When getting solar power as your home energy source, it’s necessary to comprehend the installation procedure since there are enormous consequences if things go south.
Getting yourself informed is the sure way to get value for your money. So ensure you ask your solar energy consultant the following questions before the installation process begins:
1. Is solar energy suitable for me?
The first big question you should ask your solar energy consultant is if going solar would benefit you. The conclusion depends on various physical factors, including how shaded your roof is and your existing energy bill. Moreover, if you’re going solar for economic purposes, ensure the panels your consultant would be installing are durable, so your investment would be worth it.
If you desire to power your home with solar due to its environmental advantages, confirm that the panels’ manufacturer is serious about adhering to strict environmental, health, and safety policies.
2. Will you thoroughly examine my roof?
Because your roof needs to be suitable for safe solar panels installation, ask that your consultant assess the top.
Since the contractor would be drilling holes to install racks on your roof to aid the panels, ensure they use the right equipment and materials to avoid a leaky roof during rainfall.
3. Do you have a license, and what’s your industry experience?
Your solar company must have a license from the country, state, or city they’re working. Moreover, the contractor has to have an insurer and must be bonded.
Also, discover how long they’ve been in their industry since you don’t want to be their first trial.
4. Would the size of my solar system reduce my utility bills or eliminate them?
Consulting about your utilities and renewable energy is essential. Consequently, you’d be curtailing your utility bills.
Your budget would determine if you can buy an extensive solar system sufficient for your home. While consulting about your energy and utilities, ask your consultant to compose projected savings comparable to system size for you to decide.
5. What’s the appropriate angle for my roof, and where should my solar panels face to produce surplus power?
Usually, your roof angle should be at about 25 degrees while the installer positions the panels northward. Nonetheless, you can consider other alternatives like tilt framing if you can’t achieve the ideal angle.
6. What essential documentation should I obtain?
Don’t forget to obtain your terms and conditions document and a comprehensive quote. The quote must include every item on the total. Please read the terms and conditions to see that it establishes expectations for utilizing your solar system and transacting with the company some other time.
7. What type of panels do you plan to install?
Panels come in a variety, making some more profitable and lasting than the others. Some modern panels generate more energy than the conventional type. Therefore study the panels the company will be using via a secondary party to get an unbiased review.
8. How do I contact you if there are troubles with my system in the future?
Anything can happen in the future. So your consultant must distinguish if they or a third party oversees customer service and troubleshooting. They must also clarify the appropriate manner and time to reach them.
9. If I want to make roof repairs, how do I remove and replace solar panels?
Allow your consultant to handle the panels’ removal and reinstallation to reduce risks to yourself, your property, and your solar system.
10. Would my solar system come with insurance or expand my home insurance policy to cover it?
It’s not unusual for home insurance to cover a solar system without a different policy. However, inquire of your insurer and find out what your solar company advises.
11. From what manufacturer would you be obtaining the panels, inverters, and mounts?
Whether they’re a popular solar energy consulting company or not, they must be straightforward about who they source their parts from for their customers. With this information, you can assess quality, check reviews and compare manufacturers before approving.
12. Who will take care of all setup and maintenance?
It’s essential to know if your solar company will do the setup and maintenance or hire other people for different aspects of the job.
13. Will I be able to expand my solar energy system in the future?
Patrons need to know if they can formulate a more extensive system to include the power required to charge an electric car or cater for more rooms.
14. How does grid-tied solar power function, and how can I trade back surplus energy?
Solar panels obtain sunlight, and the inverter transforms the generated direct current (DC) to usable AC power. A grid-tied solar system stays attached to the local utility grid, enabling you to receive grid electricity mechanically after exhausting your solar energy for that day.
The grid receives any additional solar power you generate. Via a buyback fee agreement, your utility would reimburse you with a little amount for the surplus energy.
15. Can I see your design center or office of operations?
To give you a sense of trust and confidence in them, your consultant shouldn’t just meet you at home but allow you to visit their established center. Moreover, they can show you their various installations over the years.
16. What are your finance options?
Would they be giving a 30% tax credit? Do they possess lease options and competitive loans? Several companies endorse the Power Purchase Agreement making the solar contractor your electric company.
Therefore, you’ll be paying for the power your system generates for your home as you won’t own it. However, the solar contractor might choose to raise your rates. Thus another loan type or leasing program with zero down and zero increase is quite profitable for most patrons.
17. What would happen should my solar system not generate as much power as expected?
It’s not unlikely for our system to not produce the particular amount of energy your consultant guaranteed you. Inquire about what will happen if the panel or system efficiency lags behind your expectation.
The company might decide to add additional panels at zero cost or even repay you for its inadequacy.
Whether you’re considering top renewable energy consulting firms or local brands, following all of these questions would help you reap the benefits associated with going solar.
