how to be smart solar shopper
Durability, degradation, expected life?
Warranty; what does it really cover, such as production, product, and labor?
Inverter
- String, optimizer, or micro?
- The truth about shade tolerance and optimization?
- Durability (failure-prone electrolytic capacitors?), expected life, warranty and labor?
Mounting
- Roof or ground or tracker? Exposed rack ends or hidden? Layout and conduit? Monitoring
- How much power am I making?
- How much is my household using?
- How do I know everything is working okay?
Which Installer Is Best For You?
- Big national marketing/finance company, vs “Chuck-and-a-truck”, vs mid-sized local?
- History, experience, warranty, recommendations?
- Personalized proposal vs cookie-cutter or via phone?
What’s The Best Way To Pay For It?
- How much will solar offset your utility bill? Electrical need vs roof (or yard) space?
- Lease (or PPA) vs buy? Who gets the most economic benefit – you or some big company?
- Tax appetite? Instead of paying the government, can you pay yourself?
- Escalators for lease rates and utility rates? Facts vs hype?
- Note that “Maintenance” is not an issue with a lease, nor with purchased products if you have a complete warranty.
- Equity. What is your Return on Investment (ROI)?
- How does solar affect my home resale value?
Do your own research and don’t accept marketing hype; ask for real proof! Then find a solar consultant you can trust. A good one will listen carefully to you, make some recommendations that are best for your situation, and keep it simple for you.
