The Buyer’s Guide
The questions worth asking any installer. Including us.
Most solar regret traces back to a question nobody asked before signing. These are the ones that matter, written so they are just as useful when you take them to a competitor.
6
Questions that matter most
25 yr
What you are actually signing up for
$0
Cost of asking
Six questions before you sign
Is this ownership, a lease or a PPA?
If the answer takes more than one sentence, it is a lease. Ask who receives the tax credit — if it is not you, you are not the owner.
What rate escalation did you assume?
Every 25-year savings figure rests on this number and it is rarely printed. Ask for it. Anything at or above 8% a year should make you suspicious.
Does the projection include the charges solar cannot offset?
Non-bypassable charges and the fixed monthly service charge survive any system. A projection that reaches a zero bill is not a projection, it is a sales tool.
Who actually installs it?
Many companies broker the work. Ask whether the crew on your roof is employed by the company whose name is on the warranty.
Who answers in year eight?
Warranties are only worth the company behind them. Ask how long they have been trading, and check the licence with the CSLB yourself.
What happens if my roof needs work?
A good installer will tell you to fix the roof first. An array that has to come off and go back on costs more than doing it in the right order.
Take these to whoever you are talking to.
We would rather you bought well from someone else than badly from us. If the answers hold up, you are in good hands either way.
- Put your bill inOne number and about a minute. No details required to see the figures.
- See a real systemPanels, battery, price and the 25-year comparison — with the charges solar cannot offset left in.
- Book a free assessmentWe read your actual bill, look at your actual roof, and tell you honestly what makes sense.
Rather just talk to someone? (855) 502-6363
Since 1970 · 5,000+ installs · C-10 and C-46 licensed · Lic. #985340