There’s a lot of noise out there about going solar—myths about how it works, how it’s financed, what happens when you sell your home, and more. Recently, someone asked me, “If solar is so great, why doesn’t everyone want to go solar?” It’s a valid question. I believe most people would be interested in solar if they were presented with a system that truly aligns with their financial goals and energy needs.
As I thought more about the question, I realized it likely stemmed from seeing people who’ve gone solar but aren’t completely satisfied. In my experience, dissatisfaction usually arises when homeowners don’t fully understand the financial aspects of their system or aren’t presented with all their options. Even if they’re generally happy with the system, that missing piece of crucial information can leave them feeling a bit frustrated, like they didn’t get the full picture.
Solar, when done right, is transformative. It offers short- and long-term financial benefits, stabilizes home operating costs, and when paired with a battery, provides peace of mind during grid outages.
So, why this 12-point guide? My goal is simple: to empower homeowners with the knowledge they need. I want to help them ask the right questions—both of themselves and their solar consultant. This guide comes from seven years of experience and countless conversations. If it helps even one person make a smooth transition to solar, I’ll consider it a success.
1. Know (Really Know) What You Are Consuming Now and Paying Now
Don’t just ballpark it. It’s easy to say, “I pay about $200 a month for electricity,” but how accurate is that? Take the time to dig out a bill, sit down, and crunch the numbers. Look beyond just the kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate—factor in all those little fees and charges that sneak onto your bill. Get a clear picture of what you’re consuming and paying now, so you have a solid baseline to compare against when evaluating solar. This is the foundation for making an informed decision.
2. Know What Your Future Electricity Needs Might Look Like
While we can’t predict the future with certainty, we can make educated guesses. Think about what might change in your household. Will your energy consumption go up or down? Are you planning to add more people to the household, or are some moving out? Are you considering buying an electric vehicle (EV)? What about energy efficiency upgrades like better insulation or new windows? Consider your lifestyle plans and how they might impact your energy needs. This foresight will help ensure your solar system is designed to meet not just today’s needs but tomorrow’s as well.
3. Know What Size Your Solar System Should Be and What It Should Produce
The size of your solar system should be tailored to your actual needs and financial goals. If it’s undersized, you should understand the reason behind it—maybe you’re planning to add more panels later. If it’s oversized, that should also be clear—perhaps you’re accounting for future growth in energy usage. Have a detailed conversation with your consultant about whether your system is optimized to meet your goals. Will adding a battery (or two) increase your return on investment (ROI)? It might, or it might not, but you should ask the question and understand the reasoning behind the system’s design.
4. Know if There Is Net Metering in Your Area and How It Works
If net metering is available in your area, it’s essential to understand how it works. Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity your solar panels generate back to the grid, effectively reducing your overall energy costs. But the specifics can vary widely by location. Make sure you grasp the details—how credits are applied, what happens if you produce more energy than you use, and how long credits last. Knowing this will help you understand the system sizing better, and make a more confident choice when it comes to final design and size.
5. Know if Battery Backup Makes Sense for You or Not and Why
A battery backup system can provide energy independence and peace of mind during power outages. It can also be essential for maximizing ROI in some markets. In other markets, it does not. Consider your energy needs and the reliability of your local grid. Compare the financial return on investment (ROI) with and without a battery backup. Understand the cost, the potential savings, and the added security a battery offers. Make sure you’re choosing what makes sense for your specific situation, both financially and practically.
6. Know—From Speaking with Your Tax Professional—To What Extent the Tax Credit Benefits You
Solar tax credits can be a significant benefit, but they can also be complex. Speak with a tax professional who understands the ins and outs of deductions and credits. They can help you determine how much you’ll benefit from solar tax incentives and which financing options are most advantageous for your unique financial situation. Don’t leave money on the table—get the facts straight from the source.
7. Know the Cash Purchase Price, Loan Options, Lease Options, and PPA Options
Solar financing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are various ways to pay for your system—cash purchase, loans, leases, or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Each option has its own set of advantages. Compare them carefully against your financial goals. Understand the terms, the interest rates, the total costs over time, and how each option aligns with what you’re looking to achieve. Make sure you choose the option that best fits your needs.
8. Know the Different Escalator Options for a Power Purchase Agreement
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can be a fantastic option, but they come with their own complexities—like escalator clauses. These clauses dictate how much your rate will increase each year. Before you sign anything, understand what your options are. Compare short- and long-term savings under different escalator scenarios. Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms and that they align with your financial outlook.
9. Know in Detail Your Solar System Warranty Coverage, Warranty Exclusions, and Who to Contact in the Event of a Warranty Claim
Warranties are crucial, yet they’re often overlooked. Don’t just skim through the warranty details—read them carefully. Understand what’s covered and what’s not. Ask for specifics about warranty exclusions and make sure you know who to contact if you need to make a claim. This small step can save you a lot of hassle down the road and ensure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
10. Know How You Will Monitor Your Solar System
Once your solar system is up and running, monitoring its performance is essential. Know what monitoring options are available and how you’ll keep track of your system’s production. Whether it’s through an app, a website, or a third-party service, make sure you have a plan in place to stay informed about how your system is performing. This way, you can catch any issues early and ensure your system is operating at its best.
11. Know How Long Installations Generally Take in Your Area, Along with HOA Approval If Necessary
Solar installations can vary in duration depending on where you live, and if you’re part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), you might need additional approvals. Understand the typical timeline for installations in your area, including any potential delays. If HOA approval is required, start that process early to avoid surprises. Planning ahead ensures that your installation goes smoothly and stays on schedule.
12. Know What Your Utility Bill Will Look Like After Going Solar, Including Any Base Costs
Even after you go solar, you will still have a utility bill. It’s essential to understand what that bill will look like post-installation. Confirm with your utility company what base costs you’ll continue to incur and how your bill will be structured. Knowing this in advance will help you avoid surprises and give you a clear picture of your overall energy costs after making the switch to solar.
Reach out to Janice Vaughan Solar Consulting today!
If you have questions about how to go solar, solar financing, or want to see what savings you may experience from going solar, please reach out to Janice Vaughan Solar Consulting at janice@jvsolarconsulting.com.
