Are you a homeowner or business leader looking to invest in a solar energy system but feel overwhelmed by where to begin and what questions to ask? You’ve come to the right place.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
In this guide, we draw upon over 15 years of experience from Paradise Energy Solutions to highlight the top 10 questions you should ask your solar salesperson. Explore the list of questions to kickstart your journey toward a smooth and successful solar investment.
Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Solar Salesperson
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
The solar industry is known for its volatility, often referred to as the "solar coaster." A key indicator of a solar company's reliability and expertise is its longevity. Companies that have navigated the industry's ups and downs for many years are more likely to be around to support your system and honor warranties in the future. Look for a company with at least a decade of experience to ensure stability and knowledge.
2. How Well-Trained Are Your Employees?
A solar energy system requires experience and know-how to properly install the equipment to the electrical code and equipment manufacturer specifications while keeping the installation aesthetically pleasing. This is why the qualifications and certifications of the team installing your solar system are paramount.
Ask about their training programs and the certifications, such as NABCEP, that the company’s employees have completed. Ensure that regular training and mentoring are an ongoing part of their company culture. This ensures that the team working on your project is knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest solar technologies and installation practices.
3. What Do Your Customers Say About You?
Understanding past customers' experiences provides valuable insights into the company’s reliability and the quality of service they provide. Explore online reviews (Google and SolarReviews.com are two good places to start), watch testimonial videos from past customers, and ask for references to speak to.
A consistent record of positive feedback and improvement over time is a good sign.
Read more: How to choose a solar installation company.
4. How Long Will My Installation Take?
The timeframe from contract signing to installation completion can vary widely depending on the type of installation, the size of the system, and your location. A reputable company will provide a realistic timeline, taking into account their current project backlog, the complexity of your installation, and potential delays from utility approvals. This information helps set appropriate expectations for the project duration.
5. Paperwork and Permits: Who Handles the Administrative Tasks?
Solar installations involve a significant amount of paperwork, including permits, utility connection agreements, and grant applications. Clarify who is responsible for these tasks. Many solar companies handle all administrative aspects for their customers, which will simplify the process for you and ensure that applications are completed accurately and timely.
At Paradise Energy, we have a team of process managers who are dedicated to handling this work for you.
6. What Equipment Do You Use?
Not all solar equipment is created equally. The origin and quality of the solar panels and inverters used in your installation are important factors. You want to make sure you use equipment from reputable brands that provide quality warranties.
With the introduction of the domestic content tax adder, using qualifying American-made equipment could earn you an additional 10% federal tax credit. However, as of this blog's writing, the exact details of how to qualify for this bonus 10% are unclear.
Read more: What are the Best Commercial Solar Panels?
7. Financing Options: What Financing Do You Offer?
Understanding the financing options available can significantly impact the affordability and feasibility of your solar investment. While some companies may offer in-house financing, exploring external financing through your bank or credit union most often provide better terms.
8. Post-Installation Support: How Will You Service My System?
For the most part, a solar energy system is a set-and-forget solution. But just like any electronic or other type of machinery, breakdowns can occur. This is why it's crucial to work with a solar company that has a dedicated service department.
Ask how the company handles warranty claims, maintenance checks, and troubleshooting. Companies with dedicated service departments have trained personnel who are ready to help and quickly resolve issues.
9. What Warranties Do You Provide?
A comprehensive warranty package is a significant aspect of your solar investment. You need to be aware of two types of warranties: manufacturer warranties and installer-backed warranties.
Manufacturer warranties are the same across the board, assuming you're working with a certified installer. They cover product issues and performance. However, they do not cover the cost to diagnose and repair these issues. That’s why installer-backed warranties are so important.
Many Installation companies back their installations with workmanship warranties, and less common guarantees guarantee the production of your system. For example, our Triple Ten Guarantee guarantees the production of the systems we install for the first ten years.
Both types of warranties are very valuable for the long-term success of your solar investment.
10. Company Financial Stability: Will Your Company Be Around For The Long Haul?
Finally, the financial health of the solar provider is a critical consideration. While most companies will keep their financials private, don’t hesitate to ask about their profitability and financial strategies. A company that has consistently been profitable is more likely to be reliable in the long term to back warranties and provide the necessary maintenance services.
Selecting the right solar energy partner is a pivotal decision that impacts not just the initial installation but also the long-term return on your investment. By asking these 10 important questions, you’ll be better equipped to choose a company that aligns with your needs, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to solar energy.
At Paradise Energy Solutions, we pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. For homeowners and business leaders ready to explore how solar can save money and promote sustainability, request your free custom quote using the "Get A Quote" button above.
Going solar can be a challenging process for homeowners — especially when speaking with different solar companies yields conflicting and confusing information. But when done right, the economic and environmental benefits of rooftop solar are more than worthwhile.
So we asked solar industry veteran Brian Lynch a simple question: What can homeowners do to set themselves up for a successful solar installation?
Lynch broke his answer into 10 questions that homeowners should ask themselves before signing a deal and also threw in some expert advice for answering those questions that he’s picked up over his 15+ years with major solar players like REC, LG, and ADT.
Whether you’re comparing quotes on the solar.com marketplace or seeking them out on your own, ask yourself the following questions before you sign a solar agreement.
1. Do I know who I’m dealing with and can I trust them?
Rooftop solar is a major investment in lowering your electricity costs and carbon footprint, so it’s crucial to work with a reputable company that has a proven track record of excellent workmanship and customer service. Research the installer whether or not they are performing the sale.
As a baseline, they should have:
- Strong customer reviews and consumer ratings
- An established presence in your community
- A robust workmanship warranty
- Proof of licensing and insurance available upon request
Brian Lynch’s advice:
For a truly unbiased opinion, call the local inspector’s office and ask if they believe the contractor performs quality work.
2. Is the technology selected right for my project?
Not every solar panel, inverter, and battery is created equal. For example, certain panels and inverters are better suited for roofs with occasional shading than others. And if you’re relying on your solar system to reduce your electricity costs, it’s important to invest in the right technology.
Ask yourself the following question: Did the salesperson simply propose what they stock or did they select the right technology package for your specific application? Better yet, ask the salesperson why they chose the equipment they did.
Link to Inventronics
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Research the equipment companies, their ratings, and whether they have US-based customer service – it might make all the difference in the world in a few years if something goes wrong.
Related reading: Best Solar Panels and Inverters Brands of
3. What are my goals for going solar?
Successful solar projects begin with setting goals. Some homeowners want to zero out their utility bill, others want to reduce their environmental impact, and a growing number are motivated by backup power and energy independence. Honing in on one or two primary goals can help you and your advisor craft a custom solution to meet them.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
It’s okay to have several motivations for going solar, but narrow it down to one or two primary goals to guide your system design.
4. Does the proposal meet my goals of going solar?
Once you have goals in place, make sure the proposals you receive actually meet them. Every homeowner and every project is unique. Did the salesperson develop a custom proposal based on your feedback, utility usage, and goals for going solar? Or did they simply propose what the roof could fit?
Ask the salesperson or advisor how the equipment, design, and financing options were selected to help meet your goals.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Dealing with an unbiased advisor or advocate versus a commissioned salesperson can make all the difference in the world.
5. Am I thinking about solar the wrong way?
We’ve all seen the ads promising “free” solar. Simply put, there’s no such thing — and these misleading ads set unrealistic expectations for homeowners looking to lower their essential energy costs. Companies that rely on click-bait like “free solar” likely have no issues lying to you later in the process.
Going solar is a great way to lower and flatten your essential electricity costs over time. But if the numbers sound too good to be true, they almost certainly are.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to identify and avoid solar scams is to get multiple quotes from reputable installers. This will give you a sense of fair pricing in your market and expose outliers that are too good to be true.
6. Am I economically enabling illegal activities?
Sounds crazy, but there’s a dark side of solar. Reports have been issued by Universities that expose forced labor practices in the upstream supply chain of some solar companies and there have been many investigations into illegal trade practices.
While the US is combatting forced labor in the solar supply chain with tariffs and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in , there are still panel manufacturers trying to circumvent these safeguards.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to avoid enabling unethical practices is to work with reputable companies that don’t have Chinese ownership ties.
7. Cash, loan, or lease?
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here as everyone has different financial circumstances and goals. But there are pros and cons to all of the buying panels (with a loan or cash) and leasing them.
In general:
- Financing with a solar loan provides more immediate savings by replacing your monthly electric bill with lower payments on your panels
- Paying cash provides greater long-term savings since you can avoid interest charges
- Solar leases can provide immediate energy cost savings, but are typically less lucrative than ownership in the long term and come with a unique set of complications.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Discuss and simulate several finance options with an unbiased advisor to craft a payment plan that best meets your goals.
8. To store or not to store?
Investing in energy storage – aka solar batteries – along with your solar array is a great way to “future proof” your solar investment. Battery storage provides energy security and allows you to use your electricity when it’s best for you. But, it comes with a substantial cost, and understanding whether an energy storage system is right for you is worth exploring.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Consider the long-term economics. Battery storage costs substantially less when it is installed at the same time as solar panels than if it’s added to a solar system retroactively.
9. Do I have trust?
Do you trust what you’ve been told? Do you trust the equipment? Do you trust the installer? Do you trust that this is the right system for you?
If the answer to these questions is yes – then solar is amazing. If the answer is no to one or more of them, find a partner that will build and earn your trust.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
With today’s solar systems expected to last 25+ years, installing solar means entering a long-term relationship with your installation company and equipment manufacturers. Trust your project to an installer you trust will be around to promptly service your system and help you file warranty claims if issues should arise.
10. Am I confident in my decision to go solar?
Solar shouldn’t be high-pressure gimmicky sales with three-card monte discounting. Solar should be thoroughly explained, researched, and priced in a fair and consultative manner. If you’re confident in your decision to go solar then congratulations – you’ve made a fantastic decision. If not, take the time to evaluate your options
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Take the time to fully understand, consider, and establish confidence in your decision to go solar. Don’t let a salesperson rush your decision.
For more information, please visit Commercial Solar Energy System.