The cost of everything is rising these days, and that most definitely includes our staggeringly high energy bills, which a recent CNET survey found to be stressing out 78% of surveyed US adults. Switching to solar power is a logical next step for homeowners looking to lessen their monthly bills, perhaps give back to the grid on low energy days and bank solar energy for when the grid goes down due to overwhelming demand or a downed transformer.
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Installing solar panels is a smart investment that can increase your home's value, reduce your energy bills, but with tens of thousands of dollars on the line, you can't take it lightly, no matter how many federal or local incentives may be available. Knowing the right kind of questions to ask solar companies in your area can ensure a smooth installation experience and save you thousands over your system's lifetime.
Through research and the expert knowledge of CNET's energy team, we've gathered the top 15 questions -- and expected answers -- you should ask before you sign any contract from any solar installer.
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The solar industry's recent boom means that more companies than ever are getting in on the action. That's generally a good thing, but not all of them are experienced installers or even legitimate businesses.
"Sometimes these installation companies are fly-by-night. They open one month and close the next," said Jani Hale, help desk manager with Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit that helps consumers go solar by forming residential co-ops and providing educational support. Ideally, an installer will have been in business for three years or more.
Online reviews for solar installers are a great start, but they're not as reliable as an industry certification. The National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) sets standards for knowledge, experience and professionalism in the renewable energy sector. "We recommend that at least one person in that company be NABCEP certified to ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills," Hale said.
Additional certifications can tell you more about a company's labor practices and environmental standards. B Corp-certified companies are required to meet certain social and environmental standards in their operations, including fair labor practices and wages. "If installers are getting a fair wage, they're going to be much more likely to do a quality installation," said Micah Gold-Markel, who founded Philadelphia-based installer Solar States in .
"There are different rules for different states, so making sure that the person you're talking to can explain the rules in your state very clearly is extremely important," said Gold-Markel.
For example, California law restricts the backflow of residential solar to the grid. In Pennsylvania, residential systems can send unlimited power back to the grid, with utilities required to pay the full retail price. Those state-by-state differences can significantly affect the payback period for your system.
In addition to the 30% federal tax credit offered by the Inflation Reduction Act, you may be eligible for additional credits or incentives based on other factors. Those incentives can add up, and that's before any local or utility-specific incentives come into play. A knowledgeable solar installer will be able to tell you about federal, state and local incentives that can help you save money. "You can get between 30% and 60% of the cost of your solar back in tax credits, depending on how you use these various federal incentives," Gold-Markel said.
For example, if you're purchasing solar for your business it may be possible to accelerate the depreciation of that asset, allowing for a larger tax deduction in the initial years of your system. You could also be eligible for additional credits if your installer uses American-made materials.
Ask about the equipment an installer plans to use and why they've made that choice. A company that only uses one size of panel may not be the best fit if your home has a complex or architecturally elaborate roof. "Beware of salespersons who imply that there's only one type of solar system or battery storage," Hale said. "There are many brands of solar equipment and system designs to choose from."
Gold-Markel also recommends inquiring about where equipment was sourced, with a preference for panels that were manufactured in the US. "We are part of Amicus, a national cooperative of installers that buys ethically sourced solar panels," he says. "If you can find an Amicus installation professional in your area, you know you're getting a responsibly sourced system."
The age of your roof is a key consideration in going solar. Solar United Neighbors recommends replacing a roof with less than 10 to 15 years of life left before installing your system.
A competent solar installer should be able to give you an opinion of your roof's condition and make recommendations as part of their proposal. "They may not be roofers themselves, but they should be able to say, 'We see some damage on your roof and it would be a good idea if you got it replaced prior to going solar," Gold-Markel said.
Believe it or not, the salesperson you're speaking with might not work for the company that will actually do your installation. Make sure the installer you're signing on with will be the one to do the work.
"There are a lot of high-pressure marketing companies out there that are sort of posing as solar companies," Gold-Markel said. "All they do is marketing and sales, and then they pawn off the solar installation to some other company. That can be a real recipe for disaster."
You'll want to discuss a rough project timeline with any solar installer you're considering -- both in terms of when work will begin and how long it will take to get your solar installation up and running. Hale noted that's a question a reputable installer should be asking you.
"Installers should ask what your timeframe is for getting your system installed, so they can give you the room to do your research," she said. "The really good installers will wait for you to come back to them."
Gold-Markel recommends inquiring about extended warranties or operations and maintenance packages that cover the entire life of the system, which is typically around 25 years. "Ask if you can also get an operations and maintenance package, an extended warranty that covers the lifespan of the solar or a longer warranty for the workmanship than may come with the contract," he said.
Due to high interest rates, financing your solar installation is a less attractive option than it was a few years ago. If you are considering financing, Gold-Markel said, be sure to inquire about any hidden fees that may be a part of the agreement. It's also important to look into the institution offering the loan, which may be a third party, and read the terms closely to understand what happens if you default.
Homeowners tend to focus on the total cost to install solar or the cost per panel. Be sure to compare the cost in dollars per watt when comparing solar installers, Hale said. Two solar systems may have a similar overall cost, but the wattage generated can differ based on panel size and capacity. The system with the lower cost per watt is the better deal.
A good solar installer should make it easy to understand how much of your household's power consumption can be met by your solar system. Factors like weather, shade, roof size and household energy use will all affect how much power your panels will generate.
Information about how much of your household's electricity will be offset by your system should be included in a reputable solar installer's proposal for your project, and installers should be forthcoming about this information. "If that's clearly laid out in a proposal, then nine times out of ten, that's a green flag," Hale said.
Your discussions with solar installers should not only estimate how much you'll save over the life of your system but also include how that estimate was derived.
Installers calculate lifetime savings using a metric called a utility escalator. This percentage describes the projected inflation rate of the cost of power and is based on historical trends (and is different from the escalators in a power purchase agreement). Solar United Neighbors recommends checking that the utility escalator used in competing proposals from different installers is the same to help you compare accurately.
It's not possible to ensure that every panel in your solar system will always produce power at the maximum level, said Gold-Markel, but a good installer should be able to guarantee your panels' performance within a reasonable range.
"If the overall power output is within a reasonable error rate of, say, 10% of what was predicted, then I think you should be happy with the outcome," he says.
Net metering policies in some states allow you to sell power generated by your solar system back to the public grid -- a significant solar incentive that can significantly reduce the payback period on your system. You don't typically sell that power to your energy utility directly.
Instead, homeowners often sell solar renewable energy certificates, or SRECs, through a third party known as a broker or aggregator. Your installer may be able to connect you with a broker. If you'd prefer to choose your own broker, Solar United Neighbors recommends double-checking your contract to make sure that's not prohibited in your agreement.
Here are the sensible questions to ask before going ahead with an installation.
Written byMelody AbeniWhy you can trust our content
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A solar panel system is a significant investment, so it's essential to do thorough research before you go all in. Part of that process involves getting quotes from different solar panel companies to compare prices, products, and services to find the best fit for your home.
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So before you sign anything, we've compiled a list of important questions you should ask your prospective solar panel installer to make sure your decision is well-informed.
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As you’ve probably seen yourself, there are many options out there in terms of solar installers, so it's easy to feel pretty overwhelmed by the amount of choice.
Here are the crucial questions you should ask to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Your first task is to ask the installer about their experience and credentials, including specific certifications.
The most important accreditations to look out for are Flexi-Orb and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which both ensure that installers meet industry standards. Without either of these accreditations, you’ll expose yourself to a sub-standard installation, which may cause problems further down the line.
Having an MCS or Flexi-Orb accredited solar panel installation also means you’re eligible for solar export tariffs via the Smart Export Guarantee, which enables you to sell your excess electricity to the grid.
Other important associations that signify the installer follows best practices and is competent in their field include:
Accreditations are essential in giving you confidence in the quality and longevity of your solar installation.
When providing quotes, installers will also produce estimates for a solar panel system’s annual energy production in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the corresponding financial savings. But to make sure these estimates are credible, they need to be validated by an industry body such as the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS).
EPVS provides an independent validation of energy-saving claims, ensuring that the figures provided to you are accurate and realistic. This verification helps protect consumers from inflated claims and ensures that their investment in solar energy is based on trustworthy information.
Of course, no estimate is guaranteed to be an exact prediction of what your system will produce, but some estimates are a lot more reliable than others. If you’re getting forecasts from a solar installer that don’t come with the EPVS seal of approval, you should be very careful.
Next, you need to ask about the specifics of the solar panels the installer plans to use for your installation. Above all, make sure you're getting high-quality panels, as it's crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your solar panel system.
Ask about the type of panels, as this will affect your overall solar panel costs - are they monocrystalline or polycrystalline? Polycrystalline panels are usually cheaper from the outset, but monocrystalline panels typically offer higher efficiency and durability.
The power rating of the solar panels, measured in watts (W), is also an important indicator of quality. For instance, a 430W solar panel will be able to generate more electricity than a 330W solar panel in the same conditions - and you should be looking for solar panels that exceed 400W.
You should also ask about the panels' efficiency rating, as this will tell you how well the panels convert sunlight into electricity. Most solar panels used for residential installations are somewhere between 18-23% efficient.
Lastly, the panels' warranty can provide insights into the manufacturer's confidence in their product and protect your investment over time. A longer warranty period is often a good indicator of panel quality and durability, so make sure you’re getting at least 25 years.
If your solar panel plan includes battery storage, ask detailed questions about the battery specifications to ensure it meets your needs for electricity storage.
Find out the brand and model of the battery to research its reputation for quality and reliability. The battery size, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), will determine how much electricity you can store for your energy needs once the sun has gone down. However, there’s no ‘ideal size’ of battery to recommend, as it varies significantly based on your situation.
Check whether the battery is lithium-ion or lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries generally offer longer lifespans, higher power densities, and better performance in a wider range of temperatures than lead-acid batteries.
Again, ask about the battery warranty to get an idea of its expected lifespan and the manufacturer's confidence in its durability. Top-quality batteries should come with at least 10 years’ warranty.
Clarify both the waiting period before the installation begins and the duration of the full solar installation process itself. You don’t want to be waiting months and months for your solar installation.
First, ask the installer for an estimated timeframe from the moment you agree to their quote to when the installation will start. This period can vary based on the installer's schedule, any planning permissions needed (such as DNO approval), and the time required to prepare the equipment and materials.
Then, find out how long the installation will take once it starts. Installing usually only takes a day or two, although it can be longer if your roof is difficult to access. And don't forget about scaffolding - you usually need to allow about a week on either side of the installation for set-up/take-down.
Understanding both aspects of the timeline will help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for the project's completion.
Ask the solar installer if their solar and battery systems come with insurance.
This insurance is crucial because it keeps your investment safe from unexpected mishaps like fire, theft, and storms.
Accreditations like Flexi-Orb and MCS also require their members to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) for the work they perform, providing you with added peace of mind about the installation's reliability and durability.
Solar panel insurance gives you a financial safety net so that you don't have to deal with unexpected costs if something goes wrong. But always verify the insurance details to understand what's included and any conditions that may apply.
Check if the installer offers ongoing maintenance and support services for the system after installation to handle potential issues, repairs, or hardware replacements.
This is crucial because, while a solar panel system is meant to be low-maintenance, sometimes things can still go wrong. A reliable aftercare service can fix any issues before they escalate into more significant, costly problems, and keep your system running efficiently.
It also provides peace of mind knowing that you have expert support available, helping to extend the life of your investment and maximise its return.
If you’re put off by the high upfront cost of solar panels, consider Sunsave Plus - the UK’s first solar subscription, which has no upfront cost and also comes with a full monitoring & maintenance support package.
Written byMelody Abeni
Based in London, Melody is a specialist green technology writer who has been covering sustainability, climate action and ESG for the past five years, after gathering operational experience in green investing and financial services. She has written for various industry publications, including renewable technology advisor The Eco Experts, and she holds a Master’s degree in law from Birkbeck University.
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