A great solar installer can explain everything in their quote, answer any questions you have, and give you a complete picture of project timelines, from contract signing to final grid interconnection.
There are a lot of important steps along the journey to getting solar panels installed. You should learn how solar panels work, how long they last, how they can save money, and whether you qualify for solar incentives.
Different companies will include different information in the quotes, and it can become confusing. That''s why we''ve broken down everything you need to know about comparing them. Comparing solar quotes isn''t as simple as finding the company that offers the lowest price or the best equipment.
The main components of a rooftop solar installation are the solar panels, inverters, and batteries. A solar quote should, at minimum, include the brand name and model number for each component and information about the warranty coverage offered for these components.
There are some important differences between solar panel brands in materials and build quality that can affect the system's performance. You can look up important solar panel specifications online when you have the model numbers.
Solar cell type: monocrystalline TOPCon solar cells are the most popular technology used in the industry today, but you may see some other cell types. In general, any type of monocrystalline panel is best for home solar installations.
Efficiency: The average efficiency of top solar panel brands is now over 22%. You should only care about high-efficiency panels if you have space constraints on your roof. The higher the efficiency, the more power output in the same physical area.
Temperature coefficient: The power output of a solar panel decreases as the temperature increases. Yes, solar panels work best in the cold. The best brands have low temperature coefficients, while inexpensive ones suffer from slightly increased power loss when it''s hot.
Note: Installers have to place orders for modules months in advance, and the exact model number quoted may not be available at the time of installation. Be ready to compare the models you were initially quoted with newly proposed panels if your installer has to switch. Know that you can negotiate pricing if the new panels aren''t as good as the original quote.
Warranties are a big deal when it comes to rooftop solar. These panels will be on your roof for 25 years or more, so you ought to be sure they''ll keep working or that you''ll be covered if they fail. Thankfully, the industry failure rate is 5 in 10,000, so it's a rare occurrence.
A production warranty outlines how a panel will degrade over time. Most solar panels have a degradation rate of around 0.5% per year, meaning that after 25 years, the panels will still operate at 87.5% of their output. However, top brands degrade slower at a rate of around 0.25% per year.
Separately, see if the installer offers its own warranty that covers the installation work on your property. Ideally, these will cover repairs and damages incurred from installer workmanship and penetration.
Paying for extended warranty coverage. Some solar quotes may include third-party insurance, like Solar Insure, to protect you if your solar company goes out of business. Review the terms of these policies to see if they work for you.
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