A surge in solar sales

Make your co-op your first call when considering a solar offer

As sustainable energy solutions become more accessible, rooftop solar panels have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

However, this enthusiasm has also given rise to an array of offers from solar sales representatives. Some sellers may resort to overpromising to secure deals. As a consumer-member, you will want to do your homework to be aware of potential pitfalls.

Before diving into residential solar power, weigh the various considerations that come with the investment. Following are questions you may address before installing rooftop solar panels.

How will I work with my local electric cooperative?

Your cooperative is your trusted energy advisor and should be your first contact in your solar research. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. Your cooperative can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.

Red River Valley Rural Electric Association provides power to more than 11,000 consumer-members in south central Oklahoma. KorDale Lornes, vice president of member services, says the co-op exists to empower consumer-members’ decisions.

“Before awarding any service to any contractor making promises about your electric bill, let us be your guiding light,” Lornes says. “We are your trusted partner in quality and reliability.”

Dallin Shaw, director of engineering at Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative based in Stigler, Oklahoma, encourages consumer-members to ask their cooperative’s opinion on the calculations they receive from the solar company.

“We understand energy and are most familiar with our rates, and we would be happy to give them an educated opinion on whether the promised savings are feasible. Our main objective is to make sure our members have all the information necessary to make an informed decision,” Shaw says.

What are my goals?

If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy consultation, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings. If your main goal is to use renewable energy and help the environment, you may have access to a community solar program. In this case, you can help power renewable energy without having to invest and maintain a home system.

If you do pursue a home system, don’t take the sales promises at face value. One Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative consumer-member shared with Shaw the calculations a solar company provided to them, and the proposed numbers were unrealistic.

“It was not based on our actual rates and the member will never see the savings shown in the documentation from the solar company. Unfortunately, this was after the contract had been signed and the system had been installed,” Shaw says.

Shaw says consumer-members should consider their energy usage patterns. For example, are you home using energy during times when your solar panels are generating the most? Most commonly, peak energy usage for residential homes is in the morning and/or evening. Solar generates at peak capacity during the middle of the day.

“Members should know that if most of their energy usage is late in the evening, they will still be getting most of their energy from the cooperative and not from their solar system,” Shaw says. “The cooperative can pull data to help members see their average energy usage patterns.”

Is my roof suitable for solar?

Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.

How long will I own the home?

If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.

Lease or purchase?

Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system—up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.

Can the contractor provide up-to-date documentation?

It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc., do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.

Does the contract seem reasonable/fair?

If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.

Who will maintain the solar panels?

Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.

By including these questions in your research, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions that align with your energy and financial goals.