Once you have decided that a solar electric system is a good energy option for you, make sure your project planning involves: 

A Licensed Installer.  A professional can install your solar electric system properly and help with paperwork for permits and incentives.  Get bids from at least 3 companies to help you compare all project costs, including materials, labor, potential structure upgrades, maintenance and warranties.  

 

1. What experience, licenses, and certifications do you have? 
2. What do you know about zoning, electrical requirements, and codes? 
3. Do you handle paperwork for permitting, tax credits and rebates?  
4. What warranties, maintenance services and system monitoring do you offer? 
5. Do you offer American-made products and do you hire from local solar job training programs?
   

 

Proper Permitting.  Call your city planning office to check on the necessary permits related to solar electric installations.

Warranties and Insurance.  Most solar electric panels come with a 25-year warranty.  Inverter warranties are usually 10 years and you should expect to replace the inverter during the life of the system.  Check with your insurance agent to make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the system and to see if you need to be aware of any installation issues such as structure requirements for mounting the system on your roof.

Maintenance and Monitoring.  You should review system maintenance instructions with your system provider.  Most vendors recommend annual maintenance.  A monitoring system can be installed to report on your system’s production and may alert you to possible maintenance issues, such as if your modules need to be cleaned.