastRise Credit Union, an excellent New England-based credit union. Their Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Loan allows you to apply your Federal Investment Tax Credit to the loan principal to receive reduced monthly payments. For more information, please visit EastRise Credit Union's website.(https://www.eastrise.com/business/solar-energy-loans/#solar) Please note that Green Lightning Energy cannot guarantee loan terms, including but not limited to, interest rates and monthly payments.