Questions to ask a solar-panel installer:

  • For how many years does the manufacturer guarantee the panel-power output?
    • Can I make a claim using only the data on the monitoring app, i.e., without having to get the panel independently tested?
  • For how many years does the installer guarantee the array-energy production per year (in kWh / year)
  • What is the cost per kWh of the electricity guaranteed to be produced over the warranty period of the panels?
    • Cost should be after the federal and state subsidies
    • 5c/kWh is very good but even 10c/kWh is still a 55% cut and it is fixed
  • What inflation rate did you use in the financial forecasts? If it is more than 3% ask them to redo the calculations. I used 0%.
  • Did you allow for taxes on the SMART subsidy? SMART is taxable income.
  • For how many years is my roof guaranteed against leaks?