Questions about solar?

Solar energy facts

Are you a homeowner or small business owner with questions about solar energy systems? Ask us first! There are several questions you should ask, solar energy facts you need to know, and potential issues you should address with professionals (installers/contractors, insurance agents and your electric cooperative) before committing to a solar system. 

Download the full PDF "Renewable Energy Installation Questions"

 

General solar energy questions:

  • What are my goals for installing a solar energy system? Are you looking to use solar panels to generate electricity and/or reduce natural gas use, or do you want to completely disconnect from the grid?

  • Have I educated myself about the installation process and maintenance requirements of a solar energy system? Where can I learn more? Learn more here: https://www.nrel.gov/solar/index.html 

 

Financial:

  • How much can I afford? Depending on your location, what solar energy system will work for you, local regulations, and incentives, the price can vary widely for different types of renewable systems. 

  • Will there be a return of investment? For some, using an array of solar panels to generate electricity can eventually pay for itself. However, if you don’t do your research, ask the right questions, and choose the renewable system that best fits your needs, you may end up losing money.

 

Energy use:

  • What is my annual electricity use? Annual gas usage in therms? What is my summer and winter electric use? You can answer these questions by looking at your utility bills or by contacting your local electric cooperative. 

  • What are the benefits of having an energy audit before investing in a renewable energy system? To maximize your investment in solar energy, you want your home as energy-efficient as possible first. A home energy audit will provide suggestions to do this, plus it can save you significant amounts of money over time. Consider checking with your local cooperative to see if they offer free or low-cost energy audits. For more information, go to https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.

  • What percent of my energy needs would I like to supply with renewable sources? Defining your expectations will help the solar company you're working with identify the equipment needed to reach your goal.

  • Is my main electrical service panel adequate? Consultation with a qualified electrician can help make this assessment.

 

Site assessment:

  • Is my roof positioned well enough to support an array of photovoltaic solar panels? If not, what are other options? Ideally, your panels should face south. If they face a different direction you might see a loss in output. 

  • How large is my yard/acreage? Depending on the size of your property, it may be preferable to install a ground-mounted solar panel system.

  • How old is my roof? If a roof is near the end of its service, 15 plus years, then it is prudent to re-roof before mounting a solar panel so it does not have to be removed later for a new roof.

  • Is my roof structurally sound? A consultation with a contractor can help make this assessment.

 

Insurance:

  • Is additional homeowners insurance required for a solar energy system? Not necessarily. Check with your insurance agent to make sure they will insure your system, and ask if your rates will change because of the solar system. Also, check with your local electric cooperative for any insurance requirements they might have. 

 

In addition to this list and any other solar energy questions you may want to ask, it is a good idea to have an attorney take a look at any contracts before you sign them. 

Make sure you get all of these and other questions about solar energy systems answered before meeting with a salesperson and beginning the process of entering into an agreement with a solar power company. 

Want to learn more about solar panels and solar energy? Check out our Solar Energy 101 post, learn more from our solar section on Take Control & Save or watch our solar animation videos on our YouTube page!