10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Solar Installer

If you're planning to install solar panels, choosing the right installer is critical. Here's what you need to know upfront:

• Key Questions to Ask:

  1. Are they certified (e.g., NABCEP)?

  2. How much experience do they have?

  3. What brands of panels and inverters do they use?

  4. How do they design systems to fit your home?

  5. Do they handle permits and project timelines?

  6. What warranties do they offer on equipment and workmanship?

  7. Do they provide ongoing maintenance?

  8. What’s included in their pricing?

  9. Are they insured?

  10. Can they provide references or testimonials?

• Quick Facts:

  • Certified installers ensure safety and reliability.

  • Solar systems can cost $17,100–$28,500, depending on size.

  • Federal tax credits can reduce costs by 30%.

  • Installation timelines range from 2–6 months.

  • Maintenance costs (e.g., cleaning, repairs) typically range from $150–$3,000.

• Key Considerations:

  • Check for warranties covering equipment, installation, and power output.

  • Review their past projects and customer reviews.

  • Understand payment options like cash, loans, or leases.

This guide helps you navigate the process confidently, ensuring your solar investment is safe and effective.

What To Look For When Choosing A Solar Installer - Don’t Get ...

Qualifications and Track Record

When selecting a solar installer, it's important to evaluate their qualifications and work history to make a well-informed decision.

Years in Business

Opt for installers with at least three years of experience in residential solar installations. This shows they've dealt with a variety of installation scenarios and challenges, ensuring they know how to handle different situations.

Certifications to Look For

Certifications are a way to confirm that the installer follows industry standards. For example, NABCEP's PVIP certification complies with ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standards.

Here are some key certifications to consider:

Reviewing Past Projects

An installer’s portfolio of completed projects can give you a sense of their reliability. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends:

"Do your due diligence by reading online reviews from installers' past customers. The installers you're considering should be able to give you references from previous clients who can share their installation experience. When comparing installers, pay attention to how well they communicate and clearly explain how your system will work."

Ask for references, review photos or records of recent projects, and focus on homes similar to yours. This will give you a better understanding of their capabilities and communication style.

These steps will help you gauge an installer's reliability and expertise.

Equipment and Design Options

When choosing a solar installer, it's important to understand their equipment choices and design approach to ensure a smooth and effective installation.

Panel and Inverter Selection

The quality of your solar equipment has a big impact on how well your system performs over time. Solar panels with efficiency ratings of 16–18% are common, and warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years.

Your installer should explain the differences between inverters. Here's a quick comparison:

Make sure to ask about the criteria they use to select equipment and what they recommend for your specific needs. Once the equipment options are clear, the installer should calculate the system size based on your energy usage.

System Sizing Methods

Professional installers use several factors to determine the right system size. They typically review your electricity bills from the past year to calculate your average monthly usage. In the U.S., the average household uses about 900 kWh per month.

For example, a 5-kilowatt system generates around 7,000 kWh annually and costs about $16,000 before incentives - or approximately $11,000 after applying the federal tax credit.

Key factors in system sizing include:

• Local sun exposure

• Roof orientation and tilt

• Utility rate structures

• Future energy needs and panel performance over time

Design Flexibility

A well-thought-out design can protect your investment by allowing for future upgrades. Here are some essential considerations:

• System Expansion: The initial design should allow for adding more panels later.

• Battery Integration: Pre-installed features like larger switchboards or extra conduit can make adding storage easier.

• Equipment Placement: Positioning components for easy access can save time and money down the road.

"Off-grid capability of solar systems involves pre-installing upgrades like a larger switchboard, running conduit for future wiring, or strategically placing equipment for easier access during expansion. Planning for potential future off-grid needs can avoid costly rework down the line and maximize the long-term value of your solar investment." – April L, EnergyMatters.com.au

Ask your installer how their design considers your roof's unique characteristics and local weather. They should also provide detailed documentation showing panel placement, wiring paths, and equipment locations.

Project Timeline and Steps

Knowing the timeline and main steps for solar installation helps you plan better and keeps the process on track.

Installation Duration

The entire solar installation process usually takes 2–6 months, from the initial consultation to system activation. It’s divided into three main phases:

Timelines can shift based on factors like system size, roof type, and weather conditions. Be sure to ask your installer for a timeline tailored to your project.

Permit Management

Permit approvals can take up to two months. A good installer will handle these tasks for you, including:

• Submitting system design plans to local authorities

• Coordinating with municipal offices for approvals

• Scheduling inspections

• Managing utility interconnection paperwork

Depending on your location, the permitting process typically takes 2–8 weeks. After installation, a final inspection by local authorities is usually completed within 2–3 weeks.

Installation Team Details

When evaluating an installer, it’s helpful to ask about the team handling your project. Key questions include:

• Team Composition: Who will be present during the installation?

• Certifications: What qualifications or training do the team members have?

• Point of Contact: Who will oversee the project and keep you updated?

The team is responsible for preparing your roof, mounting panels, placing equipment, and setting up electrical connections. These steps are essential for ensuring your system operates efficiently and lasts for years to come.

Protection and Upkeep

Warranty Coverage

When choosing a solar installer, warranty coverage plays a big role in protecting your investment. Most warranty packages cover three main areas:

"Warranties make your costs of ownership for a rooftop solar installation predictable", says industry expert Kelsey Breseman.

It's a good idea to ask about labor costs, as some workmanship warranties don't include them. Make sure to get all warranty documents before signing anything and check that the power output warranty aligns with these terms.

Power Output Warranty

A solid production warranty ensures your solar panels will perform as expected. Look for guarantees like:

• A maximum annual power decline of 0.7% or less

• At least 80% production capacity after 25 years

• Clear compensation terms if performance falls short

"Solar is no different, and pairing your equipment warranty with a strong power performance warranty is the best way to be certain you'll have a high-quality product that will perform well into the future", explains EnergySage.

System Maintenance

Warranties are important, but regular maintenance is equally critical to keep your system running smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of common services and their costs:

Dirty panels can reduce efficiency by up to 25%. When evaluating maintenance plans, consider factors like inspection schedules, service plan pricing, emergency response times, and warranty inclusions. Some installers even provide full-service plans that handle routine upkeep and system monitoring.

Here’s what you might expect for common repair costs:

Pricing and Payment

Understanding pricing and payment options is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs. Knowing the total expenses also ties in well with warranty and maintenance planning.

System Cost

The average cost of solar installations in the United States is about $31,558, though actual prices depend on system size and location. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

The national average price per watt for an 8.6 kW system is $3.67. However, this can vary widely by state. For example, Rhode Island averages $5.00 per watt, while Arkansas averages $3.20 per watt.

Payment Methods

There are three main ways to pay for solar systems, each with its own benefits and considerations:

The federal solar tax credit provides a 30% credit on installations through 2032.

Additional Costs

Beyond the system itself, you might encounter these extra expenses:

• System Monitoring: Internet connectivity fees, ranging from $50 to $100 per month.

• Insurance: You may need additional homeowner's coverage.

• Utility Fees: Costs for grid connection.

• Maintenance: Professional panel cleaning can cost several hundred dollars annually.

If you're considering a grid-tied system with battery backup, expect higher costs. For example, a Tesla Powerwall starts at $9,200 for the battery alone or $14,200 when bundled with solar panels. Off-grid systems typically cost between $45,000 and $65,000.

Make sure to discuss all these factors with your installer to get a clear and accurate estimate of your total investment.

Service and Follow-up

Investing in solar is a long-term commitment, and proper support after installation is crucial to ensure your system performs well over time.

Response Time Standards

It's important to understand how quickly an installer can address issues. Look into their real-time monitoring systems and response protocols. Find out how they handle emergencies, performance alerts, routine questions, and maintenance requests. Knowing their response times can give you a clearer picture of their reliability.

Problem Resolution

Ask about their approach to fixing problems. Key areas to explore include:

• Remote diagnostics to identify issues without delay

• Availability of on-site support when needed

• How quickly they can provide replacement parts

• Emergency service procedures

• Maintenance of detailed service history records

"A financially secure installer is more likely to be around, in the long run, to honor warranties and provide future support." - April L, Author

These details are critical for ensuring long-term dependability. Customer reviews can also help confirm their commitment to effective service.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback offers valuable insights into the quality of follow-up service. Reviews can reveal how well an installer handles long-term system performance and support.

When speaking to references, consider asking about:

• How the system has performed over time

• Response times for service requests

• The quality of technical support provided

• How warranty claims were resolved

• Overall satisfaction with follow-up services

For a clearer picture, request references from customers who have had their systems running for several years. Focus on individuals with systems similar in size and type to the one you’re planning. This can help you better gauge the installer’s ability to meet your specific needs.

Conclusion

Question Summary

Choosing the right solar installer boils down to checking a few crucial factors: credentials, experience, equipment, project management, financial safeguards, and cost clarity. Here's what to focus on:

• Professional Credentials: Look for proper licensing, insurance, and NABCEP certification.

• Experience: Consider how long the company has been in business.

• Equipment Quality: Check the brands and models of panels and inverters they offer.

• Project Management: Get details on the timeline and the team handling your project.

• Financial Protection: Review warranty options and coverage.

• Cost Transparency: Understand the total system cost and payment plans.

"It's important you talk to an expert, and that you understand that this is essentially an open heart surgery for your house." - John Wagner, head of sales at Custom Solar Solutions

With these points in hand, you're ready to turn your research into a concrete plan.

Next Steps

Here’s how to move forward with confidence:

1. Documentation Review
   

   Go through all paperwork carefully - this includes warranties, contracts, and service agreements. Pay close attention to cancellation policies.

2. Financial Planning
   

   Assess the financial aspects, including available incentives and how they affect:

   • Federal tax credits

   • State rebates

   • Local programs

   • Your home’s resale value

3. Installation Timeline
   

   Work with your installer to outline:

   • Key project milestones

   • A clear system activation plan

   • The final inspection schedule

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