“I’m thinking about installing solar panels on my roof, but I need to know more before I make a decision. What questions should I ask?”
This is a question many homeowners have when looking into solar energy as an option for their homes. This blog post will list the top 10 questions you should ask any prospective solar installer before making your decision.
Q: How many homes have they installed solar systems on?
A: The more homes they have installed solar energy systems on, the better. This means that their installation team is experienced and has a good track record of installations to show for it.
Q: Is there an energy production guarantee?
A: A good installer will offer a solar energy generation guarantee. This means that they are confident in their work and the quality of their equipment, so much so that if your system doesn’t produce as expected within its first year or two (depending on which state you live in), then they will fix it for free.
Q: Have they been performing this sort of installation for a while?
A: Familiarity with similar installations is key to a successful solar installation. Your installer must have experience installing the specific system you want. Otherwise, depending on the size of your home and the area where it will be installed, you may face complications during the installation process if they don’t have much experience in similar installations.
Q: How are the inverters chosen, and what are their specifications? What kind of warranty does the manufacturer provide?
A: The inverter is the heart of your solar system. It’s what converts the energy from your panels into usable electricity. It needs to be powerful enough for both current and future demands on your home while still cost-efficient. Before you sign off on the installation contract with an installer, make sure that they use high-quality equipment like advanced inverters from a reputable manufacturer and have a warranty to cover any issues with the kit.
Q: What is the cost of replacing an inverter?
A: The inverter is the most expensive part of your solar system, so you must know what replacement costs are like if something goes wrong. If an inverter fails within its warranty period (typically around ten years), the installer should cover all or at least some of these costs.
Q: What assurances are they making to ensure your warranty will last the lifetime of your purchase?
A: Depending on the state you live in, solar energy systems are typically warranted for 25-50 years. It’s important to know what kind of warranty your installer offers and if it matches what they’re promising about their equipment or installation process.
Q: How do they deal with service claims?
A: If your system does have an issue within its warranty period, it needs to be fixed. Homeowners should know how their installer handles service claims so they know what to expect during this process.
Q: Do they sell their systems to you, or will you have to lease the system?
A: If you are leasing your system, they must have a good track record of customer satisfaction. You want to know how their lease agreements work and if any language within the contract could make it difficult for you to sell or transfer ownership of your home in the future.
Q: Do they provide energy usage tracking?
A: Statistics show that solar energy systems can reduce a typical household’s electricity bills by 50%, but only if the system is working as expected. If your installer provides you with a way to track how much power your system generates and uses, it will help ensure it performs as promised.
Q: Do they offer a maintenance plan?
A: An annual inspection and cleaning of your panels should keep them working as intended. It’s important to ask if any installation warranties, service guarantees, or manufacturer warranties require an active maintenance agreement with the installer because this could make it difficult for you to resolve these issues quickly if anything goes wrong after installation.