Question 1

Where are the panels best mounted?

Accepted Answer

The Backyard panels can be placed on an easily accessible flat surface such as a yard, deck, or patio.

Question 2

How does the installation process work?

Accepted Answer

For the larger the Backyard systems, we have an option to deliver the system to you and provide installation support onsite. Please note that you may also need an electrician and please see the Backyard Solar FAQs for more details.

Question 3

How do you secure the panels? What if there's a wind storm?

Accepted Answer

We typically recommend weighing down the Backyard solar panels with sandbags or pavers.

The Flex 200 needs to be secured to a wall, balcony, or fence with zip ties or anything durable that will keep the panel secured. In case of a strong wind storm, consider unplugging and bringing the panel indoors.

Question 4

I’m a renter, does this work for me?

Accepted Answer

That’s why we are here! In Europe, many people with balcony solar are renters who live in apartment buildings. We aim to replicate that boom.

Question 5

I don’t live in the Bay Area. When are you coming to my city/state? Can you ship me a Backyard system and I’ll install it myself?

Accepted Answer

Please join our newsletter to learn when and where we might expand to next.

Question 6

Does your system work as backup power during an outage?

Accepted Answer

Generally, plug-in solar systems do not feed power back to the home during an outage for safety reasons. This is true even for systems that include a battery.

Question 7

Will your system charge my EV?

Accepted Answer

Plug-in solar systems won’t directly charge your EV, but they will offset a portion of your charging while the grid covers the rest.

Question 8

Will your system power my RV?

Accepted Answer

Our system can’t directly power an RV. Our panels are grid-tied for offsetting home use, whereas RVs need a dedicated off-grid setup with batteries and an inverter to run appliances or charge onboard systems. They also use a different voltage.

Question 9

Will your system power my AC?

Accepted Answer

Your plug-in solar panels will offset a portion of your AC usage while the grid will supply the rest.

Question 10

Can I install it on a roof/awning?

Accepted Answer

Our Backyard products are intended for ground mounting and that is the primary use case of the mounting hardware that we supply. That said, the solar panels are suitable for all sorts of installation, including on roofs, as long as you ensure a professional and safe installation.

Question 11

I already have solar. Will this work for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a Net Metering Expansion product specifically for existing solar owners.

Question 12

I already have a battery. Will this charge my existing battery?

Accepted Answer

In principle, the energy from any plug-in solar system can flow into a previously installed battery. However, it will depend on specifics of your existing installation when and how much the battery will charge and whether it can optimally use the additional energy generated.

Question 13

Is there a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide at least a one-year warranty on all products and some system components have longer warranty periods.

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