Frequently Asked Questions

Aviara Solar Contractors has been in business since 2007.

Yes. Aviara Solar Contractors is licensed by the CSLB. License #: 894785

Yes. Solar technology (including cells, modules, and inverters) are proven technologies – from both, functionality and long-term, low maintenance operation viewpoints. These same technologies allow the operation of satellites and unmanned vehicles on the Moon and Mars.

Both types are manufactured from silicon wafers. The difference is that the mono-crystalline cells, which comprise the panel (or module), are made from a wafer consisting of only a single crystal; whereas, the poly-crystalline cell is composed of many mono-crystalline wafer pieces formed into a single cell. Compared to the poly-crystalline cells, mono-crystalline cells are more efficient, are darker or black in color (vs. bluish), have less degradation over time, and cost more. Each type has its pros and cons. For example, if enough roof space is available and high efficiency is not an absolute requirement, then installing more of the cheaper poly-crystalline based panels may be financially be better than installing fewer of the more expensive mono-crystalline panels. Aviara Solar carries both types and can review the financial and other aspects with you to arrive at an informed decision.

To make the consultation most effective, it is best if you are prepared with:
1) Your goals and requirements,
2) Last 12 months’ electric bills,
3) Your roof condition,
4) How long you plan on living in your home.

To make the best use of your time, the outcomes of the Consultation are based on the agenda you help determine. The major topics include: Understanding your goals and requirements; Preliminary design; Financials; Considerations to determine if Solar makes sense for you; The implementation process; Selecting a vendor; Next steps.

NO. Aviara Solar believes in educating you so that you can form your own decision, at your rate. There is no obligation to buy, nor do we pressure you to decide during or at the end of the consultation. We will follow up with you, in a manner aggregable with you, to ensure we have answered all your questions and inform you of any industry related changes that may affect your decision making (e.g. changes to NEM or an upcoming expiry date for rebates or other incentives).

A few of the major reasons of going Solar include: Reduced electric bills; Predictable electric bills (important if you are on fixed income); Hedge against future electric rate increases; Helping the environment; Increasing your home value; Investment with a great rate of return; Cooler roofs and attics during summer.

For most customers who have gone solar, the key decision factors included: Purchasing vs. Leasing; Pre- and Post-Incentive Costs; Current usage and offset; NEM terms; Payback period; Installation workmanship; Warranty; Production guarantee; Installation vendor.

At a high level, the process to go Solar includes: Requirements > Site Evaluation > System Design > Permitting > Installation > Inspection > NEM Meter Installation > Permission-To-Operate. Aviara Solar manages and performs most of these steps.

Although not necessary, we highly recommend that you are home in case we need to access internal areas, such as the attic, ask questions, and we can discuss our findings

The main items noted during the Site Evaluation are: roof direction, condition, shading, obstructions (e.g. vents) and measurements, electric main panel condition, sizing, and open breaker slot availability, and, if an attic run is being considered, attic access and suitability.

After the Site Evaluation is completed, we will analyze and provide an initial system design within one or two days, including any concerns or recommendations.

Yes. By law, you have the option to cancel the purchase contract within three (3) business days.

Our Accounting Department takes customer payments. They can be reached at 858.459.9020.

Payment breakdowns are in your solar agreement if it’s a cash purchase.

You will get a paid in full invoice when the project is fully paid and completed upon request. We can also send invoices along the way if requested showing the payments being applied.

The full balance needs to be paid before the system is turned on. It covers Labor and Product as well. The payments are broken down in your contracts if it is a cash purchase. If you finance, the full balance is due when your city inspection has passed. Once the full balance is paid, we will be able to submit paperwork to utility company.

The number of panels required is based on many considerations and will be arrived at during the design phase. Some of these factors include: current usage, requirements, roof space, roof orientation, shading, panel efficiency, panel power, and financing.

The key considerations in the designing of a solar system include: geographic location, roof direction, roof pitch, roof space availability, roof type, roof condition, shading, current electric usage, offset amount desired, budget, local codes, HOA codes (if applicable), panel efficiency, panel power rating.

Yes. Some customers want to be fully involved, whereas some are interest just in the end result.

Although you are not required to be home for the inspection, since most of the system is external, your presence may be required in case some of work is inside your home, for example, the attic.

The key installation steps for a roof installation generally include: Locating rafters, Installing roof mounts, railing, microinverters or power optimizers, panels, junction boxes, wiring and other electrical components, and finishing (e.g. stucco, painting).

The most important aspect of installing a solar system on the roof, requires roofing expertise: working on the different types of roofs (e.g. shingle, tile, clay, metal), locating rafters so the mounts are properly secured, minimizing roof penetrations, properly flashing and applying adhesives to minimize damage and prevent leaks, and other aspects. LASG is a C-39 licensed roofing contractor. We have the expertise to properly install, as well as repair and re-roof.

The city will inspect the work to ensure it meets the city’s installation and safety requirements related to solar, roofing, and electrical.

No. After the City inspection, your electric utility company may/will install a Net Meter and then grant you Permission to Operate (PTO). Only after the PTO is granted, can the Solar system be “turned on” and connected to the Grid.

Depending on the area you are living in, cleaning the solar panels of dust, dirt, and debris may be the only maintenance required. Again depending on your area, normal rainfall may be sufficient to clean your panels.

It will only show the NET of production and usage, not on your utility bill.

Once the envoy is installed, you don’t need to look at the display for getting data. You will receive an email with a web link which you can sign into to monitor daily/weekly/monthly production.

After the device is installed, within 72 hours the system will be registered and you will receive login information.

Aviara Solar guarantees that the system will produce a minimum amount for energy (kWh) during the first and each of the following 24 years, assuming that the environmental conditions (e.g. shading) are the same as during the site analysis. In the event the system produces less energy than anticipated, Aviara Solar, at its sole option, will compensate you for the under produced energy amount or upgrade your system to enable full production. Please see your Purchase Contract for full details and conditions.

In case of system related questions or issues, you can contact support by: 1) Visiting our website at: https:www.aviarasolar.wpengine.com/ and submitting a service request form on the Request Support page; 2) Sending an email to: info@aviarasolar.com; 3) Calling 1- 858-459-9020.

Yes, we provide service to commercial business, government, and non-profit customers.

You may need a main panel upgrade because you either don’t have enough space in your panel for additional breakers or not enough amperage to support the load service.

We provide financing and leasing options through our partner networks. We offer PACE financing through ReNew Financial.

Yes, please contact us.