Ready to invest in solar? You’ve got a lot of questions. We get that, and we want to help you find the right company for your needs. Read on to find out what questions to ask solar companies.
Questions to Ask Solar Companies
1. What experience do you have installing solar?
Find out how long a company has been in business and how many solar installations they’ve completed. Experienced, well-established companies will provide the highest level of service and expertise for your project. A new company might not have as much experience or track record to help you evaluate their performance.
2. How long will it take you to install my system?
Most solar installations are completed within one to three months. If a company offers to install your system in weeks, they may be underestimating the time it takes to complete an installation or end up charging extra for rush service.
3. What is your warranty policy?
Make sure the company offers a full warranty on all workmanship and materials. This should at least include 10 years for inverters, panels, batteries, or power optimizers (a type of DC-to-AC converter that helps maximize energy production). If you’re getting financing to pay for your system, ask about the terms of the warranty offered by the financing company—they’re most likely less than 10 years.
4. What size system do I need?
This is the first decision you’ll make about your solar project. You can buy or lease a system, but owning one gives you greater control over how much it costs and what happens to it if you move.
5. Can you provide me with references from past customers?
A trusted solar company will be happy to give you the contact information of past customers so you can check out their work. If they’re not willing to offer references, this might be a red flag.
6. How much money can I save with solar?
There’s no way to know exactly how much you’ll save with solar in advance, but a good company will help you calculate your estimated savings. They should be able to tell you about incentives and rebates available in your area and the expected energy production of your system.
7. Are there any rebates or tax credits available for solar installations?
In addition to supporting the development of solar energy, many cities, utilities, and states offer rebates or tax breaks for solar. You can find out more about the incentives available in your area from your local utility or state’s department of energy.
8. What financing options do you offer?
Many solar companies offer their own financing, but third-party financing gives you more options about how to pay for your system. A company may also recommend specific financing partners.
9. Can you help me understand the costs and benefits of solar?
A good solar company will be happy to answer any questions you have about your project and make sure you understand the costs as well as the benefits. They should also make sure you know what impact your system may have on property value, insurance premiums, tax liabilities, and more.
10. What guarantees do you offer for your work?
A quality company will back their work with a written warranty that covers the system for at least 10 years. They should also be willing to come out and fix any problems you have after they leave.
11. Do you have liability insurance in case of an accident during the installation process?
A reputable company will carry liability insurance in case someone is injured during the installation process.
12. Can I see some examples of your work completed on homes similar to mine?
A good solar company will have case studies or examples of previous installations you can check out to get a feel for their work. You can also check out their Better Business Bureau rating and licensing status with your state’s public utilities commission (PUC).
13. What is your process for design, permitting and installation?
A good company will have a set process for solar installations. This should include detailed engineering, innovative site planning, permits and approvals from the PUC, design of your system, installation of equipment on your roof or ground mounts in approved locations, and an inspection of all work completed by local officials.
14. How long will the installation take to complete in my area?
Different areas have different weather and natural conditions, but a good solar company should be able to provide you with an estimate of how long the installation process might take in your area.
15. What happens if I move before my solar system is paid off?
If you’re leasing your system, some companies will take it with you if you move. Others require that you pay off the remaining balance of your contract or lose the solar equipment and all credits on your electric bill.
16. Do you have any additional costs that I should be aware of?
A good solar company will be up front about all the fees and costs associated with your project. You can always ask if there are any additional costs to consider as well.
17. How do I maintain my solar system once it is installed?
Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s good to know who will be responsible for maintaining your system. A company should provide their own set of specialized tools and licensed technicians to keep your system in top condition.
18. Who should the system be registered to?
If you’re leasing or financing your system, it’s good to know who the system will be registered to. This is important for insurance purposes in case of accidents and can also affect property value down the road.
19. What if something goes wrong with the system after it is installed?
A good company will have a process for troubleshooting any problems that come up with your system. This should include the availability of trained technicians, replacement parts, and tools to fix or replace equipment as needed.
20. Can you provide me with names and phone numbers of recent customers
A good company will be happy to provide you with names and numbers of customers in your area who can attest to their work.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of questions to ask before going solar. The most important thing is that you’re asking the right ones and ensuring they have all your answers ahead of time so you know if this investment in renewable energy will be worth it for your needs or not.