There’s no doubt about the benefits of solar and how it can save you hundreds on your electricity bills. Yet, I’ve heard many homeowners regret going solar – not because solar itself was a bad decision, but because they picked a solar company that overpromised and underdelivered. The good news is that you can spot a bad solar company just by asking them the right questions. In this article, I’ll walk you through crucial questions to ask solar companies before you have your home solar system installed – questions that, being in the industry for quite some time, I can confidently say you won’t want to miss.
Questions About the Solar Company’s Track Record
If you can get a read on a solar company’s credibility, you’ll quickly see which ones keep their word and which ones will likely be a headache. I’d go as far as to say this is where your savings truly start – not just in dollars, but in avoiding costly mistakes.
What is Your Business License Number?
A business license number confirms that the company is legally registered to operate in your state. This may seem basic, but it tells you right away if they’re a real business or a fly-by-night operation.
This is also an indication that the solar company has proper insurance coverage that protects customers.
You can enter their business license number on your state’s official business registration website. Once you input the number, you should be able to view details such as the company’s registration status, filing history, and whether they are current with required documentation.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters, especially in the solar industry, which has had its ups and downs – a real “solar coaster,” as they say.
If they’ve been around for two to three years, that’s a good sign they’ve weathered industry changes and economic shifts.
In addition to counting the years, I recommend you also ask the company how many systems they’ve successfully installed. This is a good baseline for gauging how reliable they are in getting the job done right.
Finally, think about warranties. A 25-year warranty means nothing if the company goes under in three years. On the other hand, a well-established business is more likely to be there when you need support down the line.
Have You Worked With My Local Utility Company?
Solar installation is more than just mounting panels on your roofs. Your solar company will also have to deal with your utility company for permits, inspections, and grid connection requirements.
If an installer has experience with your local utility, that means they’re already familiar with typical timeframes, as well as areas where issues usually arise and how to overcome them quickly. As a homeowner, you’ll have fewer unexpected delays and less hassle overall.
Questions About the Cost of Installation
Getting a solar quote gives you an idea of the overall installation cost, but treat it only as a starting point. Asking these questions below will help you see whether a company is being truly transparent or just putting on a sales pitch.
How Much Does A Solar System for My Home Cost?
A solar company should be able to justify their pricing. If they give a vague answer or push a system without explaining why, that’s a red flag.
On this note, you should also ask, why did you choose this specific system design and size for my home? Their answer should mention things like:
- Your energy consumption history
- The direction and orientation, as well as shading, of your roof
- Local weather conditions
How Much Will I Save From Installing Solar?
In relation to the previous question, a good solar company should crunch the numbers and give you a clear picture of how much you’ll potentially save – after all, saving money is the whole point of going solar.
Ask for details like:
- Your expected power bill after installing solar
- Estimated monthly savings on your electricity bill
- Payback period (how many years until your system pays for itself
I want to stress that this is a really important detail, especially if you’re planning to sell your solar home later on as buyers will want to know the savings your system can generate for them.
Am I Eligible for Solar Incentives?
Solar incentives are financial benefits designed to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar system. They can come in the form of tax credits, state/local rebates, and net metering programs.
A reputable solar installer should be able to clearly explain which incentives apply to your location and, more importantly, guide you through the process of claiming them so you get the most financial benefit possible.
What Financing Options Do You Offer?
Some solar companies offer financing to accommodate customers who aren’t able to (or decide not to) purchase their home solar outright.
If you come across one, consider their interest rates and fees, and see whether they’re more favorable compared to bank loans or third-party lenders.
Other companies may push arrangements like solar lease or Power Purchase Agreements (PAAs), which seem attractive given they offer no upfront costs for customers.
However, they come with long-term downsides, one issue being that you never actually own your system. Even worse, these lock-in contracts are incredibly hard to exit. In fact, many people eventually search for ways to get out of a solar panel contract.
That said, I personally recommend buying your panels outright or financing through a loan – not leasing or a PPA.
Questions About Warranties
How Long Do the Warranties Run?
Asking about warranties helps you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how long you can expect your solar system components to last. To give you an idea, here are typical product warranties that manufacturers offer:
- Solar panels: 20-25 years
- Inverters: Around 10 years
- Solar batteries: 10-12 years
Your solar company should walk you through their warranty policies and explain what to expect if something falls outside of the coverage period.
Are There Warranties for Solar Installation/Labor?
Aside from warranties on solar panels and inverters, you should also ask about a workmanship warranty – this covers the actual installation work. It ensures that if something goes wrong due to poor mounting, wiring, or structural errors, the company will fix it at no cost to you.
Workmanship warranties usually last within 5 to 10 years, and cover issues like roof leaks from improper mounting, loose/faulty wiring, and bracket instability, among others.
Clarifying these details with the solar company will help you understand the specifics of what’s included in the terms. As much as I’m aware, damage from hail and fire is usually covered under your home insurance policy.
Do You Cover Repairs and Maintenance?
If your system is still under warranty, repairs and maintenance are usually covered by it. Still, I recommend getting a detailed explanation of these conditions from your solar company so you’ll know exactly how servicing is handled and when extra fees might apply.
That said, ask them how you’ll go about monitoring your system’s performance. This is important as warranty repairs are usually only acknowledged if you can show proof of the issue.
And don’t forget about solar panel cleaning. Some companies include this service in their maintenance package, while others leave it up to you.
Questions About Solar Installation Work
How Long Will the Installation Take?
Asking about the installation timeline helps you prepare for any possible disruptions at home and set realistic expectations about when you can start enjoying those solar savings.
This is also the perfect time for your solar company to tell you which aspects of the process are beyond their control.
Permit approvals from local authorities and other bureaucracies can for sure slow things down. Still, your solar company should be upfront about this and give you an estimated completion time.
Finally, ask what happens if they don’t finish on time. Will there be compensation, or do they just extend the deadline? Either way, the bottom line is that your company should have clear procedures in place for any unexpected delays.
What Products Do You Install and Why?
Here, you’re asking about the brands and manufacturers they work with, which gives you an idea of the quality and reliability of the equipment. More specifically, ask about warranty coverage, efficiency ratings, and expected lifespan.
This should also give you the opportunity to do a quick online search or get a second opinion to verify the details and avoid those cheap, low-quality products that some companies use to cut costs.
Is Your Team Trained and Certified for Installation?
As I said earlier, solar installation goes beyond just mounting panels. It also involves electrical work, roof modifications, and strict compliance with safety standards. So, it’s extremely important for technicians to have the proper qualifications to get the job done right.
NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is a widely recognized certification that many solar companies hold. While your provider may have other certifications, NABCEP is one you should definitely look for.
Will You Handle All the Necessary Paperwork?
Your solar project will require permits, interconnection agreements, and rebate applications.
Some solar companies include this service as part of the package. For instance, at Avail Solar, we take care of everything, from design and permitting to installation and after-sales support.
Others, however, may treat this as an extra service and, charge an additional fee for it.
Either way, make sure to ask what your role will be regarding the paperwork – or if you have any role at all – so that you know exactly what to expect.
Who Do I Contact for Concerns, Issues, Servicing?
In most cases, solar is a one-and-done setup that requires very little maintenance. But issues can still arise over time, so you’ll want to know who to call for support.
That said, a solar company should be able to point you to a specific department or person for this specific purpose.
More importantly, ask them how fast they usually respond to service requests. If they show some hesitation or give vague answers, it could mean they’re either stretched too thin, or worse, they don’t have a dedicated support team at all.
Questions About Future Expansion
Can I Add More Solar Panels Later On?
If you manage to keep your energy consumption low in the coming years, that’s great. But in most cases, energy needs rise as you add new appliances and upgrade your lifestyle – not to mention the rising electricity rates every year.
That said, it’s a wise move to ask your solar company whether your system can accommodate future expansion.
More specifically, ask your installer:
- Can I fit more panels on my roof with the remaining space available?
- Will my inverter be able to handle extra panels if I expand later or would I need microinverters or optimizers?
- What are my options if I need more power but have limited space?
Since you’ve already hinted at your long-term plans, a good solar company should guide you on efficient panel layouts and whether it makes sense to install an oversized inverter upfront to make expansion easier.
Can I Add a Solar Battery Later?
Even if you’re not ready to install a battery now, it’s worth asking whether your system will be battery-ready in case you want to add one later. Batteries provide backup power during outages and allow you to store excess energy for nighttime use.
Some key questions to ask:
- Will my system be compatible with batteries later?
- If I decide to add a battery, what modifications would I need?
- Considering battery lifespan, would my panels outlast the battery?
Will I Need to Replace or Repair My Roof?
Solar panels are designed to last 25+ years – but your roof might not.
The good news is that this is something addressed during the permitting process. If your roof is older or shows signs of wear, a reputable solar company will recommend the necessary repairs or actions you must do before installing solar.
If you plan to stay in your home long-term, it’s worth asking what happens if your roof needs repairs or replacement while your solar system is still in place, and how much it will cost you to remove and reinstall your panels.
Wrapping Up on Questions for Solar Companies
I’ve shared a long list of questions you should ask before signing a contract or committing to a solar company. Of course, you don’t have to ask every single one, but the more you do, the more peace of mind you’ll have – especially since this is a long-term commitment with your solar provider.
At Avail Solar, we’re more than happy to answer these questions, whether over the phone or in person. Our goal is to give homeowners a smooth, stress-free experience while helping them enjoy the savings and benefits of going solar.
If you’re ready to make the switch, request a quote or call us today!