Going solar can be a challenging process for homeowners — especially when speaking with different solar companies yields conflicting and confusing information. But when done right, the economic and environmental benefits of rooftop solar are more than worthwhile.
With competitive price and timely delivery, JM sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
So we asked solar industry veteran Brian Lynch a simple question: What can homeowners do to set themselves up for a successful solar installation?
Lynch broke his answer into 10 questions that homeowners should ask themselves before signing a deal and also threw in some expert advice for answering those questions that he’s picked up over his 15+ years with major solar players like REC, LG, and ADT.
Whether you’re comparing quotes on the solar.com marketplace or seeking them out on your own, ask yourself the following questions before you sign a solar agreement.
Rooftop solar is a major investment in lowering your electricity costs and carbon footprint, so it’s crucial to work with a reputable company that has a proven track record of excellent workmanship and customer service. Research the installer whether or not they are performing the sale.
As a baseline, they should have:
Brian Lynch’s advice:
For a truly unbiased opinion, call the local inspector’s office and ask if they believe the contractor performs quality work.
Not every solar panel, inverter, and battery is created equal. For example, certain panels and inverters are better suited for roofs with occasional shading than others. And if you’re relying on your solar system to reduce your electricity costs, it’s important to invest in the right technology.
Ask yourself the following question: Did the salesperson simply propose what they stock or did they select the right technology package for your specific application? Better yet, ask the salesperson why they chose the equipment they did.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Research the equipment companies, their ratings, and whether they have US-based customer service – it might make all the difference in the world in a few years if something goes wrong.
Related reading: Best Solar Panels and Inverters Brands of
Successful solar projects begin with setting goals. Some homeowners want to zero out their utility bill, others want to reduce their environmental impact, and a growing number are motivated by backup power and energy independence. Honing in on one or two primary goals can help you and your advisor craft a custom solution to meet them.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
It’s okay to have several motivations for going solar, but narrow it down to one or two primary goals to guide your system design.
Once you have goals in place, make sure the proposals you receive actually meet them. Every homeowner and every project is unique. Did the salesperson develop a custom proposal based on your feedback, utility usage, and goals for going solar? Or did they simply propose what the roof could fit?
Ask the salesperson or advisor how the equipment, design, and financing options were selected to help meet your goals.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Dealing with an unbiased advisor or advocate versus a commissioned salesperson can make all the difference in the world.
We’ve all seen the ads promising “free” solar. Simply put, there’s no such thing — and these misleading ads set unrealistic expectations for homeowners looking to lower their essential energy costs. Companies that rely on click-bait like “free solar” likely have no issues lying to you later in the process.
Going solar is a great way to lower and flatten your essential electricity costs over time. But if the numbers sound too good to be true, they almost certainly are.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to identify and avoid solar scams is to get multiple quotes from reputable installers. This will give you a sense of fair pricing in your market and expose outliers that are too good to be true.
Sounds crazy, but there’s a dark side of solar. Reports have been issued by Universities that expose forced labor practices in the upstream supply chain of some solar companies and there have been many investigations into illegal trade practices.
While the US is combatting forced labor in the solar supply chain with tariffs and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in , there are still panel manufacturers trying to circumvent these safeguards.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to avoid enabling unethical practices is to work with reputable companies that don’t have Chinese ownership ties.
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here as everyone has different financial circumstances and goals. But there are pros and cons to all of the buying panels (with a loan or cash) and leasing them.
In general:
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Discuss and simulate several finance options with an unbiased advisor to craft a payment plan that best meets your goals.
Investing in energy storage – aka solar batteries – along with your solar array is a great way to “future proof” your solar investment. Battery storage provides energy security and allows you to use your electricity when it’s best for you. But, it comes with a substantial cost, and understanding whether an energy storage system is right for you is worth exploring.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Consider the long-term economics. Battery storage costs substantially less when it is installed at the same time as solar panels than if it’s added to a solar system retroactively.
Do you trust what you’ve been told? Do you trust the equipment? Do you trust the installer? Do you trust that this is the right system for you?
If the answer to these questions is yes – then solar is amazing. If the answer is no to one or more of them, find a partner that will build and earn your trust.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
With today’s solar systems expected to last 25+ years, installing solar means entering a long-term relationship with your installation company and equipment manufacturers. Trust your project to an installer you trust will be around to promptly service your system and help you file warranty claims if issues should arise.
Solar shouldn’t be high-pressure gimmicky sales with three-card monte discounting. Solar should be thoroughly explained, researched, and priced in a fair and consultative manner. If you’re confident in your decision to go solar then congratulations – you’ve made a fantastic decision. If not, take the time to evaluate your options
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Take the time to fully understand, consider, and establish confidence in your decision to go solar. Don’t let a salesperson rush your decision.
If you’ve done the research and decided that solar power is right for your home, it’s time to reach out to one of the best solar companies near you. They’ll do a survey of your home and any obstructions in the area around it, then give you an estimate that will show how many solar panels you need, how much they’ll cost, and how soon they’ll pay for themselves.
At this point, you’ll likely have a lot of questions, and you may not even know all the right ones to ask. That’s where we come in.
There are five main categories of questions to ask:
Questions about the company
Questions about solar equipment
Questions about money
Questions about the work being done
Questions about the future
Asking these questions will give you a clear picture of how the installer runs their business, their installation quality, the cost, performance, and savings to expect, and how the company can support you after the installation is complete. Let's take a closer look at the questions to ask a solar installer, so you can rest assured that you've done the right thing for your home.
Join the over 1.5 million Americans who have used SolarReviews to find trusted solar comapniesUnless you’re choosing your sister-in-law’s new solar company because she’s trying to gain some experience, you should pick an installer with a good deal of experience under their belt. You should also make sure they’re licensed to work in your area and are insured against liability for mistakes and accidents.
Here are the questions you should ask a solar installer about themselves:
How long have you been in business?
How many solar systems have you installed?
Are you NABCEP-certified, licensed, bonded, and insured?
What is your business license number?
Can you share references of at least three satisfied customers?
How much experience do you have working with my local utility company?
Do you subcontract work on your systems, and if so, how do you ensure your subcontractors do a good job?
Satisfactory answers to these questions should put you at ease that the solar company is well-established and staffed by professionals. We strongly recommend choosing an installer who will ensure a NABCEP-certified professional will be on site at all times during the installation.
The last two questions in particular are important. Local utility companies all have different rules about how home solar energy systems will connect with their grid, and installers with experience know how to make sure things are done right to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
Subcontractors aren’t a bad thing; in fact, many solar energy companies use subcontracted roofers to attach solar racking systems and master electricians to do the final connection of the system to the electrical panel. Still, it’s good to get clarity on it, because top installers will be clear and forthcoming on this point.
If you use the solar calculator on SolarReviews to find installers near you, you can rest assured that you’ll be matched with certified pros with experience in the solar industry. Our site also has review pages for every installer with information on their certifications and verified reviews from real customers.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Integrated Solar Applications. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
When it comes to solar equipment, most installers use high-quality brands with good warranty coverage and longevity, but it always pays to double-check.
You should be 100% sure that what you’re putting on your roof for the better part of the next three decades is built to last and compares favorably to other products on the market.
Here are the questions to ask about solar panels and other equipment:
Why did you choose the equipment you did?
What kind of system do you have on your own roof or business?
What warranty protection is available for the solar panels, inverter, etc?
What problems have other homeowners had with their solar equipment, if any?
Who do I contact if something goes wrong with my equipment?
How much would it cost to add a solar battery?
Do my solar panels need protection from animals?
You can use these quick tips to help assess the answers you get from solar installers regarding the equipment they choose.
The biggest consideration for most homeowners is cost, and closely tied with that is savings. As we said above, a good solar installer should provide a quote with the total cost, estimated savings per year, and payback period. The quote should also include information on the incentives available to you, including the federal solar tax credit.
Here are the questions to ask about costs and savings associated with your installation:
How can I be sure I am eligible for the solar tax credit?
Are there other incentives, and how do they reduce or repay the cost of the system?
When are payments for the system due? Is the entire amount due at one time?
How long will it take for the solar panels to pay back their cost?
What rate of increase in utility costs do you use in your estimates?
What financing options are available?
Will the payments for financed solar panels increase over time?
Will solar panels increase my home value?
Asking these questions about how solar can save you money and how you can pay for it is important; understanding their answers is just as essential! Here's what you need to know to better understand what the installer tells you.
Enter your zip code and amount of your most recent energy bill to see average solar panel costs in your areaOnce you’ve settled on the price and payment schedule, it’s time to think about the practical matter of getting this stuff on your roof and kicking out kilowatts.
Here are the questions to ask about the solar installation process:
What are the steps of the installation process?
How long will it take to complete the process, and what is the timeline?
What if you don’t finish the work on time?
What if the equipment in my contract isn’t available at installation time?
What guarantees do you offer for your work?
What happens if a leak develops well after the panels have been installed?
Now that you’ve squared away info about how and when the system will be installed and how much it will cost, it’s time to think about what happens during all the years you’ll be harvesting energy from the sun.
Solar panel systems are meant to last for at least 25 years, but things can go wrong, and it pays to be prepared for if that happens.
Here are the questions you should ask about the future:
How will I be able to monitor the solar energy my system generates?
What happens if the solar panels don’t produce as much energy as you claim?
How long will my contract with the utility company last?
What happens if I need my solar panels removed to have work done on my roof?
What if a solar panel fails due to a manufacturing defect or breaks because of a storm or other natural disaster?
What if I want to add additional panels to my installation? What about a battery?
What happens if I move while still paying off the panels?
A good solar quote should contain enough information to make you feel confident that the installer knows what A good solar quote should contain enough information to make you feel confident that the installer knows what they’re doing and will provide you with all the information necessary to make a decision. It should answer more questions than it raises.
We always recommend getting quotes from more than one solar contractor so you can compare what each one offers. As you talk to different solar installers, you’ll start to get a feeling for which one will be your best long-term partner.
Here’s a rundown of all the information you should expect to see in a solar quote:
Solar panel make/model, and number of panels to be installed
Inverter or microinverter make and model
Total system size in kilowatts DC (kW)
Expected electricity production in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year
Solar panel degradation rate over time (should be 0.5% per year or less)
Anticipated savings in dollars per year (with a clear number for estimated annual increase in utility rates)
Information about any solar incentives for which you qualify
Total system cost before and after incentives, broken down by dollars per watt
Details on any financing or solar loan, including upfront cost, monthly payments, and interest rate/APR
Information about warranties on equipment and workmanship
On a separate page: a satellite photo or 3-D representation of your roof showing proposed panel layout
Multiple options for panels/inverters at different price points
Comparison of solar costs vs. estimated utility costs over time
Details about the cost to add a home solar battery
Battery storage make and model (if any)
Information about solar production monitoring apps
As we said above, a good solar quote should answer the most important questions, like how much the solar panels cost and how much you’ll save. By reading the quote, you should then know all the essential information to determine whether the proposed solar installation will be a good financial investment.
Choosing to install solar panels on your home is a big deal, and if you’re like most people, you’ll want to make sure you’re making a smart choice and asking the right questions.
Whatever questions you ask, your installer should have a good, logical answer for you, and they shouldn’t have any problem answering. You can tell the difference between a good and bad installer by how willing and open they are about answering all your queries.
Solar panels represent the ideal of a low-maintenance product, and once yours are fully installed and activated, you may never have to contact your installer again. Still, you’re about to enter into a 25-year relationship with a company, so you should make sure they are ready to be there for you.
For more High Power Solar Panelsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.