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Questions you need to ask before investing in a solar energy system

Questions you need to ask before investing in a solar energy system

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Monday, 07 December 2009 21:35

I have been involved with the photovoltaic solar industry in the Coachella Valley since 2003 and have seen many companies come and go. Unfortunately, some have left evidence of their wreckage.

Below is a list of very important questions for consumers to ask of any solar company when considering this option. Unlike installing other energy-efficient appliances, solar involves not just choosing the correct panels and installing them well so there is no damage to the roof, but then following through with the necessary paperwork for timely rebates to ensure clients are never spending more than they should.

I strongly believe, and it has been proven in the solar industry, that spending less money on a solar system is directly proportional to the quality of the system. Typically, lower-quality systems have been tied to companies that do not have strong ties to the community. They do not have a solid reputation to uphold and typically drop an inferior product on a geographic area and move on.

The strong people and companies in the solar industry have to have a passion for the solution. As a relatively new industry, we have a commitment to educate and to help ensure that every transaction is a positive one so that people can incorporate this technology into their lives with no qualms and share their experience with others who also want to enjoy the benefits that solar brings. With that passion should come quality and a sound investment.

Five questions to ask

1. Will we be able to take advantage of the 30 percent tax credit this year with an installation by Dec. 31, 2009? Otherwise, is it true the tax credit will not be received until 2011?

2. Is your company able to provide complementing energy efficiencies and provide a complete energy savings package so that total energy needs are lowered along with the cost of the system? This is the real solution.

3. Is your staff local; do they have local community ties; and are they experienced in all areas of consultation, engineering, rebate processing and installation?

4. Does your company use American-made solar panels with a 25-year warranty?

5. Is your company going to be around for maintenance and any technical support that might be needed for years to come, or are they here for short time before moving on to the next area?

A variance on the internationally renowned Feed In Tariff (AB 920) was just signed into law in California and will affect residential customers who own a solar system or plan on going solar by paying them a nominal sum for the amount of energy that their system produces and feeds into the grid in excess of that used at their home or business. A local ordinance, AB 432, will be introduced in spring 2010 to accelerate a Feed In Tariff locally and certainly facilitate increased investment in solar with larger incentive bringing a substantial pay back to the host of the solar system. There are literally a dozen Assembly and Senate Bills that will affect how we go solar in near future. Your company should always be at the forefront of these opportunities and how they affect the timing of your decision to add solar.

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