Should Solar Be Under Pressure?

by TIM SERLES

The concept of collecting solar energy may seem simple, but the process of using and benefiting from it is incredibly complicated. On the surface, equipment produces energy that offsets your usage and decreases your utility bill. However, once the decision is made to go solar, you soon realize that you must consider tax implications, incentives, utility applications and billing policies, and local jurisdictional rules, all while preparing for a construction project at your home or business.

This complexity illustrates why a consultative approach to going solar shines. No one wants to find out that a significant investment doesn’t have the expected return. An investment of this size and impact warrants an investment of time in order to learn how systems should be sized, how the utility compensates for solar production, if incentives will apply, and ultimately, if the finances make sense.

There is no substitute for a well-trained Solar Energy Consultant, whose thorough and accurate site assessment and system design provide a foundational framework from which a potential customer can formulate questions based around realistic goals. The result is a system that operates and offsets usage as desired and expected.

Solar is a long-term investment, with equipment that lasts decades and a state incentive (Illinois ABP) that requires a 15year commitment. It is critical that you understand the scope of going solar, as it is not a decision to make lightly.

It is also not a decision that one should make under pressure. The process shouldn’t feel like buying a used car or time share. There is no need to sign on the line because of a salesperson’s tactics or promises.

“My boss is gonna be mad at me if you don’t sign this contract today,” is not a reason to make a rushed decision about an investment whose financial return measures in years, especially because a hasty decision made for a pushy salesperson may extend the return on investment well beyond a decade.

This is not to say that there aren’t reasons to move quickly, including supply chain issues and incentive deadlines. But even with those motivations in mind, the decisions should be made with complete confidence and security.

Don’t fall for flashy sales organizations and high pressure tactics. Choose to go solar with a local company that can provide full service, so that you can be confident in your purchase. A dinner isn’t a replacement for a site evaluation. An offer of cash after install is a trick to lure people in. This decision deserves more. 