Solar energy systems are becoming a critical alternative for homeowners seeking to cut energy costs, boost local sustainability efforts, and keep the lights on when the grid goes down (SolarReviews, 2024). Anyone who has started the research knows the decision to install a solar energy system is more complex than ever.
New technologies, evolving incentives, home and roof considerations, and recent policy changes affect everything from tax credits to equipment pricing (NREL, 2024). It’s critical for homeowners to ask the right questions before signing a contract. Sol-Ark® breaks down the most important questions to ask any solar installation company, explains why each question matters, and provides the latest insights to help you make an informed, confident decision about investing in residential solar power.
Home Solar Energy System Questions You Should Answer First
It can be tempting to jump headfirst and get the ball rolling on pricing, permits, and timing. However, to make sure you’re getting a system that will meet your home’s needs, you should be able to answer these three questions:
House Data Points to Know
- What type of roof do you have?
- What’s the age of your roof?
- What is your current electricity company charging per kWh?
- What’s your average monthly electricity bill for your home?
- Do you want battery backup?
These questions provide critical details that allow solar installation professionals to offer tailored recommendations specific to your situation. Factors like your roof’s age, local electric rates, and whether you prefer battery backup directly impact the type of system that will best meet your goals for savings, reliability, and environmental impact (DOE, 2024). The more specific information you share, the more accurate and relevant the proposed solar solution will be, assuring you get the best return on your investment and a system that fits your home and lifestyle.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Solar Energy System
Why did you choose this equipment?
Ask about brands and models of solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Why are they a good fit for your home? Ask your solar installer or solar company about the solar system’s efficiency, durability, and compliance (SolarReviews, 2024).
What type of solar energy system do you install: Grid‑Tied, Off‑Grid, or Hybrid?
Grid-tied Solar System:
A grid-tied solar system is connected directly to your local utility grid. It allows you to use solar electricity when the sun is shining and draw power from the grid when needed. Any excess energy your system produces can be sent back to the grid, often earning you credits on your electric bill through net metering. However, unless your system includes battery backup, you will lose power during grid outages—even if the sun is shining (Solar Magazine, 2023).
Off-grid Solar System:
An off-grid solar system operates completely independently from the utility grid. It uses solar panels to generate electricity and stores excess power in batteries for use at night or during cloudy periods. Because it’s not connected to the grid, an off-grid system is ideal for remote areas but requires careful planning to ensure enough energy storage and backup to meet your needs at all times (Solar Magazine, 2023).
Hybrid Solar System:
A hybrid solar system combines features of both grid-tied and off-grid systems. It is connected to the grid but also includes battery storage. This means you can use solar power when available, store excess energy in batteries for backup during outages, and still draw from or send power to the grid as needed. Hybrid systems provide greater energy independence and resilience during blackouts (Solar Magazine, 2023).
Ask who repairs what, and if there’s a maintenance/monitoring plan?
Solar equipment typically carries:
- Product warranty (10–25 years)
- Performance warranty (e.g., 80% output at Year 25)
- Workmanship warranty (usually 2–10 years)
How long has your company been in business? How many solar energy system installations have you done locally?
Experience matters. Look for established companies that have weathered market changes like Texas’s new SB 1697 consumer‑protection law, effective Sept 2025 (PV Magazine, 2024).
What is the total cost and expected savings? When will the solar energy system pay for itself?
Request a full cost breakdown: hardware, permits, labor, incentives. Savings depend on your local electricity rates. Your solar energy system break‑even ROI is typically 7–10 years (DOE, 2024).
Which financing or payment options do you offer?
Compare purchasing, leasing, loans, and PPAs. Note the chances of higher interest rates now. Understand any membership fees if the solar energy system will be owned by the company (SolarReviews, 2024).
What incentives and tax credits apply?
Confirm eligibility for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), currently 30% through 2025, however, this may be phased out by 2028. Check your state and local rebates and incentives via DSIRE (NREL, 2024).
What inverter type are you using: string inverters or microinverters?
What inverter type are you using: string inverters or microinverters?String inverters: A single device that connects a “string” (or group) of solar panels together, converting all the panels’ DC electricity into AC electricity. String inverters are cost-effective and common in homes with panels that get consistent sunlight (SolarReviews, 2024).
Microinverters: A small inverter installed on each individual solar panel. Each panel operates independently, so if one is shaded or underperforms, the others continue producing at full capacity. Microinverters improve energy yield, especially on roofs with shade, complex angles, or future expansion plans (Solar Magazine, 2023).
Can you expand my solar energy system later?
Beyond family growth or EV charging, consider your available roof space, main panel capacity, utility and policy rules, inverter sizing, storage plans, evolving incentives, and the aesthetics/structure of your home. Discussing these factors with your installer ensures your solar system can adapt to your future needs, cost-effectively and safely (DOE, 2024).
How long does the installation and approval process take?
Get timelines for permitting, utility interconnection, and construction. Ask if the company handles permits and utility paperwork, or if you do (Solar United Neighbors, 2024).
Resources for Homeowners to Use for Installation & Process Timelines
DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)
- DSIRE provides a comprehensive, state-by-state database of solar incentives, permitting guidelines, net metering rules, and local regulatory requirements. It’s a great starting point to learn about your state’s unique solar landscape (NREL, 2024).
- Website: www.dsireusa.org
Local City or County Building Department
- Your local city or county building department website usually lists the required permits, inspection steps, zoning laws, and contractor licensing requirements. Some even have downloadable checklists or application packets for residential solar (DOE, 2024).
Solar United Neighbors and Local Solar Advocacy Groups
- Nonprofits like Solar United Neighbors (www.solarunitedneighbors.org) publish state guides, host educational webinars, and provide free resources to help homeowners navigate the permitting and installation process (Solar United Neighbors, 2024).
Homeowner Association (HOA) Guidelines
- If you live in an HOA community, check your HOA’s rules on solar installations. Many states now have “solar rights” laws, but HOAs may still regulate panel placement, color, and visibility (NREL, 2024).
What maintenance is required and what happens if something breaks?
What maintenance is required and what happens if something breaks?Find out how the company monitors system health, responds to issues, and handles future repairs. Ask about ongoing support plans or technical support from the manufacturer. (SolarReviews, 2024).
References
Department of Energy. (2024). Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver?nrg_redirect=267583
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2024). Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). https://www.dsireusa.org/
PV Magazine. (2024). Latest developments in solar regulations and incentives. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/
Solar Magazine. (2023). Microinverters: What you need to know. https://solarmagazine.com/
SolarReviews. (2024). Questions to ask solar energy companies. https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/questions-to-ask-solar-energy-companies
Solar United Neighbors. (2024). State guides and resources. https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/