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The general rule of thumb is that you should clean your solar panel twice a year, but it’s not always easy to determine how often they need to be cleaned. They don’t need to be cleaned frequently if you only use them to charge your battery and keep the lights on. However, if you want to maximize the energy your solar panels produce, you should clean them regularly.

The best way to determine how often you need to clean your solar panels is by monitoring the efficiency and output of your solar panels. If you have a good system and are generating more power than you can, then you may not need to clean them as frequently. Conversely, if you have a lesser system and are only producing enough power for basic needs, it might be time to clean your solar panels.

Regular maintenance is one of the most important factors in operating your solar energy system. After all, if you don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of you. To optimize your system’s performance and maximize its life, you must regularly clean your solar panels.

Solar panels must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and dust. The amount of cleaning required depends on the environment and level of exposure. If you live in a rural area without many trees or other obstructions, you may only need to clean your solar panels once a year. If you live in a more urban environment with lots of trees and buildings around your solar array, you may need to clean your solar panels every few months.

If you live in a dusty environment or have pets that shed a lot, you may need to clean your solar panels every few weeks if you live in an area with less pollution and no pets around. You can probably get away with cleaning your solar panels once a month without worrying about causing damage to the system’s components.

The best time to clean your solar panels is during a cloudy day. If you, do it in the middle of the day, the cleaning solution may cause more harm than good since it will absorb much heat from the sun.

Why Do Solar Panels Need to be Cleaned

Solar panels can be damaged by dirt and dust. As the particles on your solar panels accumulate, they will absorb more heat from the sun. This can cause your solar panels to deteriorate faster than they would if they were clean. Dirt and dust on your panels can decrease the amount of sunlight they absorb by up to 20 percent.

You should try to keep them as dust-free as possible. Dirt and dust are more likely to accumulate on dirty surfaces, so make sure that you clean any areas around the roof where debris may fall onto your solar panels. It would be best if you also considered using a power washer to clean your panels.

Additionally, a clean solar panel surface is more likely to produce more power from the sun. The surface of your solar panel will absorb more sunlight, and you’ll be able to generate more power. This means that your panels will work better and last longer.

Regular cleaning goes a long way in extending the life of your solar panels. You should clean your solar panels regularly because dirty solar panels negatively impact your system’s performance. Dirty solar panels tend to lose efficiency and produce less electricity.

Moreover, cleaning the panels will increase their potential lifespan by increasing their efficiency and removing any build-up of dirt, grease, and bacteria that may be present. If you clean your panels less than once a year, you increase your chances of damaging them.

Types of Solar Panel Cleaning

There are different types of solar panel cleaning methods. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, some solar panel cleaners use a high-pressure water jet that shoots out of the nozzle to scrub off dirt and debris from the panels. Others use low-pressure water jets that spray slower to clean the panels.

Some solar panel cleaners use brushes, rags, or other materials to remove dirt or debris from your panels, while others use vacuum suction. Some solar panel cleaners will only clean your panels and won’t apply any sealant or paint over them, while others will also apply a sealant over the cleaned panels.

The best way to find out which method is best for you is by trying each one using different cleaning supplies until you find one that works for you. However, it’s important to consider costs when deciding which solar panel cleaner is right for you.

How to Clean Solar Panels

When cleaning your solar panels, use water and a soft-bristle brush to remove any dirt or dust. Spray water on top of the panel, and then use the brush to scrub away any grime and dirt. Rinse off the panels with water once you’ve finished scrubbing them.

Use a power washer if you have one available since it will make cleaning your solar panels much faster and easier. If you don’t have access to a power washer, consider renting one or hiring someone who has one to come out and clean your solar panels for you. Make sure that whoever is doing the cleaning has experience with power washers, as improper use can cause damage to your system’s components.

The most important thing to remember when cleaning your solar panels is to use the proper tools and chemicals. When using these items, you should follow the instructions that come with them and do not overuse them. This can cause damage to your panels that you will have to pay for later.

If you are unsure how to clean your solar panels, then look for some instructions on the internet or in a book about solar panel maintenance. Many online videos show you how to clean your panels. The information provided in these videos should be sufficient to get you started on cleaning your panels.

Once in a while, you should consider hiring a professional to clean your solar panels. Professionals know how to use the proper tools and chemicals and will be able to clean your panels thoroughly without damaging them. They will also be able to reclean your panels more quickly than you can do it yourself.

After cleaning, you should consider a physical inspection of your solar panels. This will allow you to spot any cracks or damage that could cause problems in the future. This inspection also helps you determine if any parts need to be replaced and also look for any signs of damage that may have occurred before they become a serious problem.

Step-by-step guide on how to clean the solar panel

Step 1: Shut down the entire system
Turn off the inverter, disconnect the battery from the inverter and disconnect any other components connected to the solar panels. This will ensure that no power is being used to allow the cleaning chemicals to do their job.

Step 2: Unplug all electrical connections from the panels
Make sure all electrical connections to the panels are completely disconnected before cleaning. It ensures that your panels aren’t damaged by using an improper cleaning method or the use of too much power.

Step 3: Select the correct cleaning method
There are several different ways to clean your solar panels. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks. The best way is to select the method that will produce the best results for your particular panel.

Step 4: Remove any visible dust from the solar panels
Remove any visible dirt and dust from the solar panels before cleaning. If dust is allowed to settle on the solar panels, it can interfere with the cleaning process and cause damage to the panel.

Step 5: Wash the panels with a mild soap and water solution or use a brush to remove dust
A mild soap and water solution or a brush can be used to wash the solar panels. The soap and water solution will remove dirt and grime from the panels. The brush will remove any dust that may have settled on your solar panels.

Step 6: Rinse the panels with clean water
Rinse the solar panels with clean water to remove soap residue and dirt. The clean water will also help you see any damage to the solar cells.

Step 7: Dry the panels with a soft dry cloth
Allow your solar panels to thoroughly dry before reattaching the inverter. This is important because if they are not completely dry, they may not properly absorb light during operation, damaging your panel.

Step 8: Inspect all electrical connections
Before reattaching your solar panels to the inverter, inspect all of their electrical connections. If there is any evidence of corrosion or damage, replace these parts as soon as possible.

Step 9: Re-install the inverter
Re-attach your solar panels to the inverter. The inverter is designed to work with a specific number of solar panels. Ensure all the electrical connections are secure and tight before re-installing your solar panels.

Step 10: Attach all electrical wires and breakers
Attach all of your electrical wires and breakers to their respective locations within or outside your home or business. If any cables need to be attached outside of your home, ensure they are protected from rain and snow by covering them with tarps or other materials, ensuring they do not touch other objects such as trees and poles.

Step 11: Check power output
Once you are satisfied with the condition of your solar panels, connect them to your inverter. Turn on your inverter and check the power output using a watt meter. If your watt meter indicates that your system is producing less watts, you should contact a solar installer for assistance.

Step 12: Test for proper operation
Once all the electrical connections have been made and tested, test for proper operation. This is done using your watt meter to see if your system is producing the desired power.

Conclusion

Solar panels are a vital component of a solar energy system. They collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. When left unchecked, they can degrade and damage your system.

You need to clean your panels regularly depending on your environment and level of exposure to ensure optimal performance and maximized lifespan. And you can clean your panels by wiping, rinsing, or brushing. Cleaning your panels regularly is important because it keeps them healthy and extends their lifespan.

Cleaning also ensures you get the most out of your investment by maximizing the electricity they produce. If you don’t clean your panels often enough, they’ll degrade and damage your system. And they can also become infested with dirt, bacteria, and grease, making electricity less efficient.

The best way to clean your solar panels is to use a solar panel cleaning brush. It can gently scrub off dirt and grime from the panels, allowing them to perform at their best. You should physically inspect the solar panels after cleaning to ensure no damage to the system.

The average solar panel installation cost is $18 500. But that number will vary depending on the size and complexity of my project. For example, a small single-family house with a simple system might be expected to run between $8,000 and $12,000.

A complex multi-home solar power system could cost more than $10,000. Here’s a breakdown of major costs involved in installing a solar power system:

1. Labor Costs

Labor costs are the most important part of a solar panel installation cost breakdown. They include the cost of labor, workers’ compensation, and other associated costs like equipment rental and supplies.

Labor costs can vary greatly, depending on where I live, what type of work I am doing, and how skilled my technician is. If I want to compare prices across different companies, I will look for ones that include a free quote with their estimate.

It’s also important to ensure that I am hiring a qualified professional licensed in my state. Technical training varies by state. Most solar installers have at least some training in electrical work, but not all do — if they do not, I’ll be sure to ask about it before signing any agreements.

2. Materials Costs

Materials costs include the cost of building materials and labor. The total materials cost for a solar installation is made up of the following:
Solar panels: The price varies widely depending on their size, quality, and location. The more panels I have, the more I will save on my electricity bill.
Wiring: My solar system will connect to an electrical grid, so I will need to pay for that wiring out of pocket.
Labor: Depending on my roof size and number of panels, this could be the most expensive part of my project.

3. Permits and Inspections

When constructing a solar system, I will need to get permits from my local government. These permits are called building permits, which are required for any new construction.

The city or county may require me to hire an engineer to review my plans and ensure everything is up to code before issuing a permit.

Permit fees vary depending on the size of my project but generally start at $25 per day for up to five days of work. This can get expensive if I install it on a large roof or want to add more panels than my building code allows.

I will also need to pay for required inspections, which typically cost between $500 and $1,500. I may also have to pay for permits if my installation requires electrical hookups or other modifications not covered by the building code.

4. Cost Per Watt

The cost per Watt is the unit cost for each Watt of energy produced. This amount can vary widely depending on factors like area, the number of panels, the type of mounting system, and whether I am buying from a name brand or an unknown manufacturer.

The wattage of a solar panel is measured in Watts, equal to one Joule per second. The price per Watt for solar panels is calculated by multiplying the Amps (Pounds/Amps) by Volts (Meters/Volts). The average cost per Watt ranges between $1 and $1.50

5. Solar Panel Cost

The cost of a solar panel installation can vary based on the size of my home and the type of system I choose. If I am considering a residential solar system, I will also need to consider the size of my roof and the amount of shading present.

Homeowners with sloped or uneven roofs may want to opt for a smaller system with fewer panels. Solar systems range in price from $3, 500 to $35,000, but the average installation costs between $12,000 and $17,000.

6. Solar Inverter Cost

I will need an inverter to connect my solar panels directly to a battery bank or other source of electricity. These devices range from under $1000 to over $1500.

The more expensive versions are more efficient and can charge batteries faster, while the cheaper ones work just as well but take longer to complete their task. Inverters are designed to be mounted outside, so they do not require wiring into a home’s electrical system.

If I install an outside-mounted inverter, remember that its location will affect its efficiency and how quickly it charges batteries during cloudy or dark days when there’s less sunlight available.”

7. Solar Tracker Cost

The solar tracker is an important component of a solar panel system. It helps track the sun’s movement so that it can generate power for my home or business. The average cost for this part is between $3,000 and $4,000.

If I am considering installing a solar panel system in my home or business, it’s important to know the costs before I start work. This way, I can plan and budget accordingly.

8. Mounting Equipment Cost

Solar panels are usually installed in large arrays, often requiring a crane to lift them into position. The crane can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. It depends on the size of the array and whether it needs to be custom-built.

The mounting equipment cost depends on the system I use and how much they charge for their services.

9. Solar Battery Storage Cost Breakdown

A solar battery system is one of the most efficient and economical ways to store energy from solar power. A battery bank can store excess solar power at night or when I do not need it.

I may be wondering how much it costs to install a solar battery bank. The initial investment will vary by size, but the average cost for installing a 6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) system is roughly $3,000. However, battery storage costs decrease as more kilowatt-hours are added to my system.

10. Racking System Cost

Racking is the frame that holds my solar panels in place. It can be built from wood or metal, and it’s used to help my panels stay stable during installation. Racking systems range from simple wooden frames to fully integrated systems with a battery backup system, inverter, and more.

The racking system cost will depend on the materials I choose for my racking system and whether I want a fully integrated system or just some of the components.

11. Solar System Maintenance and Warranties

Every solar system needs maintenance and warranties to ensure it will be running properly. This is a small cost that I can avoid by using a solar company to install my system.

Solar System Warranty

The warranty is the length of time that the system will work as expected. The warranty covers any problems, such as power outages or poor performance.

Solar System Maintenance

Maintenance ensures that the system is working optimally and has no problems. This is an important part of installing a solar system on my property.

Factors That Influence the Cost of My Solar System

Size

The size of my solar system is the most important factor in determining how much I will save. The bigger the system, the more electricity it can produce and the cheaper it will be.

The total energy I can generate from my solar panels depends on how much sunlight I get per day and my local climate conditions. The more sunlight I receive, the more power my system will produce.

For example, if I have enough panels to cover an entire roof but only two are facing south, I will earn less energy because there’s less sunlight available for them to absorb.

Location

My rooftop affects how much money I need to spend on a solar system. If it’s flat or sloped, then my panels may need to be angled or mounted at an angle to capture as much sunlight as possible.

I may also need to consider whether there are any obstacles like trees or buildings that directly block sunlight. I can use a site surveyor to determine if these obstacles exist and what kind of mounting solution would work best for each situation.

The installers

The installers are the most important factor in determining the cost of my solar system. The installers will be responsible for ensuring that my solar panels are installed properly.

They also ensure the location is right and panels are installed at a height that will allow them maximum sunlight.

In addition, installers ensure enough space around the installation to allow for proper access. It is important to hire a company that has experience installing solar systems. They will understand my needs ensuring that my system is installed correctly and safely.

Solar panels financing options

Financing options for solar panels can include several types of loans and grants. The most common loan is from the federal government, which provides low-interest loans to homeowners who want to install solar panels on their roofs.

Another option is a loan through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) SunShot Initiative, which issues grants to help commercial customers finance projects that will ultimately reduce energy costs.

DOE also offers grants and loans to help communities cover the full cost of installing solar. In addition to these loans and grants, some states have offered rebates for property owners who install solar panels in their homes or businesses.

What are my financial opportunities for buying solar panels?

If I want to install solar panels on my property, there are a few financial opportunities for me:
I will save money on my monthly energy bills.
I can receive tax credits for installing solar panels.
I can make money from selling excess power back to the grid.

Here’s how it works:

I will get a rebate from my local utility company if I install solar panels. This can be as high as 30% off the system’s cost, and it lasts for 20 years (assuming there are no damage claims).
The rebate is paid out in annual installments over time and will be based on how much power my solar panels produce each year relative to what I used before installation.

Homeowners also have tax credits available through the federal government if they install solar panels on their homes. These tax credits range from 30% to 50%, depending on where I live and whether or not I buy into a certain program.

How much does it cost to maintain solar panels over time?

The cost of maintaining solar panels depends on the panels’ quality and voltage. Solar panels have a 25-30 years lifespan, but I can replace them with new solar panels before they reach their end of life.

The replacement cost depends on my location and the type of solar panel I have installed. The average cost to maintain a solar panel system is $150 per month over its lifetime. If I install 3 kW (kilowatts) worth of solar energy, the average maintenance cost will be above $1,500 yearly.

The cost will also vary greatly depending on my location and energy usage. For example, in sunny states like Florida, California, and Arizona, it’s easy to get by with a small system that produces only enough electricity to power my home.

What are the upfront costs for installing solar panels?

The upfront costs for installing solar panels vary from project to project. The equipment’s purchase cost, including the inverter and mounting brackets, can be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. It depends on what type of system I choose.

The installation cost varies based on the size of my home and the number of panels I need.

What equipment do I need to install solar panels?

Solar panels are installed using a variety of different tools. The most common is a solar panel installation kit, which includes all the necessary tools and equipment to install my solar power system. I can purchase from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.

I will also need a mounting system for my solar panels. I will need brackets and anchors for each panel before connecting them to the ground or roof of my home. The mounting system should also include fasteners that allow me to remove and replace my panels when necessary easily.

How long will it take to install solar panels on my home?

The time it takes to install solar panels depends on various factors, including the size of my home and the complexity of my roof. The most important thing to remember is that it can take anywhere from one day to several weeks for the installation process to be completed.

As temperatures continue to rise with climate change, it has become brutally obvious to many people that humanity can no longer rely upon traditional power generation sources like coal, gas, oil and other fossil fuels or hydroelectric dams that are dangerous for the environment and expensive to harvest or maintain. The former creates byproducts that pollute the air and exacerbate global temperature problems. As water sources dry up, especially in the West, the latter has become unreliable.

Whether you’re a home or business owner or renter, you have more power generation options than the local electric power grid in your region. Many renewable resources exist that can produce the same amount of, if not more than, power you’ve received through traditional utilities. This guide covers the benefits of solar energy.

As noted by the U.S. Department of Energy, solar is “sustainable, renewable and plentiful.” What are the benefits of solar energy and associated technologies like solar panels? Read on to learn more about how you can take advantage of the power generated by the Sun:

It’s Time to Reconsider Geography

In the past, experts warned consumers that solar panels had little value in geographic locations that featured overcast skies most of the year and were useless during winter months in cold regions. Yet, newer solar panels have been designed to make the most of any type of sunlight. As a result, you can reap benefits from these technologies even if the panels don’t receive direct sunlight.

During winter, for example, you might use the solar panels on sunny or partially sunny days to charge a whole-home backup battery so that you have a backup power source during a regular power grid outage. In rainy areas, such as the Pacific Northwest, you can actually use solar power on sunny days instead of the grid and sell any remainder that you generate back to the traditional utility to offset your grid-based electric bills for those times you can’t rely on the panels.

Solar Panels Offer High Financial Returns

Power bill savings alone make solar panels worth any upfront investment and maintenance costs over time. You can lower monthly utility bills by as much as $1,500 annually by using solar to provide a home or business with electricity that isn’t directly from the grid. On warm and sunny days, you can use your solar panels as your primary energy source, and on overcast or cold days you can use the grid if you can’t disconnect from it entirely.

Yet, these panels offer a lot of other financial returns as well:

• As noted earlier, you can sell your excess solar energy to a traditional utility provider in a solar buyback or net metering contract. The company affixes a smart meter to your system and subtracts the amount they pay for excess power from your grid utility bill balance every month. If you’re not reliant on the grid but still sell the excess, they cut you a check.
• Many federal and state programs exist that offer rebates and other incentives to home and business owners to invest in solar panels. For example, the federal solar tax credit for income tax is a dollar-for-dollar amount through the end of 2023. It’s 26% of the final cost credit in 2022 and 22% in 2023.
• Modern property buyers consider solar panels a valuable upgrade, which means that they’re usually willing to pay much more for a home or business property if solar panels are included in the sale. According to Energy.gov, a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study found that solar panels increase home value by at least $15,000.
• Insurance companies also consider solar panels an environmentally friendly and responsible, valuable investment. They often provide home and business policyholders with a monthly, quarterly or annual insurance premium “green” discount. They might even increase the amount of the discount if you also invest in a whole-home backup battery.

Solar Technologies Protect the Environment

The initial raw material acquisition and manufacturing processes when completing solar panels for sale do generate greenhouse gas emissions and other toxic pollutants like heavy metals and fine particulates. These processes also use water. When parts and completed panels ship, they’re often involved in fossil fuel consumption during transportation, such as the burning of gasoline in trucks when shipping the panels and parts.

That said, solar panels don’t general nearly the same amount of emissions as traditional power plants after they’re installed on or near a home or business. Instead, they significantly reduce dangerous emissions during their typical lifespan.

Solar panels can last up to 30 years when well-maintained by a property owner, and whole-home batteries can last 10 to 20 years. During that time, these technologies positively offset the amount of pollution a single home or business would normally create when connected to traditional power plants or on-site fossil fuel equipment like oil furnances and portable gas-powered generators. Since they don’t need to be replaced for years, they don’t add to the local or global environmental pollution problem as much as other technologies that require more frequent replacement.

Solar Panels Require Little Maintenance

Modern solar panel manufacturers design their products to be as long-lasting as possible and resistant to light scratches and impacts. After all, a decades-long lifespan is one of the most attractive benefits of solar technologies. Solar panels specifically must stand up against the elements, including strong winds, heavy rain, hail, snow or dust storms and impacts from flying debris.

To maintain the panels, you typically only need to wash away any dust and debris that block the internal photovoltaic cells from collecting sunlight with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge tool. You then rinse with water from a hose and allow them to dry in the sun. Tough stains require a manufacturer-approved cleaner that you apply and then gently rub away.

If the panels require minor or major repairs during their lifespan and you own the system, they’re typically covered with extremely long warranties. Unlike other energy-generation products, such as furnaces and portable generators, the warranties go beyond limited parts coverage. The only parts not usually covered as long as the panels are the energy-conversion inverters that switch the DC to AC electricity.

A professional installer who offers high-quality parts and services typically also offers their own operations and maintenance plans for solar energy systems depending on the size and type of system. These plans usually cover the cost of yearly inspections and labor related to repairs. If you decide to lease a system, then you should negotiate to have the inspection, repairs and parts replacement costs included in the lease.

Important Investment Considerations

As with any power generation technology, pros and cons both exist. The number and level of benefits you experience from solar panels can vary based on a wide range of factors. Before you invest in solar energy technologies, you need to make certain you understand the following by researching and considering your unique situation:

Sunlight Hours

Solar technologies only work optimally with direct exposure to sunlight. As previously noted, you can still benefit on overcast days, but the fastest way to reap benefits from them and offset the initial costs is through higher usage via direct sun exposure. You need to make certain that you have a good spot on your property to take advantage of direct light as much as possible during peak sunlight hours.

Installation Space

You also need to make certain that you have the right amount of space for the appropriate number and size of panels to generate enough power for your needs. Additionally, you need to make certain that you have space for the rest of the system that’s attached to the panels and any other associated technologies installed outside and inside of the building. How you evaluate the space depends on other factors as well, including any rules for your neighborhood about solar installation, as seen with HOAs, and any costs to remove trees and other landscape elements.

Roof Age

If you’re planning on placing panels on the roof of your home, you also need to make certain that you’re not setting yourself up for future unnecessary expenses related to the roof’s age. On a new home, you don’t need to worry about installing solar panels. On an older home, you might need to perform extensive repairs or a total replacement before you can have the panels installed or otherwise risk high additional costs in a year or two to remove and re-install them.

Electricity Usage

Your electric bill has the kilowatts per hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh) details that you need to understand your average monthly electricity consumption. When searching for a solar panel product, always compare your current grid usage to the kWh associated with the solar energy equipment. You can find your current consumption details usually on the back of the electric bill.

Associated Costs

You might discover that you can save more via local grid electricity rates than the cost of purchasing a system that meets your power consumption needs. If this happens, then you should compare upfront purchase prices to leases. Many companies now offer solar panel lease options that help reduce the costs so you can save enough money to eventually make an investment purchase.

Community Options

You might also invest in a community or shared solar system or solarize negotiation scheme if you can’t afford to own or even lease solar equipment on your own. With a shared system, you pay a smaller amount for a community level system that connects to the community power lines and pay a monthly additional bill for your solar energy usage. With a solarize negotiation scheme, you and your neighbors or community members negotiate a community-level deal for purchase of systems for every home or business at a money-saving, bulk-purchase rate.

Top Questions to Ask a Solar Energy Tech Professional

As you can see, solar panels and associated energy technologies can provide you with years of savings. When trying to determine the best system to fit your unique situation, you need to do more than research manufacturers and products. You also need to make certain that you’re picking the best installer.

This short list of questions can help you narrow down your list of professionals to one who can provide you with premium professional services today and for years to come:

1. What is the number of your business license?
2. How long have you been performing installation in the region?
3. How many solar panel systems have you sold and installed?
4. Are you certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)?
5. Do you have electrical and general contractor licenses through the state?
6. Are you fully bonded and insured?
7. Do you have references and testimonials from other customers?
8. Are you listed with the Better Business Bureau?
9. Is your company dealing with any active court cases, investigations or other negative consumer matters?
10. Do you know how to obtain local building permits for installation?
11. Do you have experience working with the local utility provider and know the appropriate interconnection processes?
12. What is the estimated total upfront cost in money and time to handle this request, including installation, panels and other equipment, building permits, grid connection, sales tax and any extra warranties or maintenance and repair plans?
13. What is the maximum generation capacity of the system in both watts and kilowatts?
14. What is the estimated amount of energy in kilowatt-hours that the system should produce monthly and annually?
15. What are the terms of the warranty in writing?

Finally, if the installer uses subcontractors for any part of the process, you need to ask them questions about those contractors, including the first nine questions above again for the subcontractors and the following:

• What oversight do you perform while they work?
• What sort of guarantee or warranty do you provide if they perform a bad job?

Final Thoughts

When narrowing down your list of installers at the end of your search by requesting quotes, there is a minimum amount of information you should always request so that you can easily make side-by-side comparisons between quotes. Beyond one or more makes/models and numbers of panels and standard or smart systems that they recommend for your unique situation and estimated energy generation in kilowatt-hours per system, they should also provide the make/model of the inverter, makes/models of associated equipment, including information about mobile remote apps, a diagram or photo of their proposed layout for the panels, estimated utility rate increase and solar savings differences over time, and estimated solar and utility costs over time. If you’re interested in a whole-home backup battery, they should also provide you with pictures, makes/models, specs and costs.