10 Questions To Ask Before Going Solar

Colorado and California are two of the best states to go solar. With 300 days of sunshine a year and generous tax credits and incentives available when you purchase solar panels, there’s never been a better time to tap into the sun’s energy.

However, switching to solar shouldn’t be done on impulse. For many homeowners, solar panels are one of the largest home improvement purchases they will make over their lifetime. While the cost savings and environmental impact of going solar are more than worth it, it’s important to ask the right questions, so you get the best from your investment. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 questions to ask before going solar and the answers you should be looking for from a solar panel contractor.

Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

How Can I Find a Trustworthy Solar Installer?

How Much Energy Will I Save Over 20 Years?

If you’re considering going solar, you might wonder how much you could save over the years. The good news is that Colorado and California residents could be looking at savings of as much as $35,000 over 20 years. The total savings you could make will depend on a number of factors, such as the direct hours of sunlight your home receives, the size of your solar array, the pitch of your room, and the upfront cost of your system. Your solar contractor will put everything together in a proposal for you so that you can see the projected savings your solar panels will bring monthly, yearly, and throughout their lifetime.

Should I Lease or Buy My Solar Panels?

When choosing between leasing or buying your solar panels, we always recommend purchasing solar panels over leasing them. There are a number of reasons for this advice. Firstly, when you lease, you do not own your solar panels. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the tax incentives and credits offered at a local, state, or federal level. You might also find it difficult to sell your home if there is a solar lease in place. Prospective buyers may not want to take on the monthly lease costs or have no interest in solar energy.

What Tax Rebates Are Available to Me?

One of the best things about switching to solar is the tax credits that are available to you. Colorado residents can take advantage of a state tax credit of $1,000, but it is exclusive to home batteries and home battery equipment. You can also take advantage of the federal ITC, which is currently set at 30%. It includes the cost of installation, equipment, batteries, and electrical upgrades. These credits are available for residents who choose to purchase solar panel and home batteries over leasing them.

How Many Panels Will I Need?

The number of solar panels you will need will depend on several factors, such as the capacity of your roof, the amount you currently pay for your electricity, and how much of your electricity usage you wish to be covered by solar. The good news is that your solar team will work closely with you during the consultation phase of your project. Photon Brothers will give you a range of options and help you take advantage of what solar energy offers.

What Types of Panels Should I Install?

There are four types of solar panels — monocrystalline, PERC, polycrystalline, and thin film panels. Selecting the best type for your roof will depend on a number of factors. For example, homes with limited space should choose highly-efficient monocrystalline panels to maximize utility savings and make the most of physical space. Your solar contractor will work closely with you to determine the best panel array for your specific needs.

Should I Install a Home Battery Too?

We always recommend homeowners install a home battery alongside their solar panels. Batteries store electricity generated by your solar panels and reduce your reliance on grid electricity. So, if you have a power outage or you need to use power overnight, your battery will take over where your solar panels leave off when the sun goes down. If you don’t have a battery, you could end up losing approximately 50% of the power your solar panels generate. This is because solar electricity can’t be stored without a battery and must be used as it’s generated.

How Long Does the Installation Take, and When Can I Power On?

Your solar installation will typically take 1 – 2 days to complete, however, it can take 4 – 16 weeks from your initial consultation to the time your panels can be powered on. Why the long delay? It depends on how responsive your utility company and AHJ is for permitting, interconnection, and inspections. The good news is that solar contractors like Photon Brothers will guide you through every process phase and expedite progress wherever possible.

What About Solar Warranties?

Solar panels are designed to last for decades and to offer exceptional performance throughout that time. At Photon Brothers, we only use the best quality products from world-class names in the industry, such as Tesla, Q‑Cell, and Silfab. All of our panels are backed by a 25-year warranty. Even though your panels will usually go on performing well long after their warranty has expired, it’s good to know they are covered in the event of a problem.