Solar power can be a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint; however, the process of getting quotes for residential solar can be complicated. Even the most reputable installers have varying opinions on what solar equipment works best.
Solar energy design enhancements have introduced many new options to the market, but still, it's easy for homeowners to get lost in the jargon and technical details when trying to navigate the process of getting solar quotes.
By asking the right questions and understanding the options available, you can more easily consider how solar will affect your home immediately, as well as in the long-term.
Solar Panels Are Popular, But Are They Right For Your Home?
While panels are the most common option for homeowners, it doesn't mean they're the best solution for every home. It simply means more solar panel installation companies are quoting and pushing incentives for that panel type over alternatives.
"[Solar panels] are typically installed using a racking system," notes Andrew Prchal, President and co-founder of Gunner Roofing. "When it comes to installing the panels, you want to make sure that you are taking into account the age of the roof. This is due to the fact that it most likely wouldn’t make sense to install the panels on a roof that needs to be replaced soon." Your roofing shingles carry a different warranty than your solar panels, and it becomes complicated when the solar company must consider two separate manufacturers to install solar at the customer's house.
"If you can see yourself replacing the roof in the near future, you may be wasting money [getting solar panels]," flags Prchal. "You will probably need to have the solar install done again, in which the solar panel installers come back and remove the panels and reinstall them after the new roof is put on."
If you're considering a full shingle replacement in addition to new solar panels, you'd be remiss not to investigate other solar systems and push your solar power installer to consider solar shingles.
Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles
As you're considering your options, make sure your installer can speak to solar panels and solar shingles and offer insights based on your home, not just their bias.
While the initial cost of solar shingles can be higher than traditional solar panels, the combined cost can be lower as it eliminates the need for separate roofing materials. "They've really become popular because they are flush with the roof which will prevent critters and debris from gathering underneath the panels and lead to a clean aesthetic," shares Prchal.
He adds, "We utilize a solar shingle that is integrated into the roof and is made by the largest shingle manufacturer in the country. This allows a very clean installation. It's installed just like a regular shingle so there's virtually no chance of having issues due to a racking system. This also allows for one company to be in charge of the warranty and installation preventing hassle from dealing with multiple vendors."
20+ Questions to Ask Your Solar Energy Contractors
- Are you licensed and insured to perform solar installations in my area?
- How long have you been in business, and how many solar panel systems/solar energy systems have you completed?
- Can you provide references or examples of past installations? Do you have any online customer reviews?
- What type of solar panels and inverters do you use, and why?
- Can you provide an estimate of the system’s energy production? Can you scope the average cost or expected energy savings?
- How will you customize the system to fit my specific energy needs and roof configuration?
- What is the total cost of the installation, and what does it include?
- Are there any additional costs or potential hidden fees?
- Do you offer solar financing options, and what are the terms?
- Are there any available incentives, rebates, or tax credits, and will you assist with the application process?
- How long will the installation process take from start to finish?
- What are the steps involved in the installation process?
- How will you handle any necessary permits and inspections?
- What warranty options do you offer on the solar panels, inverters, and installation workmanship?
- What kind of maintenance will the system require, and do you offer additional solar energy services?
- Who should I contact if there are issues with the renewable energy system after installation?
- Will the system include monitoring software to track energy production and consumption?
- How can I access and use the monitoring system?
- What sets your company apart from other solar installers?
- What kind of customer service do you offer before, during, and after installation?
- What happens if I need to move or sell my home?
- How will the installation impact my roof warranty or structure?
Solar isn’t the right fit? Composite Roofing Still Cuts Energy Costs
If contractors conclude that your roof's too shaded, too old, or angled the wrong way for solar, that doesn't mean you're stuck with a standard shingle. Composite roofing (also called synthetic roofing) is a manufactured blend of recycled polymers built to mimic slate, cedar shake, or clay, and it can lower your cooling bills without any panels at all.
Brian Davis, Lead Support Director at Brava Roof Tile, explains to us that composite tiles reflect a portion of the sun's energy, which reduces heat transfer into the building. High solar reflectance and thermal emittance work together to keep roof temperatures down, which means less strain on your air conditioner and lower energy bills over time. It's not a stand-in for solar generation; it won't produce power. But if solar isn't in the cards right now, it's a way to make the roof itself work harder for your energy bill.
Do solar shingles cost more than solar panels in the long run?
Solar shingles can cost more upfront, but just like panels, the cost of the investment balances over time. And as you’re doing the math, don’t forget that solar shingles replace your roofing material, you're not paying for two separate products.
