HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK? HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK? Residential Solar Research

While price may be top of mind when hiring a solar installer, it’s important to do additional homework. Here’s a to-do list to help guide your research.

• Talk to trusted family members, friends and neighbors who have residential solar systems. Ask about their experience. Ask the installer for references from previous jobs.

• Learn about the condition of your roof. How old is it? Is there existing damage you need to address? Does it have vents where the system will be installed? Is there vegetation that needs to be managed? Will the system face south, providing optimal results? These matters may impact the cost of your project.

• Find out how long the company has been installing residential solar systems and how many projects it has completed. Ask for credentials and be sure the installer is licensed, bonded and insured.

• Ask an abundance of questions. There may be tax incentives, warranties and subcontractors to consider.

Installing a solar electric system is an investment and it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy website for more suggested questions at tinyurl.com/ DOE-Solar-Questions.