Services

At Magic Sun Solar, we make the process of going solar simple, smart, and tailored to your unique energy needs. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner in Sacramento, our team offers end-to-end solar solutions—from expert consultations and custom system design to professional installation, financing guidance, and ongoing maintenance. With a deep understanding of local building codes, utility programs like SMUD’s net metering, and California-specific incentives, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solar energy systems built for long-term performance. Explore the comprehensive services and flexible options we provide to help you take control of your energy future.

Core Services Offered:

Initial Consultation and Site Assessment:

• Evaluating your property’s suitability for solar, considering factors like roof size, orientation, shading, and structural integrity.
• Analyzing your energy consumption patterns through your electricity bills.
• Discussing your energy goals and budget.
• Providing a preliminary estimate of system size and potential savings.

System Design and Engineering:

• Developing a customized solar panel system design tailored to your energy needs and property characteristics. This includes determining the number and type of solar panels, inverter type, racking system, and wiring.
• Creating detailed system layouts and electrical diagrams.
• Ensuring the design complies with local building codes and regulations in Sacramento and California.

Permitting and Approvals:

• Handling the application process for necessary permits from the City of Sacramento and potentially Sacramento County or other relevant authorities.
• Managing the interconnection agreement process with your utility provider (e.g., SMUD in the Sacramento area).

Equipment Procurement:

• Sourcing high-quality solar panels, inverters, racking, and other necessary components from reputable manufacturers. We have established relationships with the better suppliers.

Installation:

• Professionally installing the solar panels, mounting systems, inverters, and all associated electrical wiring and connections.
• Ensuring the installation meets safety standards and manufacturer specifications.

System Commissioning and Testing:

• Activating and testing the solar system to ensure it is functioning correctly and efficiently.
• Setting up any monitoring systems.

Post-Installation Support and Maintenance:

• Providing documentation and training on how to monitor your system’s performance.
• Offering maintenance services, including panel cleaning (often as an add-on service).
• Providing warranty information for the equipment and their workmanship.
• Offering troubleshooting and repair services if issues arise.

Financing Options Assistance:

• Guiding customers through available financing options, such as loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We work with financing institutions to get the best pricing.
• Explaining potential federal and state tax credits and incentives available in California and Sacramento.

Options Available to Customers:

System Ownership vs. Third-Party Ownership:

• Outright Purchase: You buy the solar system directly, own it, and receive all the benefits (energy savings, potential tax credits, and increased home value). This usually requires upfront capital or financing.
• Solar Loan: You borrow money to purchase the system and repay the loan over time. You own the system and receive the benefits.
• Solar Lease: You enter into a contract with a solar company where you pay a fixed monthly fee to lease the solar panels. The company owns the system, and you benefit from the generated electricity at a typically lower rate than your utility.
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Similar to a lease, but instead of paying a fixed monthly fee, you agree to purchase the electricity generated by the solar system at a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The solar company owns and maintains the system.

Equipment Choices:

• Solar Panel Type: Different types of panels (e.g., monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film) have varying efficiencies, costs, and aesthetics.
• Inverter Type: Options include string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers, each with its own advantages regarding performance, monitoring, and scalability.
• Battery Storage (Optional): Customers can choose to include battery storage systems to store excess solar energy for later use, providing backup power during outages and potentially allowing for greater energy independence.
• Monitoring Systems: Various monitoring systems are available, ranging from basic production tracking to more advanced systems that provide detailed insights into system performance.

Service Packages:

• We offer different service packages with varying levels of maintenance and support.

Considerations for Customers in Sacramento:

• Net Metering with SMUD: Understand SMUD’s net metering policies, which determine how you are compensated for excess electricity you send back to the grid.
• Local Incentives: Inquire about any specific local incentives or rebates offered in the Sacramento area, in addition to state and federal programs.
• HOA Regulations: If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association, be aware of any regulations regarding solar panel installation. We may be able to assist with this process.
• Earthquakes and Seismic Considerations: Ensure the racking and installation methods used are appropriate for seismic activity in the Sacramento region.

Choosing the right solar provider is key to maximizing your investment and ensuring long-term satisfaction. At Magic Sun Solar, we’re proud to serve the Greater Sacramento area with trusted expertise, top-tier equipment, and personalized support every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to install solar panels or just exploring your options, our team is here to help you make an informed decision with confidence.

Call us today at (916) 259-2587 or contact us by email to schedule your free consultation and discover how much you can save by going solar.

As your energy needs grow, your solar system should grow with you. Whether you’ve added an electric vehicle, expanded your home, or simply want to increase your energy independence, expanding your existing solar panel system is a smart way to boost savings and sustainability. At Magic Sun Solar, we specialize in seamless solar expansions tailored to your unique property and power goals. Our experienced team evaluates your current setup, designs a compatible and efficient extension, and manages the entire process—from permitting and equipment upgrades to installation and system integration—so you can enjoy more clean energy with confidence.

Assessing Your Current System and Needs:

• Evaluate Existing Capacity: Determine the current output of your system and whether your inverter has the capacity to handle additional panels. String inverters have limitations on the number of panels they can support, while microinverter systems are generally more flexible for expansion.
• Analyze Increased Energy Consumption: Understand why you need more solar power. Common reasons include purchasing an electric vehicle, installing new appliances, adding living space, or simply wanting to offset more of your electricity bill.
• Review Available Space: Ensure you have sufficient unshaded roof space or ground area to accommodate the new panels. Consider factors like roof orientation, pitch, and any obstructions.
• Check Local Regulations and Incentives: Research any local permitting requirements, net metering policies, and available incentives for expanding your system. These can impact the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the expansion.
• Consider the Age of Your Existing System: If your current system is several years old, finding compatible panels and components might be more challenging due to evolving technology.

Planning and Design:

• Determine the Number of Additional Panels: Calculate how many extra panels you need to meet your increased energy demands. A solar professional can help with this calculation based on your consumption data and the output of the panels you plan to add.
• Select Compatible Equipment: Ensure the new solar panels are compatible with your existing inverter or plan for an additional inverter or a system upgrade if necessary. If you have microinverters, adding more is usually simpler.
• Design the Layout: Plan the physical arrangement of the new panels for optimal sunlight exposure and integration with your existing array.
• Consider Battery Storage (Optional): If you’re expanding your system, it might be a good time to consider adding battery storage to maximize the benefits of your increased solar production, especially for backup power or time-of-use optimization.

Permitting and Interconnection:

• Obtain Necessary Permits: You’ll likely need to apply for permits from your local authorities before installing additional panels. This ensures the expansion meets safety and building codes.
• Update Interconnection Agreement: If you are connected to the grid, you’ll likely need to revise your interconnection agreement with your utility company to reflect the increased system size.

Installation:

• Mounting and Racking: Install the necessary racking or mounting hardware for the new solar panels. This must be securely attached to your roof or ground.
• Wiring and Electrical Connections: Connect the new solar panels to your existing system or the new inverter. This involves careful wiring to ensure proper electrical flow and safety.
• Inverter Installation (if needed): Install a new or upgraded inverter with sufficient capacity for the expanded system.
• System Integration: Ensure the new components are properly integrated with your existing system, including monitoring systems.

Inspection and Commissioning:

• Local Inspection: Once the installation is complete, it will typically need to be inspected by local authorities to ensure it meets safety and code requirements.
• System Testing and Commissioning: A qualified technician will test the entire system to ensure it’s functioning correctly and producing the expected power output.
• Monitoring System Setup: Configure your monitoring system to track the performance of the expanded system.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of solar panel expansion can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• Number and type of new solar panels.
• Equipment upgrades (inverter, racking, monitoring).
• Labor costs for installation.
• Permitting and inspection fees.
• Potential upgrades to your electrical panel.

It’s often more cost-effective to install a larger system initially than to expand later due to factors like permitting fees and installation crew mobilization. However, expanding your system can still be a worthwhile investment if your energy needs have increased.

Contact Magic Sun for Professional Help

Expanding your solar energy system is a powerful way to meet growing energy demands while maximizing long-term savings. With the right planning, equipment, and expert guidance, your upgraded system can deliver even greater performance and value. At Magic Sun Solar, we make the expansion process simple, efficient, and fully customized to your needs.

Call us today at (916) 259-2587 or contact us by email to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you take your solar investment to the next level.

Even the best solar energy systems can experience occasional issues—but with the right expertise, they’re often easy to fix. At Magic Sun Solar, we provide professional solar panel repair services designed to restore your system’s performance, safety, and efficiency. From troubleshooting underperformance and electrical faults to repairing panels, inverters, and mounting hardware, our experienced technicians are equipped to handle it all. Whether you’re seeing a drop in energy output or need help diagnosing a system error, we’re here to ensure your solar investment continues to deliver clean, reliable power for years to come.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:

• Identifying the cause of system underperformance or complete shutdown. This often involves checking various components and connections.
• Using specialized tools to measure voltage, current, and insulation resistance to pinpoint electrical issues.
• Analyzing data from monitoring systems to detect anomalies.
• Performing shading analysis to identify obstructions affecting panel output.

Solar Panel Repairs:

• Cleaning: Removing dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris that can significantly reduce energy production.
• Panel Inspection: Checking for physical damage like cracks, delamination, or hot spots. Minor cracks might not always be repairable, and panel replacement might be necessary for significant damage.
• Wiring and Connection Fixes: Inspecting and repairing loose, corroded, or damaged wiring, ensuring secure connections between panels and other components. Replacing faulty wire nuts or connectors.
• Mounting and Racking Adjustments: Ensuring panels are securely fastened and at the correct angle. Repairing or reinforcing loose or damaged mounting hardware.
• Critter Guard Installation: Installing barriers to prevent animals like birds and rodents from nesting under panels and damaging wiring.

Inverter Repairs and Maintenance:

• Inverter Diagnostics: Identifying issues with the inverter, which converts DC electricity from the panels to AC electricity for your home or the grid.
• Inverter Cleaning: Ensuring proper ventilation by cleaning dust and debris from the inverter’s heat sinks and fans.
• Component Replacement: Replacing faulty capacitors, fuses, or other internal components of the inverter. In some cases, complete inverter replacement might be more cost-effective.
• Firmware Updates: Ensuring the inverter’s software is up to date for optimal performance and compatibility.

Electrical System Checks:

• Circuit Breaker Inspection: Checking for tripped breakers, wear, or damage. Resetting or replacing faulty breakers.
• Grounding Checks: Ensuring the system is properly grounded for safety.
• System Compliance Analysis: Verifying that the installation meets current electrical codes and safety standards.

Battery System Repairs (if applicable):

• Battery Diagnostics: Assessing the health and performance of solar batteries.
• Connection Checks: Ensuring secure and corrosion-free connections to the batteries.
• Battery Replacement: Replacing batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan or are no longer functioning correctly.

System Optimization and Upgrades:

• Adding Panels: Expanding the system to increase energy production.
• System Reconfiguration: Adjusting the layout or wiring for better performance.

Don’t let system issues compromise your solar energy savings. Whether it’s a minor wiring fault, inverter failure, or panel damage, timely repairs can make all the difference in your system’s performance and longevity. At Magic Sun Solar, we offer expert repair and maintenance services throughout the Greater Sacramento area, backed by industry knowledge and responsive customer care.

Call us today at (916) 259-2587 or contact us by email to schedule a diagnostic appointment and get your solar system back on track.

Keeping your solar panels clean is essential to maintaining peak energy production and protecting your investment. At Magic Sun Solar, our professional solar panel cleaning service is designed to remove dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris that can block sunlight and reduce your system’s efficiency. Using safe, non-abrasive methods and specialized tools, our team ensures your panels stay spotless without risking damage to the surface or components. Whether you’re looking to boost performance, extend the life of your system, or simply maintain your warranty, regular cleaning is a smart, cost-effective solution—especially in Sacramento’s dry, dusty climate.

The Solar panel cleaning service of Magic Sun Solar aims to remove any buildup that can obstruct sunlight and reduce the efficiency of your system. This typically involves:

• Initial Dry Cleaning: Removing loose debris like leaves, dust, and cobwebs using a soft brush or broom. This prevents scratching when water is applied.
• Gentle Washing: Applying water, often deionized or soft water to avoid mineral deposits, to the panels.
• Mild Cleaning Solution (if needed): For stubborn grime like bird droppings, pollen, or sap, a mild, non-abrasive soap specifically designed for solar panels or a diluted vinegar solution may be used. Harsh chemicals should be avoided.
• Soft Brushing or Wiping: Using a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the panel surface. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the glass.
• Thorough Rinsing: Rinsing the panels with clean water to remove any soap residue. Leaving soap residue can attract more dirt.
• Drying (if necessary): Allowing the panels to air dry or gently wiping them with a soft, clean cloth or squeegee to prevent water spots, especially if hard water was used.
• Inspection: While cleaning, technicians inspect the panels for any visible damage, loose connections, or other issues.

What is NOT typically included:

• Pressure washing: High-pressure water can damage the solar panels and is generally not recommended.
• Abrasive cleaners or tools: These can scratch the panel surface and reduce efficiency.
• Standing or leaning on the panels: This can cause damage to the cells.

How Often Does it Need to Be Done?

The frequency of solar panel cleaning depends on several factors, including:

• Location and Environment:
  • Dusty or Polluted Areas: If you live near construction sites, busy roads, industrial areas, or agricultural fields, you may need to clean your panels more frequently (every 3-6 months).
  • Areas with Trees and Wildlife: Falling leaves, pollen, bird droppings, and nesting can necessitate more frequent cleaning, especially after seasons with high pollen or leaf fall.
  • Rainy Climates: Rain can naturally wash away some debris, potentially reducing the need for frequent cleaning. However, it won’t remove everything, and mineral deposits from rainwater can still accumulate.
  • Tilt of the Panels: Steeper panels tend to shed debris more easily than flatter ones.
  • Visible Buildup: Regularly inspect your panels. If you see a noticeable layer of dirt, dust, or other debris, it’s likely time for a cleaning.
  • Performance Monitoring: If you have a system that monitors energy production, a noticeable drop in output on sunny days can indicate that your panels need cleaning.

General Recommendations:

• Most experts recommend cleaning solar panels at least once or twice a year.
• Consider cleaning at the end of winter and the end of summer/early fall to remove accumulated grime from different seasons.
• More frequent cleaning may be necessary in areas with high levels of soiling.

What are the Benefits?

Cleaning your solar panels offers several significant benefits:

• Increased Energy Efficiency: Dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, reducing their ability to generate electricity. Studies have shown that dirty panels can experience a significant drop in efficiency (ranging from a few percent to as much as 20-30% or more in heavily soiled conditions). Cleaning them allows them to operate at their optimal capacity.
• Improved Energy Savings and ROI: By maximizing energy production, clean panels help you save more money on your electricity bills and achieve a faster return on your solar investment.
• Extended Lifespan of the System: Accumulated dirt and debris can create “hot spots” on the panels, leading to premature wear and tear on the solar cells. Regular cleaning helps prevent this, potentially extending the lifespan of your solar panel system.
• Maintained Warranty: Some solar panel manufacturers’ warranties require regular maintenance, including cleaning, to remain valid. Neglecting cleaning could potentially void your warranty.
• Better Aesthetics: Clean solar panels look better on your roof, maintaining the overall appearance of your property.
• Early Detection of Issues: The cleaning process provides an opportunity to inspect the panels for any damage, loose wiring, or other potential problems that could affect performance or safety. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant and costly repairs down the line.

Protect your solar investment and get the most out of every ray of sunshine with professional cleaning from Magic Sun Solar. Regular maintenance not only boosts system performance but also helps prevent costly damage and keeps your panels looking their best. Serving homeowners throughout the Greater Sacramento area, our team delivers safe, thorough cleanings you can trust.

Call us today at (916) 259-2587 or contact us by email to schedule your solar panel cleaning and keep your system running at peak efficiency year-round.