Introduction
With solar technology becoming a more popular source of energy, more solar companies are competing to facilitate the transition to energy efficiency. Choosing to install solar is a significant investment on its own. Determining which solar installer is right for you can be just as difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
This guide will walk you through four things to look for when choosing the right solar partner to work with.
This guide will walk you through four things to look for when choosing the right solar partner to work with.
Industry Experts & Educators
When you decide to invest in solar, find a solar contractor with the knowledge and expertise behind solar technology versus a solar company that starts with how much you can save and the financial options they have.
A good solar contractor will have the expertise to answer any questions that you may have during the process.
Energy Use
How much energy do you use?
Knowing how much energy you use is essential to determine how much energy you want to generate with your solar system. Solar system contractors will be able to help you measure your energy use and how much energy you will need based on your consumption history. Consumption history can be calculated by taking a look at your basic electricity bill. For the most accurate calculation, it is always best to have a 12-month history of consumption. A 12-month consumption history will be able to let you see a breakdown of each month’s energy use due to different seasons.
When should you use energy?
Another important question to ask is when is the best time to use energy? This question is specifically important because the time of day you use the most energy will help solar contractors consider the position of how solar panels will be laid out on your roof.
Financial Incentives
Financial incentives are one of the most common reasons homeowners are starting to look for solar investments.
Addressing Different Roofing Conditions
During the consultation process, good solar installers will go on-site to inspect the roof for a couple of different reasons:
All roofs aren’t made of the same materials nor designed the same. Solar installation companies will take note of what materials your roof is made out of the ensure they have the right materials needed when installing the solar panels. Solar panels are designed to fit the home so no solar design is the same. Roofs will have different slopes, vents, skylights, etc. that need to be accounted for when designing solar roof locations.
Solar Power Technology
There are mainly two types of solar technology, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal. Both convert sun rays into energy, but how that process is done is what greatly differentiates these two technologies.
Photovoltaic technology (PV):
The process of converting photons (sunlight) to electricity through semiconductor materials integrated into the solar panel. During this process, other systems such as an inverter will take the direct current (DC) and convert it to an alternating-current (AC) electricity used to power a home.
Solar thermal technology:
Solar thermal technology was developed prior to the invention of photovoltaic technology and was operated differently. Solar thermal is the process of using the sun’s rays to heat up water systems in a home. During this process, the sun heats up solar panels which in turn heats up tubes that hold water in a tank. This technology also could warm up floors, walls, and ceilings of a home.
Both technologies use the sun’s light but solar photovoltaic technology produces electricity while solar thermal technology produces heat. PV technology has grown substantially throughout the years creating more energy-efficient homes and businesses.
When you decide to invest in solar, find a solar contractor with the knowledge and expertise behind solar technology versus a solar company that starts with how much you can save and the financial options they have.
A good solar contractor will have the expertise to answer any questions that you may have during the process.
Energy Use
How much energy do you use?
Knowing how much energy you use is essential to determine how much energy you want to generate with your solar system. Solar system contractors will be able to help you measure your energy use and how much energy you will need based on your consumption history. Consumption history can be calculated by taking a look at your basic electricity bill. For the most accurate calculation, it is always best to have a 12-month history of consumption. A 12-month consumption history will be able to let you see a breakdown of each month’s energy use due to different seasons.
When should you use energy?
Another important question to ask is when is the best time to use energy? This question is specifically important because the time of day you use the most energy will help solar contractors consider the position of how solar panels will be laid out on your roof.
Financial Incentives
Financial incentives are one of the most common reasons homeowners are starting to look for solar investments.
- Federal tax credit - According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “In December 2020, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, which provides a 30% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. (Systems installed before December 31, 2019, were eligible for a 30% tax credit.)”
- Local Utility Rebates - Many local utility companies will offer rebates as a financial incentive to encourage homeowners and businesses to install solar.
- Subsidized Loans - Subsidized loans are another incentive from your state, local utility company, or non-government organization to help finance the purchase of solar.
- Tax Exemptions - Along with tax credits there are also some tax exemptions available for those who qualify after you install solar. Some states will differ in the programs that they offer but are very beneficial.
- Higher Property Value - According to a study done by The Appraisal Journal cited researchers Ruth Johnson and David Kaserman who report, “Home value increases of about $20 for every dollar saved on annual energy costs.” For example, let’s say you are saving $300 on your electricity bill every month from solar. According to the savings example above, you could expect the value of your solar home to be worth $72,000 more than it previously was ($300 x 12 months x $20 = $72,000).
Addressing Different Roofing Conditions
During the consultation process, good solar installers will go on-site to inspect the roof for a couple of different reasons:
- Old Roofs
- Damaged Roofs
- Different types of roofing materials
All roofs aren’t made of the same materials nor designed the same. Solar installation companies will take note of what materials your roof is made out of the ensure they have the right materials needed when installing the solar panels. Solar panels are designed to fit the home so no solar design is the same. Roofs will have different slopes, vents, skylights, etc. that need to be accounted for when designing solar roof locations.
Solar Power Technology
There are mainly two types of solar technology, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal. Both convert sun rays into energy, but how that process is done is what greatly differentiates these two technologies.
Photovoltaic technology (PV):
The process of converting photons (sunlight) to electricity through semiconductor materials integrated into the solar panel. During this process, other systems such as an inverter will take the direct current (DC) and convert it to an alternating-current (AC) electricity used to power a home.
Solar thermal technology:
Solar thermal technology was developed prior to the invention of photovoltaic technology and was operated differently. Solar thermal is the process of using the sun’s rays to heat up water systems in a home. During this process, the sun heats up solar panels which in turn heats up tubes that hold water in a tank. This technology also could warm up floors, walls, and ceilings of a home.
Both technologies use the sun’s light but solar photovoltaic technology produces electricity while solar thermal technology produces heat. PV technology has grown substantially throughout the years creating more energy-efficient homes and businesses.
Communication with Customers
A good solar system installer will be as transparent as possible. There should never be any worries or concerns from consultation to installation, and after the installation is finished. Finding a contractor that wants to walk with you every step of the way and educate you along the way will help you feel confident about your decision to invest in solar technology.
What Others are Saying About the Solar Installer?
Social media is a powerful tool and is a great way to find solar company reviews and testimonials to see how great a product or company is. Do some research on the company itself to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy. Customer experiences are the best way to understand how a company runs and how customer-oriented they are both pre-service and post-service.
Even after a deal is made, aftermarket service is just as important, maybe more important. Solar contractors should be installing solar panels the correct way, but if something were to happen in the “work area” where your solar was installed, a good solar contractor would be a reliable contact to help with any issues or concerns you may have.
Solar installers should be able to point you to other customers who had great feedback about the company from the start of the deal to even a couple of years after the deal was finished.
Even after a deal is made, aftermarket service is just as important, maybe more important. Solar contractors should be installing solar panels the correct way, but if something were to happen in the “work area” where your solar was installed, a good solar contractor would be a reliable contact to help with any issues or concerns you may have.
Solar installers should be able to point you to other customers who had great feedback about the company from the start of the deal to even a couple of years after the deal was finished.
Pricing
Every solar company will have different rates and plans. Comparing quotes from multiple solar companies is important when taking the next step to investing in solar for your home.
Buying Solar
Buying solar is usually the route the average homeowner will take due to different benefits from government incentives. Multiple factors contribute to different solar pricing.
Factors that contribute to solar pricing:
Some companies offer leasing plans for solar systems but usually purchasing solar systems outright has more benefits.
Here are some pros and cons of leasing solar:
Pros:
Solar technology is an investment. Whether you want to pay upfront for your solar system or finance it, find a company with different options to help you make your transition to solar smoother.
Even though larger solar installation companies will have more financing options their service and products might not be the best quality. Gathering all the information to make the best decision on what your needs are will set you up for success when you are ready to decide what solar installer you want to partner with.
Buying Solar
Buying solar is usually the route the average homeowner will take due to different benefits from government incentives. Multiple factors contribute to different solar pricing.
Factors that contribute to solar pricing:
- Energy Consumption: Higher energy consumption you have the more solar panels you will need.
- Labor: How long the installation will take will affect how much your solar will cost. With more complicated solar systems or larger residential homes/businesses, more labor may be required.
- Cost of Material: The cost of solar panels and the materials that come with them will contribute to the price.
Some companies offer leasing plans for solar systems but usually purchasing solar systems outright has more benefits.
Here are some pros and cons of leasing solar:
Pros:
- Low upfront costs
- Predictable payment
- Leases and PPA benefit more sellers than the customer
- Customers are more subjected to poor workmanship because you don't own
- Customers do not receive a tax credit
- After amortizing lower monthly payments out, it usually costs more than financing
Solar technology is an investment. Whether you want to pay upfront for your solar system or finance it, find a company with different options to help you make your transition to solar smoother.
Even though larger solar installation companies will have more financing options their service and products might not be the best quality. Gathering all the information to make the best decision on what your needs are will set you up for success when you are ready to decide what solar installer you want to partner with.
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