Considering purchasing a solar panel system to help supply your home’s energy needs?

Just as you would for any major home improvement project, doing your own research and finding the right contractor is key to a successful outcome. Will the end product be of high quality and will it perform as it should? What, exactly, is the company promising, and has it proven to be true with past clients?

Beyond those obvious questions, here are some other aspects to consider before signing on the dotted line:

• Know all the costs, not just those for equipment and installation. There are also “soft costs,” which will set you back for more than the system itself according to Energy.gov. Those soft costs include permitting, financing, and "pass along” costs for marketing, advertising and research.
• Thoroughly research the solar installation company you are considering. Is it a local company? Is it backed by the Better Business Bureau? How long has it been in business? Is it contracted to do business in Texas?
• Are the people installing the system employees or subcontractors?
• Have they been properly trained and are they certified in solar installation?
• Will there be a master electrician on site?
• Does the company hold at least a $1M general insurance policy for possible worker’s compensation and liability claims, among other types?
• Is the company skilled at and has a solid track record of advising the appropriate/most advantageous type and size of system needed?
• If there are incentives, who completes the paperwork for the potential tax credits, rebates, and other incentives? What are the tax credit requirements?
• How much energy will the system produce and is it enough? Too much?
• How will the installer consult staff from my current electric provider? Does the installer have experience coordinating/integrating solar systems with the electric grid?
• What does the bid include, exactly? Is it just for equipment? Does it include labor and installation? What about other costs?
• Do the bid and contract include breakdown costs for every component/part, as well as labor and other fees, and projected start and end dates?
• What are the complete short- and long-term costs and what will it save in the long run?
• What do objective (not stacked) reviewers say about their experience with the company? About the pros and cons of solar versus electric?
• What happens to my power supply when it’s cloudy?
• Do savings vary depending on geographic location?
• Does the company promise savings that sound too good to be true?
• Who maintains the equipment and how much does that cost?
• What are the safety issues surrounding solar? How is the power safely disconnected if needed?
• Should I buy or lease the system and what is the difference?
• What happens if I move?
• Does your electric utility require any additional insurance for operating a solar array?
• What happens with the renewable energy credits produced from your solar array?

These are only some of the details to consider. Do your homework before agreeing to any major home project, including a solar system installation. Solar scams are common! Read more here to avoid solar scams. 

If you are considering hiring an installer or have chosen an installation company, please contact us at 979-543-6271 so that we can explain our rates and connection requirements. 

For more information about electrical safety and renewable energy, visit SafeElectricity.org.