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SERVICE GUIDE AND FAQS
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
General Service FAQs
Will Newport Solar fix my system if it breaks?
Yes. If we installed your solar system, our service team will take care of any issues that arise. We stand behind every project with our 5-Year Hassle-Free Warranty, which covers parts, labor, and workmanship. Whether it’s a monitoring issue, inverter error, or hardware problem, our Rhode Island based team will diagnose and resolve it quickly, without the runaround. For full details on what our warranty includes, visit Our Guarantee page.
Why doesn’t my solar system work during a power outage?
If your system does not include a battery, it will automatically shut off during a power outage. This is because grid tied solar systems are designed to protect sensitive electronics and motors in your home and to help ensure the safety of utility workers who may be repairing power lines. When the grid goes down, your inverter disconnects to prevent backfeeding electricity. However, if you have a battery storage system, your solar array can continue producing power and supply backup electricity to your critical loads. Our battery systems are designed to detect outages automatically and provide seamless backup, helping you stay powered when it matters most.
Do I need to clear snow off my panels in the winter?
In most cases, we recommend letting the snow melt naturally. Solar panels are made of smooth glass and dark materials, which help absorb sunlight and speed up melting. We also install our systems at angles that encourage snow to slide off without intervention. We size every system with Rhode Island’s winter conditions in mind, so you can lose a few days of production without affecting your yearly savings. Attempting to manually remove snow can be dangerous and risks damaging the panels. However, if there’s an unusually heavy snowfall, clearing the area beneath or around the panels, like roof edges or the ground under ground mounts, can help snow shed more easily.
Do I need to clean dust or pollen from my panels?
Most of the time, no. Light rain is usually enough to keep your panels clean. However, if there’s a prolonged dry spell or noticeable buildup of pollen, bird droppings, or dust, a gentle rinse with a hose can help. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, and never step or lean on the panels. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, contact our team, we’re happy to walk you through safe maintenance practices.
What happens if I need to replace my roof after installing solar?
If you think your roof may need replacing within the next five years, we strongly recommend doing that before installing solar. A new roof paired with solar ensures a seamless, long-lasting setup. If you already have solar and need roof work later, we can carefully remove and reinstall your system. Our team documents your original installation and manages re installation with the same care and attention to detail, minimizing downtime and preserving performance. Labor fees apply, but we handle all coordination with your roofer to keep things easy.
Can I add more solar panels in the future?
Yes, system expansion is possible and often makes sense as your energy usage grows. Many of our customers return to us when they add heat pumps, electric vehicles, or home additions. If your original system was sized tightly to current usage, we can design and install additional panels to meet your new needs. Our team will evaluate your roof space, equipment compatibility, and utility requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient expansion process.
How long will my solar panels last?
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years and are expected to last 30 years or more. The inverter and other electronic components may need servicing or replacement sooner, but your panels themselves should continue producing clean energy for decades. Our systems are built with durability in mind, using high quality equipment and weather tested designs that perform reliably in Rhode Island’s climate.
What happens when solar panels reach the end of their life? Can they be recycled?
Yes, solar panels are up to 95% recyclable. Most of the materials, glass, aluminum, silicon, and wiring, can be recovered and reused. While large scale recycling facilities for solar equipment are still developing in the U.S., the industry is moving toward scalable solutions. At Newport Solar, we stay involved in ongoing policy and recycling discussions to ensure responsible end of life handling of the systems we install.
How do I know if my system is working properly?
We set up every customer with access to their system’s online monitoring portal. You can check real-time production, track historical performance, and even get alerts if something goes wrong. We recommend checking your portal once a week or setting it to send you regular updates. If you see unexpected drops in performance or error notifications, contact us right away and we’ll take a look.
How long does it take to install solar?
From contract signing to system activation, most residential solar projects take between 3 to 6 months. The timeline includes design, permitting, utility interconnection, and installation. The actual installation on your home usually takes 1 to 3 days. We keep you informed at every step, handle all paperwork and utility coordination, and make sure the process is smooth and stress free.
Can I monitor my system’s performance?
Yes. Every Newport Solar system comes with a real-time online monitoring platform. From your phone or computer, you can track daily, monthly, and lifetime energy production, view environmental impact data, and receive alerts if something goes wrong. Monitoring helps ensure your system is performing at its best and gives you peace of mind. If you ever notice unusual trends or data gaps, our support team is ready to assist.
Does Newport Solar service systems installed by other companies?
At this time, we only provide ongoing service for systems we’ve installed. We believe in supporting our work and ensuring long-term performance through proper design, installation, and documentation. Servicing third party systems without a full understanding of how they were built introduces risks we can’t guarantee against. If you’re looking for long term support and quality assurance, we’d be happy to evaluate your system for a potential rebuild or upgrade.
What should I do if my system stops working?
First, check your monitoring portal to see if your system is reporting production. If the portal is offline, try rebooting your internet router to reestablish communication. If there’s still no data or you see an error code on your inverter, give us a call. Our team can often diagnose the issue remotely and guide you through a simple fix or schedule a service visit if needed. Don’t worry, most issues are minor and easily resolved, especially with our systems that are built for reliability.
What are RECs and how do they benefit me?
A Renewable Energy Credit (REC) is a certificate that represents the environmental benefit of your solar production. One REC is earned for every 1,000 kilowatt hours your system generates. While your electricity powers your home, the REC can be sold separately to utilities that need to meet Rhode Island’s Renewable Energy Standard. You can sell them through a REC aggregator for additional income or retire them to personally retain the environmental benefits. Selling RECs improves your system’s financial return, retiring them supports your sustainability goals.
Warranty FAQs
What warranties does Newport Solar provide?
Every system we install includes a comprehensive 5-Year Warranty that covers installation workmanship, parts and labor, and roof penetrations. We also include a 2-Year Production Guarantee to ensure your system performs as expected.
What does your 5-Year Warranty cover?
Our warranty covers three key areas:
- Workmanship: We guarantee that your system will be installed according to industry standards, local codes, and manufacturer guidelines. If an issue arises due to how the system was installed, we’ll fix it.
- Parts and Labor: We warrant that major system components like panels, inverters, racking, and monitoring will remain functional for five years. If a covered component fails, we’ll repair or replace it and cover the associated labor costs. Batteries are excluded if the manufacturer is no longer in business.
- Roof Penetrations: We cover any roof leaks that occur within three inches of our mounting points. If a leak is caused by our work, we’ll repair the damage and any resulting property damage. This warranty excludes issues caused by preexisting roof conditions or unrelated roof work.
What is the 2-Year Production Guarantee?
We guarantee your system will produce at least 85% of the projected annual energy shown in your final proposal over the first two years. If it falls short, we’ll compensate you based on the difference, using current electricity rates. To stay eligible, the system must remain connected to the internet with monitoring enabled, and no changes can be made that increase shading or alter system conditions.
Do you provide system support?
Yes. We include five years of phone and email support for questions about monitoring, system performance, and troubleshooting. On-site visits not covered under warranty are billed separately.
Do you handle manufacturer warranties?
Yes. If a covered product fails, we’ll coordinate with the manufacturer on your behalf to file the claim and complete the replacement. After our 5-Year Warranty expires, we’ll still help coordinate claims to a reasonable extent, though labor and related costs become your responsibility.
Who performs the warranty work?
All warranty repairs are performed by our own licensed and trained team. We do not outsource to third parties, so you’ll always work directly with someone who knows your system and your home.
Are there exclusions or conditions that could void the warranty?
Yes. Our warranty excludes damage caused by misuse, extreme weather, wildlife, electrical surges, manufacturer defects, unauthorized modifications, or normal wear and tear. Prompt notification is required if an issue arises. Attempting to modify or repair the system yourself may void your coverage.
Is there any additional warranty coverage available?
Yes. In addition to Newport Solar’s 5-Year Warranty, every system includes a 30-Year Limited Warranty administered by an independent provider. This plan extends coverage on major system components and roof penetrations and includes labor costs. The provider works directly with Newport Solar to coordinate and reimburse approved claims, offering peace of mind and long-term protection well beyond our standard warranty.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
Yes. All of our warranties are transferable to a new homeowner, provided the system has not been altered. We recommend the new owner contacts us after the sale so we can update our records and continue providing support.
Where can I find more details?
Full warranty details are outlined in Section 9 of your Construction Agreement. You can also visit Our Guarantee page for an overview of how we back up our work
Battery FAQs
What can my battery power during an outage?
Your battery is designed to keep essential circuits running when the grid goes down. This often includes lights, refrigeration, internet routers, sump pumps, and other mission-critical loads. We work with you during system design to select the appropriate backup panel configuration. Large appliances like central AC units or electric ranges are typically excluded unless a second battery is installed.
How long will my battery last during an outage?
Backup duration depends on your usage and the battery size. On average, a single battery can run essential loads for 8 to 12 hours. With solar panels, your battery can recharge during the day and extend outage coverage indefinitely, weather permitting. We size systems based on your priorities and provide guidance on how to manage consumption during outages.
Will my battery reduce my electric bill?
Yes, but how much depends on your utility rate and whether you participate in available incentive programs. In Rhode Island, batteries primarily provide value through backup power. However, Rhode Island Energy offers the ConnectedSolutions program, which pays homeowners to allow limited battery use during peak grid demand events, typically in the summer. Participating can generate hundreds of dollars per year in incentives and improve your battery’s overall return on investment. Your battery will still provide backup protection and charge from solar energy when the grid is stable. Newport Solar can help you enroll in ConnectedSolutions if your battery is eligible.
How do I monitor my battery system?
You can track your battery’s charge level, solar production, and home energy usage through a mobile app.
- For Tesla, download the Tesla App and log in with your Tesla account.
- For Enphase, use the Enphase Enlighten App.
Both apps offer real-time visibility and alerts. If you need help accessing or understanding your monitoring platform, Newport Solar’s team can assist.
What if I need technical support?
If you’re experiencing issues, we recommend starting with your battery manufacturer’s support resources, which are free and available 24/7.
https://www.tesla.com/powerwall-customer-support
If your issue is not resolved or you need local help, contact Newport Solar. Please note that troubleshooting system changes unrelated to a covered warranty may incur a service fee.