Common Mistakes When Buying Solar

There is something unbelievably exciting about seeing your electric bill dwindle after installing solar. Solar brings with it a sense of modernism, energy independence and environmentalism. Installing solar, however, is an investment in securing your energy future. It is important to make an informed decision. Small choices you make when purchasing solar can have lasting impacts. Eliminating the common mistakes people often make will help you reap the benefits from your solar energy system for decades.

Mistake #1: Not Looking For More Ways to Conserve Energy

Solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electric bill. Unfortunately, this sometimes makes people less vigilant about energy efficiency, and their energy usage begins to rise. It is important to maintain good, energy efficient habits such as turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use to get the predicted results from going solar. As new gadgets and even electric cars become more widespread, electricity usage will rise. Therefore, it remains important to continue to look for ways to save energy, like a programmable thermostat or updated appliances. If you don’t know where to start, a home energy audit can show you where your biggest energy losses are coming from and how to address them.

Learn More: Energy Efficiency Tips

Mistake #2: Forgetting Some Things Are Too Good to Be True

Solar has become more affordable and easier to obtain. However, the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is still often true when it comes to solar. If it seems like a steal, it often won’t be in the long run. Purchasing solely based on price can mean you are sacrificing high quality equipment and highly skilled professional installers with more experience to save money upfront. Choose a company you believe will be around to honor warranties and answer your questions even after the installation. Also, be sure you are clear on questions such as who owns the solar equipment, who takes advantage of available incentives or tax credits, and who owns the energy it generates. If the answer isn’t you, there are additional questions you need to be asking.

Mistake #3: Believing all Return on Investment Figures are the Same

ROI (return on investment) is a great metric to consider when deciding whether to go solar but shouldn’t be the defining factor. It is important to know what kind of savings you can expect over the life of the system. This savings, also known as the “Cost of Doing Nothing” details the amount of money you will pay for energy should you continue to purchase it from your utility at the retail rate for 25 or 30 years. It is important to understand different companies calculate ROI differently. If a company’s calculation simply assumes the panels will consistently produce their maximum output, they aren’t giving you the full picture. Factors like your region’s weather, shading, tilt, and more will impact the array’s production, changing how long it can take for the system to pay for itself. It is important to do your research to vet the installer and ask questions about how the reports are calculated and why. Also, read online reviews, ask friends and neighbors for feedback on the company and don’t be afraid to ask the company for certifications and projects completed in your area.

Learn More: How Do I Compare Solar Estimates?

Mistake #4: Not Getting Multiple Quotes

Getting multiple quotes is one of the most important things you can do. This provides you with the opportunity to compare price, experience, equipment and more. However, make sure you are making an apples-to-apples comparison. Not all quotes are equal. The equipment could be different, or the system could be an entirely different size. Ask the companies for valid explanations why their design is different from another company. If they are unable or unwilling to explain their quote, take it as a red flag and walk away. There are plenty of good solar companies who are willing to work with you and educate you on the process and the system you are getting. Don’t settle for the cheapest quote, but rather try and understand why there are pricing differences and what you are getting by paying more. Perhaps it is a more reputable company, better workmanship warranty, more experienced staff, better service etc.

Mistake #5: Putting Off Buying Solar

Deciding to produce your own renewable, clean energy by purchasing a solar array is a decision you should feel comfortable making. However, it is important to remember how long the process of getting solar takes. Due to permitting, approvals and scheduling, it can take as long as several months after signing your contract before your system is operational. It is also important to keep in mind available incentives such as tax credits and/or energy grants can end. Waiting could mean losing out on these financial incentives. Additionally, inflation, lending rates, equipment availability, utility policy and wages (just to name a few) can affect the overall price of a system. If you are putting off buying solar to make another purchase, remember, solar will pay for itself over time and shield you from rising utility rates year-after-year. The cost of doing nothing, is accepting the rising cost of your energy now and forever.