5 questions to ask a solar company

Have you decided to invest in renewable energy and install solar panels in your home? Solar panels are an excellent alternative to traditional energy, and “going off the grid” has many benefits, including reducing your greenhouse gas emissions and saving money on your monthly energy bills. We recommend researching your potential solar suppliers thoroughly before choosing one to install your panels, and there are questions you can ask to help you narrow your search.

Here’s what you should ask:

1. Are you licensed and insured? All solar companies should be able to show you their credentials and relevant certifications, and you should receive a copy of their insurance policy before any installation work begins. 
2. What kind of warranties and replacement services do you offer? Solar panels generally have a very long life and require minimal maintenance, but a reputable solar company will offer you a reasonable warranty. 
3. Is my roof strong enough to support solar panels? Solar installers conduct structural reports before starting any installation work to determine if your roof, in its current condition, can support the solar panel system you want. 
4. Can you also install a solar backup battery system? What about other solar storage? Solar backup and solar storage are used to hold any extra energy you generate, and we’ll explain more about this below. 
5. Are there any extra costs that are not included in the estimate? Every company has different processes for estimating costs associated with installing and maintaining solar panels. Ask for an itemized estimate, and ask what additional costs you’ll incur that aren’t listed on the estimate. Solar panels are now very affordable and most homeowners find the total cost is cheaper than they expected, not to mention the energy bill savings each month.

Solar backup and solar storage: what you need 

Solar backup systems and solar storage systems are used to hold excess energy generated by your solar panels. Homeowners have two choices when it comes to their excess energy: they can sell it back to the grid and receive credit for it, or they can divert it to a solar storage system for use at night. Many homes have increased energy usage at night, and using energy stored in a solar backup system means you don’t have to purchase additional energy from the grid. 

If you’d like more information about solar backup and solar storage, or if you have any questions, please contact Greenhouse Solar today. Our team is standing by and ready to help. Discover why we’re the preferred solar supplier for so many people in and around Morris County, NJ. We look forward to hearing from you.