5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Solar Electric System
| Published in Solar | 2 Comments
This is an excerpt of an article originally posted on AOL Real Estate written by Audrey Tempelsman. Audrey asked me to help her on an article you can read in full here.
There are a nerve-wracking number of solar manufacturers and installers out there, so I caught up with Shawn Roe of SRoeCo Solar, a solar advice service, and asked him to share five questions that all consumers should ask before purchasing a system. I hope you’ll find his insight as helpful as I did:
1. “How many systems has your company installed?”
Due to the recent spike in solar panel installations, and the decrease in other construction-related businesses, many roofers, fencers, and builders are attempting to start solar installation companies with no solar experience and without proper solar installation knowledge. Look for a reputable installer with at least 50 installations and a few references.
2. “Is the warranty on my solar panels 25 years?”
Most solar panels on the market are high-quality and will have a guaranteed output of not less than 90% after 10 years and no less than 80% after 25 years. Any panel should have this warranty, whether it’s made in Germany, China, or America.
3. “Is the warranty on your labor 10 years or longer?”
Some states require installers to warranty their labor for 10 years in order for the system to be eligible for state rebates. Any good installer should have no problem including this.
4. “What is the total output of the solar panel system in kWh/year?”
This is arguably the most important factor in comparing solar electric systems (other than price, of course). If you have solar panels warranted for 25 years, and labor guaranteed for 10, then the brand of solar panel – whether Canadian Solar, SunPower, Suntech, or any other – doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how much energy they are expected to produce in a year. Many times the cheaper, “less efficient” solar panels will produce more energy in a year at a better price than the pricier, “more efficient” solar panels. When warranties are the same, output is the money-maker, not brand or efficiency.
5. “What is the final cost after parts, labor, installation and rebates?”
Don’t compare the cost of the panels exclusively, or the labor exclusively. Compare the bottom-line cost after rebates. Whoever can give you the most output (kWh/year) at the best price, is the company you should chose.
—–
If you found this article helpful, you might like these:
How to Calculate What Size Solar System You Need
December 4th, 2009 at 7:02 pm (#)
Great Article, The only thing is question #1 - to find a company in my area that has 50 installations under their belt would be impossible, very, very few installation companies have those kind of numbers. I personally have 2 and one of them was my own. Also I would ask what type of education and/or certifications you have, IREC, ISPQ, NABCEP etc., and who is the licensed electrical contractor in charge. In NY you must be NYSERDA eligible installer to get the rebate from them and you must have a licensed electrical contractor to sign off on the work. Good work Shawn, way to keep it green, best of luck and Happy Holidays to all
December 4th, 2009 at 9:51 pm (#)
Good point Rich. I was considering it from the California point of view, where there are more installers with over 50 installations. Thanks for sharing the NY perspective. Also, you’re right that people should ask about an installer’s certifications. Make sure they have (at the minimum) the necessary licenses to be eligible for the relevant rebates.
Thanks,
SRoeCo Solar