Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a licensed and bonded contractor?
Yes. Transform Power is a licensed General Contractor and C-10 Electrical Contractor in the state of California, license number 1053266. Be aware that many “solar sales” companies exist. These “solar sales” companies add $5000-$10,000 to the price of the job and then hire a contractor like us to install the equipment. You will always get a better price working directly with a licensed contractor instead of a “solar sales” company.
Does solar make financial sense?
Yes. Solar can save you money on the very first month with financing. Customers who pay for their system upfront can have an ROI as soon as 5 years.
Can I get a Federal Tax Credit?
While the residential tax credit expired in 2025, homeowners can still benefit from the ITC indirectly through a Hybrid “Lease to Own” structure—often delivering a 30%–40% upfront discount on the total project cost. Businesses can claim up to a 50% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on eligible solar + battery projects under Section 48E.
If you’re considering solar, understanding how the ITC connects to financing is the key to getting the best deal. Because every tax situation is different, we always recommend speaking with a tax professional. Our in-house team can provide clear documentation of your project costs so your tax advisor has the information needed.
What financing option is best?
It really depends on the customer. Customers who pay in full upfront can save the most money over the life of the equipment. Customers who finance can still save significant money vs paying the utility company in their very first year of ownership.
Homeowners typically have three main solar financing paths: solar loans, leases/PPAs, and a newer hybrid “prepaid PPA / lease-to-own” option. With loans (secured or unsecured), many customers structure payments to be similar to their current utility bill and shift from renting power to paying toward an owned asset. With leases or PPAs, a third party owns the system and you pay a fixed lease or for the energy produced—usually with lower upfront costs but less long-term savings since many incentives go to the third-party owner. A prepaid PPA/lease-to-own uses cash or a loan, gives an upfront 30%–40% discount by letting a finance company own the system on paper for the first six years to claim the commercial ITC, then transfers full ownership to you at year six.
Because financing decisions can significantly impact long-term savings, Transform Power reviews all available options with each homeowner, using vetted finance partners and competitive programs. Instead of pushing one solution, we’ll help you choose what fits your home, budget, and long-term goals.
Will my home still be connected to the utility grid with solar?
Yes. Your home will still be connected to the utility grid. Your solar panels will produce electricity during the day when the sun is up. The solar panels will produce more electricity during daylight hours than your home is using. This excess electricity will be stored in your battery. When the sun goes down and your solar is no longer producing, you will use the power you stored in your battery. If you need more power than your solar produces you can always use the utility grid.
Can I power my entire home with solar?
Yes. The only limitation is how many panels will fit on your roof and the size of your battery. Customers who have large properties have the option of a ground-mounted solar array. You will still be connected to the utility grid but your power will come from your panels and battery.
What part of my roof is best for solar?
South-facing roofs get the most sun exposure in Southern California. Due to roof layout sometimes its necessary to use the east and west facing roofs also. North-facing roofs should be avoided.
What is a KWH?
KWH is an abbreviation for Kilowatt Hour. A Kilowatt is 1000 watts. Most people are familiar with a 100 watt light bulb. One Kilowatt would power 10 of such bulbs. If you ran 10 of these 100-watt light bulbs for 1 hour it would equal 1 Kilowatt Hour. A Kilowatt Hour is used by the utility company to determine how much electricity you use over a month. Typical households use about 700-2000 KWH per month depending on the time of year and size of the home.
Do I need to notify my HOA?
Yes, you should get approval from your HOA. In California, the California Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 state that the homeowner’s associations (HOA’s), governments, and other organizations cannot prevent you from installing a solar electric system on your property. However, homeowners’ associations (HOA’s) can ask you to modify the design and/or location for aesthetic reasons as long as the changes don’t significantly impact the solar electricity production (a decrease of more than 10%) or cost more than $1,000 in total.
What brands do you install?
We only install tier 1 panels and the highest quality inverters and batteries.
Do the panels have a warranty?
Yes. The panels we install all have warranties ranging from 12 to 25 years depending on the manufacturer and panel model.
Do the panels require maintenance?
No real maintenance is necessary other than cleaning. This is one of the benefits of solar! If the panels seem to be getting dirty, they can be cleaned with a hose. This should only be done in the morning or evening hours when the panels are cool to the touch.
Do you install batteries?
Yes. We install batteries. They are mounted on the wall near your electric panel. They can be used to save money by offsetting your usage during the high-priced time of use rates. They can also be used as a backup for power outages.
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Your Top Local Solar Company
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how solar panels can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Our expert, in-house team is here for all of your solar needs. From design and solar panel installation, to maintenance and panel cleaning, to repairs for panels and inverters, we are here to help!
Serving Temecula and surrounding area including:
Murrieta, Menifee, Winchester, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore.
Ready to Power Your Home with Solar?
Transform Power’s in-house Temecula team is ready to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you get started with a free, no-pressure solar consultation.
Transform Power’s in-house, Temecula-based team is here to answer your questions and help you get started with a free, no-pressure solar consultation. Call (951) 297-2501 or use the contact form to connect with a team member (not a call center) today.
Serving Southwest Riverside County and North San Diego County, including Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Fallbrook, Winchester, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, and surrounding areas.
