Going solar can be a challenging process for homeowners — especially when speaking with different solar companies yields conflicting and confusing information. But when done right, the economic and environmental benefits of rooftop solar are more than worthwhile.
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So we asked solar industry veteran Brian Lynch a simple question: What can homeowners do to set themselves up for a successful solar installation?
Lynch broke his answer into 10 questions that homeowners should ask themselves before signing a deal and also threw in some expert advice for answering those questions that he’s picked up over his 15+ years with major solar players like REC, LG, and ADT.
Whether you’re comparing quotes on the solar.com marketplace or seeking them out on your own, ask yourself the following questions before you sign a solar agreement.
Rooftop solar is a major investment in lowering your electricity costs and carbon footprint, so it’s crucial to work with a reputable company that has a proven track record of excellent workmanship and customer service. Research the installer whether or not they are performing the sale.
As a baseline, they should have:
Brian Lynch’s advice:
For a truly unbiased opinion, call the local inspector’s office and ask if they believe the contractor performs quality work.
Not every solar panel, inverter, and battery is created equal. For example, certain panels and inverters are better suited for roofs with occasional shading than others. And if you’re relying on your solar system to reduce your electricity costs, it’s important to invest in the right technology.
Ask yourself the following question: Did the salesperson simply propose what they stock or did they select the right technology package for your specific application? Better yet, ask the salesperson why they chose the equipment they did.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Research the equipment companies, their ratings, and whether they have US-based customer service – it might make all the difference in the world in a few years if something goes wrong.
Related reading: Best Solar Panels and Inverters Brands of
Successful solar projects begin with setting goals. Some homeowners want to zero out their utility bill, others want to reduce their environmental impact, and a growing number are motivated by backup power and energy independence. Honing in on one or two primary goals can help you and your advisor craft a custom solution to meet them.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
It’s okay to have several motivations for going solar, but narrow it down to one or two primary goals to guide your system design.
Once you have goals in place, make sure the proposals you receive actually meet them. Every homeowner and every project is unique. Did the salesperson develop a custom proposal based on your feedback, utility usage, and goals for going solar? Or did they simply propose what the roof could fit?
Ask the salesperson or advisor how the equipment, design, and financing options were selected to help meet your goals.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Dealing with an unbiased advisor or advocate versus a commissioned salesperson can make all the difference in the world.
We’ve all seen the ads promising “free” solar. Simply put, there’s no such thing — and these misleading ads set unrealistic expectations for homeowners looking to lower their essential energy costs. Companies that rely on click-bait like “free solar” likely have no issues lying to you later in the process.
Going solar is a great way to lower and flatten your essential electricity costs over time. But if the numbers sound too good to be true, they almost certainly are.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to identify and avoid solar scams is to get multiple quotes from reputable installers. This will give you a sense of fair pricing in your market and expose outliers that are too good to be true.
Sounds crazy, but there’s a dark side of solar. Reports have been issued by Universities that expose forced labor practices in the upstream supply chain of some solar companies and there have been many investigations into illegal trade practices.
While the US is combatting forced labor in the solar supply chain with tariffs and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in , there are still panel manufacturers trying to circumvent these safeguards.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
The best way to avoid enabling unethical practices is to work with reputable companies that don’t have Chinese ownership ties.
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here as everyone has different financial circumstances and goals. But there are pros and cons to all of the buying panels (with a loan or cash) and leasing them.
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In general:
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Discuss and simulate several finance options with an unbiased advisor to craft a payment plan that best meets your goals.
Investing in energy storage – aka solar batteries – along with your solar array is a great way to “future proof” your solar investment. Battery storage provides energy security and allows you to use your electricity when it’s best for you. But, it comes with a substantial cost, and understanding whether an energy storage system is right for you is worth exploring.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Consider the long-term economics. Battery storage costs substantially less when it is installed at the same time as solar panels than if it’s added to a solar system retroactively.
Do you trust what you’ve been told? Do you trust the equipment? Do you trust the installer? Do you trust that this is the right system for you?
If the answer to these questions is yes – then solar is amazing. If the answer is no to one or more of them, find a partner that will build and earn your trust.
Brian Lynch’s advice:
With today’s solar systems expected to last 25+ years, installing solar means entering a long-term relationship with your installation company and equipment manufacturers. Trust your project to an installer you trust will be around to promptly service your system and help you file warranty claims if issues should arise.
Solar shouldn’t be high-pressure gimmicky sales with three-card monte discounting. Solar should be thoroughly explained, researched, and priced in a fair and consultative manner. If you’re confident in your decision to go solar then congratulations – you’ve made a fantastic decision. If not, take the time to evaluate your options
Brian Lynch’s advice:
Take the time to fully understand, consider, and establish confidence in your decision to go solar. Don’t let a salesperson rush your decision.
It’s always a good idea to be an informed consumer. When it comes to installing solar panels, understanding how solar power works and how the installation process takes place is important. It helps to know the right questions to ask when an installer comes to your home to provide a quote.
Before your appointment with an installer, you should be aware of how much electricity you use on an average monthly basis (based on your utility bills). You should also know how much you pay for that electricity. Don’t worry if you don’t understand your energy bills; most people don’t. Your installer should be able to help you analyze your bill, not only so they can properly size your system, but also so you can better understand how your energy usage behavior impacts your bills. Having your bills available (they can almost always be downloaded from your utility’s website) is important for an accurate solar design.
Your goal is to find a reputable solar installation company that knows your community and will be able to provide timely, high-quality service you can trust. In addition to providing copies of their licenses and insurance, the installer should be able to answer any questions about solar power as well as about their services.
LG works with a national network of trusted installers known as LG PROs. Contacting an LG PRO is a good way to start the process. Below are 10 questions you can ask to help determine if the installer is the right one for you:
1. Can you provide me with local reference projects that you’ve built?
2. What percentage of your business comes from referrals?
3. Do you offer competitive finance options including loans and leases, as well as the ability for me to own the system outright?
4. Have you performed a shade analysis at my site and incorporated that data into your performance projections?
5. What is your workmanship warranty?
6. What is your “handover” process? Do you train me on how to monitor and maintain the system? Do you offer a maintenance package?
7. How long have you been in business and can you share a copy of your company financials?
8. What key system components do you use and why do you select them? Are they the lowest price, best quality, or just something that’s easy to get?
9. Are service contracts and warranties transferrable if I sell my home?
10. Do you sub out any of the trades or will all of the installers at my home be your employees?
An LG PRO will be able to answer all of the above questions and more.
Ready to get started? Fill out this form so we can connect you with an LG PRO in your community.
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