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Frequently asked questions about going solar
Below are some of the most common questions we receive regarding solar installations. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us directly @ MarkO@boltaraev.com
Is solar right for my home or business?
Solar works best if you have enough unshaded roof or ground space, stable electricity usage, and access to a reliable installer and grid connection. A quick site assessment by Boltara Engineer usually confirms suitability. I.e. roof condition, orientation, shading, and load profile.
How much will solar panels save me?
Savings depend on your system size, taxes, sun hours, and how much of your solar you use. Boltara engineer should provide a projection showing expected monthly and annual bill reduction over 20–25 years.
What is the lifespan of a solar system?
Most panels are rated for 25–30 years, while inverters typically last 10–15 years before replacement. Performance gradually declines over time, but reputable brands guarantee a certain output (for example, at least 80–85% of original after 25 years).
How do you decide what size system I need?
Boltara Installers look at your past electricity bills, peak demand, roof space, and future plans to size the system. The proposal will clearly show system capacity in kW, expected annual production in kWh, and what percentage of your usage it covers.
What equipment (panels, inverter, battery) will you use and why?
The proposal will names the panel brand and model, inverter type (string, micro, or hybrid), and any batteries, and explains why these were chosen. You should see key performance metrics like efficiency, warranty length, and degradation rate for each major component.
What is the total cost of system installation?
BoltaraEV include panels, inverter, mounting, cabling, labor, permits, and any extras like monitoring or batteries. At BoltaraEV we offer flexible financing pay as you go or assisted bank or sacco financing.
What payment options do you offer (cash, loan, lease, PPA)?
Solar can be paid in cash, financed with a loan, leased, or purchased through a power purchase agreement (PPA). Each option has different ownership, savings, and contract terms, so you should see a clear comparison of monthly payments and net benefits
Are there any incentives, rebates, or tax benefits available?
Depending on your location, you may access government grants, tax credits, rebates, or feed‑in tariffs for exported power. Ask your installer to list all incentives they have factored into your financial projections and whether they handle the paperwork.
How long will installation take ?
Typical residential installations take a few days, plus time for permitting and final grid connection. BoltaraEV installer will outline steps: design approval, permits, installation, inspection, commissioning, and training on system use
What maintenance is required ?
Solar systems are generally low‑maintenance, but panels may need occasional cleaning and electrical components should be checked periodically.
Frequently asked questions
How to Meet Growing EV Charging Demand at Your Commercial & Multifamily Properties
With EV adoption accelerating, on-site charging is quickly becoming a baseline expectation in apartments and condos — not a premium upgrade. The question is: are your buildings designed and prepared to support growing demand, both today and long term?
What are the different types (levels) of EV chargers?
- Level 1: Uses a standard 240V household outlet. Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Slowest option, often included with new EVs; suitable for overnight trickle charging. Takes 20-50+ hours for a full charge.
- Level 2: Uses 240V (like a dryer outlet). Adds 20-60 miles per hour. Most common for home and workplace use. Full charge in 4-10 hours depending on battery size.
- Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): High-power DC chargers (50-350+ kW). Adds 100-250+ miles in 20-40 minutes (typically to 80%). Primarily public stations; not ideal for daily home use.
Note: "Level 3" is a common term for DC fast charging, though technically the SAE defines levels differently.
What are the main charging connector standards?
- CCS (Combined Charging System): Common on non-Tesla EVs in North America/Europe. Supports AC and DC.
- NACS (North American Charging Standard / Tesla): Tesla's connector, now open standard (SAE J3400). Many automakers (Ford, GM, etc.) adopted it. Compact and supports AC/DC. Adapters allow cross-compatibility.
- CHAdeMO: Older DC fast standard, mainly for some Nissan and Mitsubishi models; declining in use.
Tesla Superchargers are widely accessible to other EVs via adapters or Magic Dock stations.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger?
- Home Level 2: Typically $800–$3,000 total (hardware $300–$900 + labor/permitting). Costs rise with panel upgrades ($1,000–$4,000+), long wire runs, or trenching.
- Commercial/Public Level 2: $3,000–$12,000+ per unit.
- DC Fast Chargers: $50,000–$250,000+ per unit due to high power needs and infrastructure.
Check local incentives and grants.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
Depends on charger level, battery size (e.g., 60-100+ kWh), and starting state of charge:
- Level 1: 20-50 hours for full charge.
- Level 2: 4-10 hours.
- DC Fast: 20-60 minutes to 80% (faster charging slows near full to protect the battery).
Real-world factors like temperature, battery preconditioning, and station power output affect speeds.
Is home charging better than public charging?
Yes, for most daily needs. Home charging is cheaper (often $0.10–$0.35/kWh vs. $0.45–$0.65+ at public stations), more convenient, and gentler on the battery. Public/DC fast charging is best for road trips or when away from home.
Does frequent DC fast charging damage the battery?
Occasional use is fine for most modern EVs, which have battery management systems to protect longevity. However, regular reliance on fast charging can generate more heat and slightly accelerate degradation over time. Many manufacturers recommend limiting it and using Level 2 for daily charging.
What should I consider before installing a home charger?
- Electrical panel capacity (may need upgrade).
- Distance from panel to parking spot.
- Local permits and utility requirements.
- Smart features (app control, scheduling, load management).
- Professional installation by a licensed electrician is strongly recommended.
What are key trends in EV charging?
- Widespread NACS adoption and better interoperability.
- Faster chargers and improved reliability.
- Smart charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and solar integration.
- Expanding public networks, though "range anxiety" remains a topic in some areas.
If you're considering buying/installing a charger, factors like your daily mileage, parking setup, and local electricity rates matter most. For the latest on specific models or locations, apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Tesla's network are excellent resources. Let me know if you'd like details on a particular aspect!
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