With so many solar installation companies, how can a potential solar customer make the right choice? We’ve compiled a list of the top ten questions that should be asked of a solar installation company for you to understand the entirety of going solar with a particular company.
1. What are some local installations your company has completed?
Check out Stateline Solar’s online gallery. You can filter by project type, roof mount, ground mount, and installations in Northwestern Illinois counties.
2. What percentage of your business comes from referrals?
This question can help customers understand if the company is reputable in your local area. Word of mouth can make a huge impact on a company’s reputation and can point customers in the right direction.
Stateline Solar’s answer? Most of our customers come from from referrals! We have a referral program that benefits past customers for spreading the word about Stateline Solar.
3. Are you selling or leasing a system to me?
Some companies strictly lease systems, which can disappoint a solar shopper that would like to own their system. Other companies, like Stateline Solar, only sell systems and do not offer leasing options. Make sure to ask your solar sales representative this question and thoroughly read your solar contract.
4. Do you train me to monitor my system? What’s the hand-off process like?
Levels of system monitoring vary from installer to installer. Are you looking to monitor your solar production daily? Are you looking to monitor individual panels’ production? Understanding your expectation of system monitoring will factor into how you perceive your installation company’s answer.
Meanwhile, not every installation company will sit down with the customer, post-install, to make sure they can read the production numbers and understand the monitoring program. This can be vital for customer service.
Stateline Solar trains all of its customers to monitor their own system. With SolarEdge monitoring enabled for all customers, you can view each panel’s production, any time of day. This helps the solar owner quickly catch any potential production issues.
5. How do you factor in shading, soiling, and age degredation?
A lot of calculations need to be factored into a solar proposal. After receiving a solar proposal, ask your sales representative if they accounted for snow, soiling (like dust, dirt, and other natural buildup), and production lost as the system ages. If these numbers aren’t properly accounted for, your system may not provide as much power as expected. This could result in a loss of ROI and an increase in your electric bill.
Stateline Solar uses a program called Aurora, which helps estimate and create visual graphs regarding estimated production losses. Here’s an example:
6. What components do you use in your installs?
The solar representative you speak with should be able to explain to you various components used in installation. From panel type or brand, racking system, inverters, and more, understanding the components can help you fully understand your purchase.
Similarly, if you’re considering a roof-mounted system, consider asking the solar representative about the measures they take for leak prevention.
Extra tip: call a local roofing company to see if they’ve had roof warranties voided due to unprofessional solar installations.
7. Are the components you use the highest quality, cheapest price, or just easiest to use?
This question may stump a solar representative. Again, asking this question can help you understand the priority of the installation company. Do they cut corners on the customer’s expense? Do they pay extra for top-quality materials? Or are they more interested in quick or rapid installation?
Here at Stateline Solar, we make sure our components are top-quality. We can even tailor a system to a customer’s specific request, like “All-American Made” or “German Engineered” components.
8. Do you sub-contract out any labor for your installations?
Asking your solar installer this question can help you understand their level of expertise. Do they have to hire a general contractor to pour concrete? Do they have to hire a landscaping or tree-removal company? An engineer to design your system? Your solar installer’s answer can help you understand if you’re paying extra for work that the installation company cannot complete.
9. What’s your Workmanship Warranty?
Understanding the Workmanship Warranty your solar installation company provides is critical. Any solar customer needs to understand what they are liable for, what to do if there is an issue with installation or a faulty component, and how long this warranty lasts.
Wondering about Stateline Solar’s Workmanship Warranty? Our components are warrantied for 25 years, while our Workmanship Warranty is valid for 5 years post installation.
10. Are all warranties transferable if I sell my home?
Selling your home may not be on your mind now, but situations or opportunities could arise that could make selling your home a reality. Ask your sales representative if warranties are transferable to the new home owners. Similarly, if you’ve signed a contract for a Power Purchasing Agreement or lease, this could cause some headaches in the future.
Stateline Solar can assist any past customer transfer contracts and warranties to the new home owner.
