Introduction: The Solar Industry’s Information Gap
The solar industry is booming, with installations increasing by 43% year-over-year (SEIA 2023). Yet 68% of homeowners regret their solar decisions due to unexpected costs and performance issues (Consumer Reports).
Before you commit, arm yourself with these 7 essential questions that most installers hope you’ll never ask.
1. “What’s Your True Cost Per Watt – Including All Fees?”
Why It Matters:
- Advertised prices often exclude:
- Permit fees (300−1,500)
- Interconnection charges (100−500)
- Main panel upgrades (1,500−3,000)
Red Flag Responses:
❌ “Our $2.50/watt price covers everything”
❌ “We’ll calculate fees after you sign”
Smart Follow-Up:
- Demand a line-item breakdown in writing
- Compare with 3+ quotes on EnergySage
2. “How Will My System Perform in Winter/Storm Conditions?”
Shocking Reality:
- Snow cover can reduce production by 100% for weeks
- Cloudy winter days may generate only 10-25% of summer output
Installers Won’t Tell You:
- The “yearly average” hides seasonal shortages
- Battery backups often can’t power entire homes during outages
Must-Ask:
- “Can you show me month-by-month production estimates for my exact location?”
3. “What Happens If My Roof Needs Replacement?”
The $8,000 Surprise:
- Panel removal/reinstallation costs:
- 3,000−8,000 for typical homes
- Voids most roofing warranties
Critical Questions:
- “Is my roof under 5 years old or needing replacement soon?”
- “Do you offer roof penetration warranties?”
4. “Exactly How Does Net Metering Work With My Utility?”
2024’s Dirty Secret:
- 27 states have reduced or eliminated full retail net metering
- New “demand charges” can erase your savings
Must-Verify:
- Current buyback rate (often 3-8¢/kWh vs retail 15-30¢)
- Whether rates are grandfathered or subject to change
5. “What’s the REAL Lifespan of These Components?”
Industry vs Reality:
| Component | Advertised Life | Actual Life |
|---|---|---|
| Panels | 25-30 years | 20-25 years |
| Inverters | 10-12 years | 8-10 years |
| Batteries | 10 years | 6-8 years |
Key Question:
- “What replacement costs should I budget for in years 10-15?”
6. “Can You Prove Your Workmanship Warranty Claims?”
The Fine Print Trap:
- Many “10-year workmanship warranties” exclude:
- Roof leaks
- Wiring issues
- Monitoring failures
Verification Steps:
- Check BBB complaints
- Search “[Company Name] + lawsuit”
- Demand third-party warranty backing
7. “What’s Your Cancellation Policy?”
The 72-Hour Scam:
- Many contracts have:
- No cooling-off period
- 20%+ cancellation fees
- Automatic renewals
Protect Yourself:
- Insist on at least 7-day right to cancel
- Video record the entire sales pitch
The 2024 Solar Decision Tree
✅ Good Candidate If:
- Your roof is <5 years old
- You pay >$0.18/kWh for electricity
- You’ll stay 7+ years
❌ Poor Candidate If:
- Your utility offers poor net metering
- You have heavy shading
- You plan to move in <5 years
Next Steps: How to Research Safely
- Run PVWatts estimates for your address
- Join r/solar (avoid salespeople there)
- Get 3+ written quotes (not just door-to-door pitches)
