There
are a nerve-wracking number of solar manufacturers and installers out there, so Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. came up with the 5 most important questions to ask before making the decision
to install solar modules on your roof.
1. “How many systems has your
company installed?”
Due to the recent spike in solar panel installations, and the decrease in other construction-related businesses, many roofers, fencers, and builders are attempting to start solar installation companies with no solar experience and without proper solar installation knowledge. Look for a reputable installer with an NABCEP certification as Electrical Systems and Services does.
Due to the recent spike in solar panel installations, and the decrease in other construction-related businesses, many roofers, fencers, and builders are attempting to start solar installation companies with no solar experience and without proper solar installation knowledge. Look for a reputable installer with an NABCEP certification as Electrical Systems and Services does.
2. “Is the warranty on my solar panels 25
years?”
Most solar panels on the market are high-quality and will have a guaranteed output of not less than 90% after 10 years and no less than 80% after 25 years. Any brand panel should have this warranty, whether it’s made inChina , Germany ,
or America
Most solar panels on the market are high-quality and will have a guaranteed output of not less than 90% after 10 years and no less than 80% after 25 years. Any brand panel should have this warranty, whether it’s made in
3. “Is the warranty on your labor 10
years or longer?”
Some states require installers to warranty their labor for 10 years in order for the system to be eligible for state rebates. Any good installer should have no problem including this.
Some states require installers to warranty their labor for 10 years in order for the system to be eligible for state rebates. Any good installer should have no problem including this.
4. “How
many kilowatt-hours will the system produce the first year?”
This is arguably the most important factor in comparing solar electric systems (other than price, of course). If you have solar panels warranted for 25 years, and labor guaranteed for 10, then the brand of solar panel – whether Canadian Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Helios or any other – doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how much energy they are expected to produce in a year. Many times the cheaper, “less efficient” solar panels will produce more energy in a year at a better price than the pricier, “more efficient” solar panels. When warranties are the same, output is the money-maker, not brand or efficiency.
This is arguably the most important factor in comparing solar electric systems (other than price, of course). If you have solar panels warranted for 25 years, and labor guaranteed for 10, then the brand of solar panel – whether Canadian Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Helios or any other – doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how much energy they are expected to produce in a year. Many times the cheaper, “less efficient” solar panels will produce more energy in a year at a better price than the pricier, “more efficient” solar panels. When warranties are the same, output is the money-maker, not brand or efficiency.
5. “How
much will it cost? (…after parts, labor, installation and rebates)?”
Don’t compare the cost of the panels exclusively, or the labor exclusively. Compare the bottom-line cost after rebates. Whoever can give you the most output (kWh/year) at the best price, is the company you should chose. This is what Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. calls ‘solar value’.
Don’t compare the cost of the panels exclusively, or the labor exclusively. Compare the bottom-line cost after rebates. Whoever can give you the most output (kWh/year) at the best price, is the company you should chose. This is what Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. calls ‘solar value’.
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