Installing solar panels is a smart investment that can Increase the value of your home, Reduce your energy accountsand help protect the environment. A A recent CNET survey They found that 78% of adults surveyed in the United States are stressed due to high energy bills, and solar energy transfer is a logical next step. However, with tens of thousands of dollars on the line, you do not want to understand this decision easily, even if the large federal incentives make it more attractive.
Once you explore the companies, read reviews and collect recommendations from friends and neighbors, you will need to select the right installer. Knowing the real questions you need to ask Solar companies In your area you can provide a smooth experience with the installation and save you thousands over the life span of your system.
Here are 15 questions to ask solar installers to make sure you make the right choice.
1. How long are you in business?
The recent solar industry boom means that more companies are getting into action than ever. It's generally a good thing, but not all of them are experienced installers or even legitimate businesses.
“Sometimes these installation companies fly until night. They open a month, and close the next one, “said Jani Hale, aid manager Solar United NeighboursA non -profit organization that helps consumers go to solar energy by forming residential cooperatives and providing educational support. Ideally, the installer will work for three or more years.
2. What are your company's certificates?
Online solar installers are a great start, but they are not as reliable as industry certification. The National American Board of Certified Energy Doctors (Nabcep) sets standards for knowledge, experience and professionalism in the renewable energy sector. “We recommend at least one person in that company to have a Certified Nabcep to ensure that he has proper knowledge and skills,” Hale said.
Additional certificates can tell you more about company work practices and environmental standards. Companies that are certified by B Corp are required to meet certain social and environmental standards in their operations, including fair work practices and salaries. “If the installers receive a fair salary, they will be much more likely to make a quality installation,” said Mika Gold-Markel, who founded the Philadelphia installer. Sunny states in 2008.
3. What are the rules about the solar energy in my country?
“There are different rules for different states, so it is extremely important to make sure that the person you are talking about can very clearly explain the rules in your country,” Gold-Markel said.
For example, California The law limits the return flow of housing solar energy to the network. In Pennsylvania, residential systems can send unlimited energy back to the network, with utilities paying the full retail price. Those differences from state by state can significantly influence Period of maturation For your system.
4. Which solar stimulations are available in my area?
Besides 30% Federal Tax Credit Offered by the Law on Inflation Reduction, you may be eligible for additional credits or incentives based on other factors. Those incentives can be collected, and it is before playing any local or specific stimuli for utilities. A solar installer will be able to tell you about federal, state and local incentives that can help you save money. “You can get between 30% and 60% of the price of your solar energy in tax loans, depending on how you use these different federal incentives,” Gold-Markel said.
For example, if you are buying solar energy for your business It may be possible to accelerate the depreciation of that asset, which will allow a greater tax deduction in your system's initial years. You may also qualify for additional credits if your installer uses Materials from US production.
5. What type of equipment do you use and is it ethically manufactured?
Ask about the equipment that the installer plans to use and why he made that choice. The company that uses only one panel size may not be best suited if your home has a complex or architectural elaborate roof. “Beware of sellers who imply that there is only one type of solar system or Battery storage“Hale said.” There are many brands of solar equipment and designs of selection systems. “
Gold-Markel also recommends that you inquire about where the equipment was purchased, with the advantage of panels produced in the United States. “We are part of Amicus, a national cooperative of installers that buys solar panels with ethical sources,” he says. “If you can find a professional for Amicus installation in your area, you know that you are getting a system with responsible sources.
6. Do I need a new roof before I set a solar?
The age of your roof is a key importance when walking solar energy. Solar United Neighbors recommends replacing the roof with less than 10 to 15 years of life before installing your system.
Competent solar mounting should be able to give you an opinion on the condition of your roof and make recommendations as part of their suggestion. “They may not be roofers themselves, but they should be able to say:” We see some damage to your roof and it would be a good idea if you replace it before you start solar energy, “Gold-Markel said.
7. Will your company perform the installation?
Believe it or not, the seller you are talking about may not work for the company that will actually perform your installation. Check that the installer you are logging in with It will be the one who will do the job.
“There are many high-pressure marketing companies there, which somehow present themselves as solar companies,” Gold-Markel said. “Everything they do is marketing and sales, and then commit the solar installation of another company. It can be a real recipe for disaster. “
Make sure you know who will actually do the job of setting solar panels on your house before signing the dot line.
8. What is your installation time frame?
You will want to talk about the rough time frame of the project with any solar installer you are thinking – and in terms of when the work starts and how long it will take to activate and start your solar installation. Hale noticed that this was a question that should be asked by a renowned installer.
“Installers need to ask what your time frame is to install your system so they can give you space to do your research,” she said. “Really good installers will wait to get back to them.
9. What types of maintenance packages or guarantees are available?
Gold-Markel recommends inquire about prolonged guarantees or operations and Maintenance packages which cover the entire life expectancy of the system, which is usually about 25 years. “Ask if you can get a package for operations and maintenance, an extended guarantee that covers the life expectancy of a solar or a longer guarantee of making than it can come to the deal,” he said.
10. Is there a taxi related to the financing of my system and who provides funding?
Because of high interest ratesFinancing your solar installation is a less attractive option than a few years ago. If you are thinking FinancingSaid Gold-Markel, be sure to inquire about any hidden fees that can be part of the deal. It is also important to look at the institution that offers the loan, which can be a third party, and to read the terms carefully to understand what will happen if unfulfilled liabilities.
11. What is the price of my solar system in dollars per watt?
Home owners tend to focus on the total number Costs to install solar energy or the price of the panel. Remember to compare the costs of dollars in watts when comparing solar installers, Hale said. Two solar systems may have similar total costs, but the generated power may vary based on the size and capacity of the panel. The lower -price system is a better contract.
12. What consumption will my solar energy compensate?
A good solar installer should facilitate understanding of how much of your household energy consumption can be covered by your solar system. Factors like time, shadow, roof size and household energy consumption will all affect how much energy your panels will generate.
Information on how much of your household electricity will be compensated by your system should be included in the suggestion of a renowned solar installation for your project, and installers should submit it for this information. “If it is clearly stated in the proposal, then nine out of ten times, it's a green flag,” Hale said.
13. What do life savings are based on?
Your conversations with solar installers not only need to assess how much you will save over the life span of your system, but also include how that assessment is made.
Installers calculate the savings throughout life using a metric called an auxiliary escalator. This percentage describes the projected rate of inflation in the price of electricity and is based on historical trends (and differs from escalators in Agreement on electricity sale). Solar United Neighbors recommends checking that the utility escalator used in competing suggestions from different installers is the same to help you compare accurately.
14. Is the electricity production assessment guaranteed?
It is not possible to make sure that every panel in your solar system will always produce energy at a maximum level, Gold-Markel said, but a good installer should be able to guarantee the performance of your panels in a reasonable range.
“If the total output power is at a reasonable error rate than, for example, 10% of the projected, then I think you need to be satisfied with the outcome,” he says.
15. How to sell solar energy loans back to the network?
Net measurement policies In some countries they allow you to sell the energy generated by your solar system back to the public network – a significant solar boost that can significantly reduce the return period of your system. You usually don't sell that energy directly to your energy company.
Instead, homeowners often sell solar renewable energy certificates, or Srec, through a third person known as a broker or aggregator. Your installer may be able to connect you to a broker. If you prefer to choose your own broker, Solar United Neighbors recommends double your contract to make sure it is not forbidden in your contract.