10 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Going Solar

Solar Power Questions and Answers
Written By Joshua Hudson

Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Going Solar: Your Comprehensive Guide

So, you're pondering the switch to solar power? It's a considerable move, and one that requires a well-informed decision-making process. Solar energy may well be one of the largest purchases you'll make, aside from your home and car. Thus, it's imperative to ensure that investing in solar energy is a savvy choice for your unique situation. To aid you in this journey, we've compiled an in-depth guide featuring the top 10 pivotal questions you should be asking before you embrace the sun's power.

Key Takeaways:

  • Solar Energy Benefits: Beyond potential savings on electricity bills, solar energy provides homeowners the ability to control their power costs, increase property value, reduce carbon emissions, support renewable energy job creation, and contribute to a sustainable future.

  • Solar System Suitability: It's essential to evaluate if your home is suitable for a solar system, considering factors like the amount of sun exposure, roof orientation, and local electricity costs.

  • Financing Options: There are various financing options for your solar system, including ownership packages and leases. The right choice depends on your financial situation and long-term goals.

  • Solar Savings and Costs: The potential savings from solar energy depend on factors like your current electricity bill, chosen financing method, and local utility rates. The cost of a solar system varies based on size, equipment quality, installation complexity, and regional factors.

  • Choosing a Solar Company: Selecting a reliable solar company is critical. Look for companies with positive reviews, relevant certifications, and a good track record of owning and rectifying mistakes. A company should offer strong warranties and be transparent about its process and products.

Solar power questions and answers

1. What's Driving You to Go Solar?

Choosing to harness solar power is a deeply personal choice, and knowing your reasons is of paramount importance. A lot of residential owners are initially drawn to solar energy for the prospect of substantial savings on their electricity bills. However, solar energy offers a plethora of additional perks. Beyond the attractive financial incentives, adopting solar energy empowers you to gain control over your power supply, augment your property value, slash carbon emissions, foster job creation in the renewable energy sector, and contribute to a more sustainable future. So, take a moment to contemplate why you're drawn to solar, as this will heavily influence the answers to the other questions on this list.

2. Is Your Home a Good Candidate for Solar?

Identifying if your dwelling is suitable for solar is a crucial step in determining the cost and potential savings associated with a custom solar panel system. While it may seem daunting to figure out on your own, there are three primary factors to consider:

• Sun Exposure: Assess the amount of shade your roof gets. If your roof is predominantly shaded, solar might not be the most viable option.

• Roof Orientation: In the northern hemisphere, a roof that faces south is ideal to harness the maximum solar energy. So, do consider your roof's orientation to maximize system efficiency.

• Electricity Costs: Reflect on the cost of electricity in your region. Higher utility rates can translate into greater potential savings with solar energy.

If your dwelling meets these criteria, then solar power is likely to be a smart investment for you.

3. Is Your Electricity Bill Hefty Enough to Justify Going Solar?

While a home design that is well-suited for solar panels is crucial, your current electricity bill plays an equally significant role in determining the financial viability of solar energy. If your electricity usage is on the lower side, a low monthly bill might make the shift to solar less financially beneficial. As a general rule of thumb, if your energy bill is north of $75 per month, then solar can be a worthwhile consideration. Remember, the higher your electricity costs, the quicker your solar panels can cover their own cost.

4. How Should You Approach Solar Panel Financing?

There are a multitude of ways to finance your solar panels, and it's essential to select the option that resonates with your budget and long-term aspirations. At AZ Solar Consulting, we offer a range of ownership packages as well as leasing options, as we firmly believe that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to harness electricity and save money. Every homeowner's circumstances are unique, and we're more than willing to sit down with you and explore all your options to identify the one that fits you best.

While other solar firms might offer financing options such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) or leasing deals, it's important to understand the potential downsides of these arrangements. With PPAs and leases, you're not the owner of the panels, and it's the solar company that charges you for electricity, not your utility company. Moreover, these companies often reap the benefits of local and federal incentives, such as the Federal Investment Solar Tax Credit (ITC). By opting for an ownership package, you can retain all the benefits and savings that come with solar energy.

5. How Much Does a Solar System Cost?

The cost of a solar system can vary greatly, depending on several factors such as the size of the system, equipment quality, complexity of installation, and regional variations. To provide an accurate estimate, most solar service providers will analyze your energy bills from the last six months and employ sun tracking software to calculate the necessary size of the system to meet 100% of your electric energy needs. It's worth noting that the price of solar can also be influenced by the provider. If you're interested in comparing prices or finding the best solar firm in your area, resources like BestCompany or SolarReviews can provide impartial opinions.

Find out EXACTLY what your system would cost:

6. How Much Money Can I Save with Solar?

Calculating the savings you can achieve through solar energy is crucial for evaluating the financial benefits. Solar companies typically calculate the potential savings for dwelling owners installing a custom rooftop solar system. Several factors can influence your savings:

• Ownership: If you decide to own your solar system, you are entitled to the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows you to claim 30% of the total system cost as a tax credit in the following year. For example, if your system costs $20,000, you can deduct $6,000 from your taxes in the subsequent year.

• Financing: The financing method you choose can significantly impact your savings. Different financing options may have varying terms, interest rates, or fees, which can affect the overall financial outcome. It's important to consider these factors when deciding how to finance your solar panels.

By assessing these aspects, you can gain a clearer understanding of the potential financial benefits of going solar.

7. What Types of Solar Panels Are Available?

Solar panels are constantly evolving in terms of size, power production, and efficiency. While homeowners often have preferences regarding panel aesthetics, such as color or mounting options, it's important to focus on the technology and performance of the panels. Panel options may include black panels, blue panels, mounted panels, or solar shingles. Each panel will have a kilowatt-hour (kWh) rating, indicating the amount of power it can generate per hour in the sun. Generally, higher-rated panels tend to be more expensive. Accredited solar companies stay up to date with the latest panel technology and provide high-quality options to their customers.

8. How Long Will Solar Panels Last?

Solar panels are built to be robust and long-lasting. Although their efficiency may slightly decrease over time, significant degradation typically occurs after decades of high-efficiency production. Most manufacturers offer a 10–25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your panels.

9. Do Solar Panels Have a Warranty?

Reputable solar companies offer warranties for energy production, workmanship, and the panels themselves. For example, at Freedom Forever, we provide a 25-year production guarantee, meaning we will cover the difference if your panels underperform during the entirety of the agreement. Additionally, we offer a 10-year workmanship warranty, which covers any improper installations or damages to your solar array within ten years of purchase. Most panel manufacturers also include a 25-year panel warranty, allowing you to replace any defective panels free of charge.

10. How Do You Choose a Trustworthy Solar Company?

Selecting a dependable solar company can be a challenging decision due to the abundance of options available. To ensure you choose a trustworthy provider, consider the following factors: • Positive Reviews: Look for companies with positive review averages and customer testimonials. • Accreditations: Check if the company has relevant certifications and accreditations in the solar industry. • Ownership of Mistakes: Trust companies that take responsibility for any mistakes and make efforts to rectify them.

The AZ Solar Consulting Difference

At AZ Solar Consulting, we place the utmost importance on providing top-tier products and services to our customers. We firmly believe in the vital partnership between homeowners and solar companies. Our mission is to improve homeowners' lives, and all our operations are intricately connected to this goal. We value trust, integrity, efficiency, and continuous improvement, which sets us apart in the solar industry.

Before you start searching for the most competitive price available, we invite you to get a free savings report and join our movement toward solar energy. We understand that price is a critical factor, but we also believe that the relationship and trust between homeowners and solar companies are of equal significance.

To learn more about the solar energy landscape, our services, and frequently asked questions, feel free to explore our website or contact our knowledgeable team. We pride ourselves on our transparency, enjoy answering questions, and are committed to helping you make an informed decision about your energy future.

As the world moves toward renewable, clean energy sources, it's important to be fully informed before making the switch. A well-planned solar power system not only provides financial savings but also contributes to a more sustainable future. With this comprehensive guide to going solar, you are now better equipped to decide if solar energy is the right choice for your home, and how to make the transition smoothly and efficiently.

For more detailed information specific to your needs, you can contact us, or click the button below to schedule a free consultation!

Joshua Hudson
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