Practical answers about solar electricity, your roof and keeping an existing system working. Sundial Solar Services, LLC helps Central Florida homeowners with solar electric systems, repairs, battery backup and removal and reinstallation for roof work.
Solar basics
What does a solar electric system do?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. An inverter converts that electricity into a form your home can use. Production depends on the equipment, available sunlight, shading and system design.
Solar electric systems are different from thermal systems that heat water. For those services, see solar pool heating or solar water heating.
Will solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days?
Yes. Panels can use diffuse sunlight, but cloud cover generally reduces production. The amount varies with the weather, shading and equipment. A cloudy-day output reading should be considered alongside conditions and the system’s normal performance; low output alone does not identify a failed component.
Cost and electric bills
What determines the cost of a solar system?
System size, equipment, roof conditions, electrical work and battery options all affect the installation scope. A useful quote starts with your property and electricity use, rather than a generic household price. Our Solar Panel Cost guide explains what to compare between proposals.
Will solar eliminate my electric bill?
Solar can reduce electricity purchased from the utility, but a zero bill is not guaranteed. Your usage, system production, utility rates and fixed or minimum charges affect the result. Credits for exported electricity and any annual settlement depend on your utility’s current tariff. Review those terms and the proposed production assumptions before relying on a savings estimate.
Residential and commercial tax incentives
Are residential solar tax credits still available?
As of September 2026, the former federal Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Do not assume the former 30% credit reduces the cost of a new home installation.
Read the current IRS residential guidance and discuss your circumstances with a qualified tax professional. This answer does not determine your tax eligibility.
Are there different incentives for commercial solar projects?
Eligible commercial projects may have separate federal clean-electricity incentive opportunities. Qualification depends on the project, ownership, timing and applicable restrictions; this does not mean every Sundial commercial project qualifies.
Consult the current IRS clean-electricity credit guidance and your tax professional before including an incentive in a project budget. Sundial’s commercial solar service can help with the project-planning discussion.
Outages and batteries
Will my solar panels work during a power outage?
A standard grid-tied system normally shuts down when utility power fails. Backup operation requires equipment designed to isolate the home or selected circuits from the grid and supply them safely. Having solar panels does not by itself mean your home has backup power.
Do I need a battery for backup power?
A battery can store energy for use when sunlight is unavailable, but backup also requires compatible controls and an appropriate electrical configuration. Some specifically configured systems support limited daytime backup without a battery; that is not a feature of every solar system and depends on available sunlight.
Start with the appliances or circuits you want to support. Equipment capacity, usable stored energy and the loads determine what can run and for how long. Discuss those goals through Sundial’s battery backup service.
Roof and electrical considerations
Can solar be installed on different roof types?
Different roof materials and structures need different designs. Suitability depends on roof condition, structural requirements, usable space and the mounting system. Attachments and waterproofing details must be chosen for the actual roof and applicable requirements. The installation proposal should explain the approach for your property.
Will my electrical panel or service need to be upgraded?
It depends on the existing equipment, its capacity and the proposed interconnection. Some projects can use the existing panel; others need panel, service, wiring or other electrical changes. The assessment and quote should identify the required work. Existing room wiring does not necessarily need replacement, but that does not rule out other upgrades.
Maintenance and service
How much maintenance do solar panels need?
Plan to monitor production and follow the equipment manufacturer’s care guidance. Cleaning needs depend on site conditions; a fixed cleaning schedule or a particular soap and brush is not appropriate for every installation. If production changes unexpectedly, the cause could involve shading, monitoring, wiring or equipment rather than dirty panels. Arrange qualified service when needed instead of assuming cleaning will restore output.
What happens if my original solar installer is no longer in business?
Gather any plans, equipment model details, warranty documents and monitoring information you have. Another service provider may be able to assess the system, but access to monitoring, replacement parts and warranty support varies by manufacturer and equipment. An installer’s closure does not automatically establish what support is available for each component.
Can Sundial repair an existing system it did not install?
Sundial assesses existing solar systems, including systems installed by other companies. Share the symptoms, equipment details and any fault messages so the service scope can be reviewed. Diagnosis helps distinguish a monitoring problem from an electrical or equipment fault; repair options depend on what is found and the parts and access available. See Solar Repair & Maintenance to request help with an existing system.
What happens to my solar panels when I replace my roof?
Coordinate the solar work with the roofing schedule before work begins. The removal and reinstallation scope should address equipment handling, the attachment requirements for the new roof and checks when the system is reconnected. Sundial’s solar removal and reinstallation service explains the process and what to share when planning reroof work.
Have a Solar Question About Your Property?
Tell Sundial whether you are planning a new system, need help with existing equipment or have roof work coming up. Use the existing request form so the right service can be reviewed.