residential solar guide
TRANSCRIPT
Residential Solar Guide:
How to Evaluate Solar Companies and Select the Right Solar Partner
Sponsored By:
2014
Residential Solar Guide
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
[email protected] Page 1
“How to evaluate solar vendors and select the right solar partner”
This resource guide will highlight the steps homeowners
should take when selecting a solar energy company.
We’ll identify things you should know before contacting
potential contractors, how to find solar contractors and
what credentials they should have.
Important Guidelines to Consider While Choosing a Solar Company
Many homeowners recognize the value proposition solar energy provides and want to team up
with a qualified solar company to start reaping the benefits. You may already know solar will
save you money, but you also want to get the most affordable system and best service possible.
Save 70% off Total System Costs with Current Incentives and Available Credits
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
[email protected] Page 2
A well-qualified solar contractor will identify the right system for you, apply all available
incentives to your purchase, and stand behind your system for years to come.
But how do you find the best solar company for your installation?
The first step is to educate yourself on solar energy as it pertains to your requirements
· How solar works
· Why now is the perfect time to go solar?
· The benefits of using solar
· Available solar systems and how to choose what’s right for your home
· How solar saves you money and why it’s an affordable energy option
· Why solar energy has become the energy option of choice for many homeowners
· How current incentives reduce solar installation costs
· Ways financing makes solar even more affordable
· Methods for calculating your return on investment
· Different ways you can purchase a solar electric system
· Advantages and comparisons for direct purchase, low upfront lease and prepaid lease
options
So what’s next? You now need to thoroughly evaluate potential solar
contractors. Then, you can select the solar company that will deliver
what you need, as well as become a real partner throughout the life of
your system.
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
[email protected] Page 3
Evaluate Your Situation and
Requirements
It’s probably best for you to do some of the learning legwork on your own.
Although a reputable solar company will educate you on all aspec ts of a
solar energy installation, you should identify a few things prior to your
first meeting.
Here are some questions you should answer:
· What is your current energy use? Collect your past 12 months of
utility bills to analyze your usage. Energy usage is shown in kilowatt
hours also seen as kWh.
· What are your available funds for your solar project? Do you have a budget and how do
you plan to finance your solar system?
· Do you know how solar energy basically works? In addition to this resource guides, tons
of online resources exist for you to learn about solar. You can get as detailed as you want in
learning about how solar energy works.
· Have you looked at your home and evaluated whether it’s conducive for solar? In other
words, do you have anything like trees or buildings that shade a significant part of your home?
Do you have ample roof space to house panels?
· What are your expectations with a solar installation? By how much do you want to off-
set your utility bills? Most solar applications will offset utility costs between 25 and 75 percent,
depending upon individual circumstances. Having realistic expectations will help ensure a
successful installation.
· Have you conducted a cost-benefit analysis? Do the benefits outweigh the costs of your
solar installation? Sign up for a free solar quote www.solarquotetoday.com
Identify and Contact Prospective Solar Contractors
After you’ve thought about the issues surrounding a solar installation, it’s time to contact
reputable contractors. Professional solar system installers will help expand on the information
you’ve already collected, as well as educate you further on the right system for your home.
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
[email protected] Page 4
How do you find the most qualified solar contractors? A good place to find potential vendors is
your electric utility’s recommendations and programs.
FIND A GOOD SOLAR PROVIDER
REQUEST A LIST NOW! [email protected]
Once you identify good prospects The solar company should provide you detailed information on the following:
Solar system size and configuration
Solar system configurations are somewhat complex and it’s important your solar company
walks you through all of the system components. The contractor should advise you on the steps
taken to determine the right system size and explain exactly how each component in the
system will perform. You should come away knowing about solar panel sizes, system wattage
and energy output, for example.
Solar system cost
After learning about the right-sized system for your home, you need to know how much that
system will cost. Your solar contractor will explain in detail the cost factors involved, how they
relate to your desired utility offset expectations and the total cost of the recommended system.
Through careful analysis of all trade-offs, you can arrive at the best system configuration for
your budget and expectations.
Financial incentives
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
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Once you know the total system cost, your solar company will outline all available incentives.
You’ll get a prepared analysis of utility rebates and other incentives applied directly to your
initial cost. Your solar contractor will also provide you with information on tax credits and sales
tax exemptions that further lower your investment cost. You can expect your final system cost
to be drastically lower after these incentives are applied.
System life
You need to know how long you can expect your solar system to last to determine the return
on your investment. A competent solar company will provide you with an expected system life
time that is backed-up by a warranty. Most solar panels last between 25 and 30 years.
Service
Although solar systems are very reliable, you still want your solar company to be around when
you need them. Learn about service policies and what’s covered under warranties. These
should be explained in detail when you meet with your solar contractors and be provided in
writing within your purchase documents.
Narrowing Your Prospects
Finding the right solar contractor can make the difference in whether your project delivers your expected benefits.
Here are some important questions to ask when evaluating with each potential solar
contractor:
What’s the contractor’s experience level in terms of years in business and number of systems
installed? Obviously, you want a solar company who knows what they’re doing. The more time
spent in the industry, the more the company is likely to have learned. Also, confirm the years
they have been installing solar. Many companies were once servicing pools or AC units and
have just recently decided to “get into solar.”
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
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Do they have ample experience in roofing? It is absolutely critical to determine if your
potential solar installers are experienced with roofing and know how a solar system will affect
your existing roof. Look on the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website to confirm they are
licensed roofing contractors. If so, they will have a K-42 license. Roofing is complex and your
solar contractor must know how to best install your solar system on your existing roof
structure.
Have they installed thousands of systems or just a few? Have they been around for a long time
and are they likely to be around for the foreseeable future? An experienced contractor will
know all the ins and outs of system selection, installation, permitting, incentives, repair and
more.
What about their background? Is the solar company licensed and insured? A quick look at the
third-party accrediting and rating agencies can ensure you’re working with a properly
credentialed business. You can conduct a search at the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) to verify
appropriate licensing and performance of any registered contractor. The purpose of the ROC is
to promote quality construction by contractors though a licensing and regulatory system
designed to protect the public.
The Better Business Bureau can help you find a business you can trust. You can use the online
search function to locate trustworthy companies by name, industry, location or phone number.
Also, as mentioned previously, check with your utility for recommended installers that service
your area, such as the Solar Energy Option Qualified Solar Installer list.
Are they financially viable? You want to make sure your contractor is likely to be around for
the life of your system. Solid financial performance can help signify staying power.
Do they offer multiple financing opportunities? To provide the best flexibility for your budget,
you might want to explore additional financing arrangements besides paying cash. Does your
solar company have relationships with various financial institutions and leasing companies?
For example, you can pay cash upfront for your system by using existing funds or taking out a
home equity loan. Or, you can finance your system through a variety of options and sources.
If you thoroughly consider your requirements and conduct the proper due diligence when
selecting your solar company, you should be well on your way to saving money with solar
energy. With the right solar partner, you should meet your expectations and achieve the
desired level of success throughout the life of your system.
Residential Solar Guide 2014
www.solarenergyoption.com
[email protected] Page 7
Let’s get started: There’s never been a better time to go solar. You can be on your way to saving money in no
time. We’re happy to prepare a free, no obligation analysis and cost estimate.
To do this, we start by collecting three pieces of information:
1. To size your system accurately, we review the last 12 months of your electricity usage.
Your past bills or your utility’s web site will supply the needed information.
2. With your address, we use online aerial photography tools to inspect your roof features
and available un-shaded space. We can then determine estimated production levels. Although
panels will perform under cloudy conditions, they’re very sensitive to shade. As we get further
along in the process, we’ll conduct a thorough on-site inspection and analysis.
3. We also want to understand your objectives for solar electric offset. On average, the
amount our customers offset their utility bills ranges from 30 percent to 92 percent. The
percentage you receive will be based on your home’s physical limitations.
Call or Email us today. We’re here to answer any questions or provide your free analysis and
quote.