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Installing solar panels offers various benefits, including financial savings, increased home value, and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, substantial federal incentives make transitioning to solar more appealing than ever before. However, investing in a solar system is a significant decision involving substantial financial commitment. With tens of thousands of dollars at stake, it’s crucial to approach this decision thoughtfully.
Once you’ve conducted thorough research, perused reviews, and sought recommendations from friends and neighbors, the next step is selecting an installer. Asking the right questions to solar companies in your area can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels and ensure a smooth installation process.
To assist you in making an informed decision, here are 15 essential questions to pose to solar installers.
1. What is your company’s tenure in the industry?
With the recent surge in the solar sector, numerous companies have entered the fray. While this influx signifies growth, not all are seasoned installers or reputable entities. Sometimes these installation companies are fly-by-night. They open one month and close the next. Ideally, an installer with a track record of three years or more is preferable.
2. What certifications does your company hold?
While online reviews provide valuable insights, industry certifications offer a more reliable indicator of a company’s credibility. The National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) establishes benchmarks for knowledge, experience, and professionalism within the renewable energy sector. We recommend that at least one person in that company be NABCEP certified to ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills.
Moreover, additional certifications shed light on a company’s labor practices and environmental commitments. B Corp certification mandates adherence to specific social and environmental standards, encompassing fair labor practices and wages. If installers are getting a fair wage, they’re going to be much more likely to do a quality installation.
3. What are the state-specific regulations governing solar installations?
Understanding the regulations applicable to your state is crucial. State regulations vary, and clarity on these rules from your prospective installer is paramount.
For instance, in California, laws prohibit the backflow of residential solar energy into the grid. Conversely, in Pennsylvania, residential systems can feed unlimited power back to the grid, with utilities mandated to pay the full retail price. These state-specific disparities can significantly impact the payback period for your solar system.
4. What solar incentives are accessible in my locality?
Beyond the 30% federal tax credit provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, you may qualify for additional credits or incentives based on various factors. These incentives can accumulate, even before factoring in any local or utility-specific incentives. A proficient solar installer should inform you about federal, state, and local incentives that facilitate cost savings. Depending on how you leverage these federal incentives, you can recoup between 30% and 60% of your solar investment through tax credits.
As an illustration, if you’re procuring solar for your business, you might have the opportunity to expedite the depreciation of that asset, enabling a more substantial tax deduction during the initial years of your system. Moreover, you could qualify for supplementary credits if your installer utilizes materials made in America.
5. What equipment do you utilize, and what is its ethical sourcing?
Gain insight into the equipment your installer intends to use and their rationale behind the selection. A company fixated on a single panel size might not be the most suitable match if your home boasts a complex or architecturally intricate roof. Beware of salespersons insinuating that only one type of solar system or battery storage exists. There’s a plethora of solar equipment brands and system designs to consider.
Additionally, inquire about the sourcing of equipment, preferably favoring panels manufactured in the U.S.
6. Is roof replacement necessary before solar installation?
The condition and age of your roof are pivotal factors in the solar transition. Solar United Neighbors advises replacing roofs with less than 10 to 15 years of life expectancy before installing a system.
A proficient solar installer should assess your roof’s condition and offer recommendations within their proposal.
7. Will your company execute the installation?
Surprisingly, the salesperson you interact with might not represent the actual installation entity. Ensure that the installer you engage with is the one performing the work.
There are numerous high-pressure marketing firms masquerading as solar companies. “They solely focus on marketing and sales, outsourcing solar installations to other entities. This scenario can lead to significant complications.
8. What’s the projected installation timeline?
Discussing a preliminary project timeline with potential solar installers is crucial—both regarding the commencement of work and the duration until your solar installation becomes operational. Installers should inquire about your desired installation timeframe, allowing you the necessary research period. The best installers will respect your decision-making process.
9. What maintenance packages or warranties are available?
Ask about the availability of an operations and maintenance package or an extended warranty that encompasses the solar system’s lifespan or offers longer workmanship coverage than the contract.
10. Are there financing-related fees, and who provides the financing?
Due to elevated interest rates, financing your solar installation may be less appealing than in previous years. Additionally, scrutinize the lending institution offering the loan, which could be a third party, and carefully review the terms to understand default consequences.
11. What’s the cost per watt of my solar system?
When comparing solar installations, evaluate the cost per watt, not just the total installation costs or the cost per panel. Two systems may have the same total cost but different power generated depending on the size and power of the panels. Choose the system with the lower cost per watt to get the best value.
12. How much of my energy consumption will the solar energy offset?
A reputable solar installer should provide clear insight into the percentage of your household’s power consumption that your solar system will offset. This information, inclusive of factors like weather, shade, roof dimensions, and household energy usage, should be outlined in the installer’s project proposal. If this information is clearly delineated in a proposal, it’s usually a positive indicator.
13. How are lifetime savings determined?
Solar installers should not only estimate your system’s lifetime savings but also transparently disclose the methodology behind these calculations. Lifetime savings are typically calculated using a utility escalator, representing the projected power cost inflation rate based on historical trends. Aligning the utility escalator used in competing proposals from different installers aids in accurate comparisons.
14. Is the power generation estimate guaranteed?
While it’s unrealistic to ensure maximum power output from every panel at all times, a reliable installer should guarantee your panels’ performance within a reasonable range. If the overall power output falls within a reasonable margin of error, such as 10% of the predicted value, then it’s generally considered satisfactory.
15. How do I sell solar energy credits back to the grid?
In states with net metering policies, selling surplus solar power back to the grid is feasible. However, homeowners typically sell solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) through third-party brokers or aggregators rather than directly to energy utilities. Your installer may facilitate connections with such entities, but it’s advisable to review your contract to ensure it doesn’t prohibit selecting your own broker.
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