Solar Panel Installation & Solar Lease Agreements Explained

Updated: August 27, 2025

The main mistake consumers make is not thoroughly reading their solar installation agreement. As a result, they often have no recourse when issues arise. Take time to review and understand your obligations, as well as those of the Solar Company, during and after installation. If a salesperson makes a promise, ensure you get it in writing, authorized by the Solar Company’s management. If you have any inquiries about getting a Residential Solar Quote, please make sure to Contact Us. 

Do not be afraid to ask the tough questions; going solar is not a decision to be taken lightly. Saving tens of thousands of dollars with Solar Topps, as opposed to a few hundred, greatly influences the viability of going solar. As a Solar Installer in Arizona,  we know you can cancel a contract up to three days before installation begins if it doesn’t suit you. Solar Topps helps Arizona homeowners get better value on solar projects and cancel existing agreements with other installers without penalty.

At Solar Topps, we service the entire Phoenix Metro Area. We do specialize in cities like Scottsdale, Buckeye, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Paradise Valley, and Tempe.

Here are some of the key questions to consider when reviewing your solar installation agreement:

Before signing any solar installation agreement, it is essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions to ensure they align with your energy goals and financial expectations. Pay close attention to details such as system size, warranty coverage, payment terms, and potential penalties for cancellations or changes.

What brand of panels, inverters, and/or storage devices will be installed? 

Solar companies may opt for the lowest price, assuming it’s the customer’s sole concern. Unfortunately, this often means using equipment Solar Topps deems inferior, leading to higher long-term costs, which no customer desires. Knowing the type of inverters, panels, or battery storage devices is crucial. Check for any clauses that permit the installer to change or modify the equipment used in your home. This could occur due to inventory or supply issues. In such cases, ensure you have the right to know and approve any substitutions in advance.  We like to use Enphase and Tesla Products, like the Tesla Powerwall 3. 

What warranties are provided with the solar installation agreement?  

It is always important to know what warranties you are receiving. Manufacturers’ warranties can vary between 5 years and 25 years. Ensure product specifications and warranty terms are understood before installation. Does the warranty just cover parts, or parts and labor? What are the reasons a warranty may not be honored? Some panel manufacturers won’t warranty solar panels damaged by golf balls or hailstorms. It’s crucial to understand the warranties provided by the solar company, particularly regarding roof penetrations and workmanship. Ensure you know the duration, how to exercise your rights, and the available recourse if issues arise (details below). Remember you can always come to us for a Residential Solar Quote in Phoenix.  

Solar Manufacturer Warranties

Manufacturer warranties typically cover the solar panels themselves, ensuring protection against defects in materials or workmanship. They generally guarantee that the panels will perform at a specified efficiency level over a set period, commonly 10 to 25 years. However, it is important to review the terms carefully, as these warranties often exclude damage caused by external factors such as extreme weather or accidental impacts.

Solar Installation Warranties

Installation warranties, often provided by the solar company or installer, focus on the quality of the installation process. These warranties cover issues like improper mounting, roof penetrations, or faulty wiring. Duration varies but usually ranges from 5 to 10 years. Understanding this warranty ensures you are protected against problems caused by poor workmanship, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.

Is there a Power Production Chart?  

Any trustworthy and knowledgeable installer will stand behind their work. The best way to do this is by showing you a Power Production Chart. This chart will show you what the anticipated energy production of the system will be over the years. Each year a solar panel is in operation its power output will decrease slightly, so it’s important to know how much energy you expect your system to produce in the first year of its operation and over the course of the warranty period, which is typically 25 years. As a general check, you can determine what the right size system for your home will be with the easy-to-use PV Watts Calculator.  

What is a Power Production Chart?

A power production chart is a visual representation that shows the expected energy output of a solar power system over time. It takes into account factors such as the degradation rate of the panels, local weather conditions, and the orientation and tilt of the system. This chart helps homeowners and businesses understand how their system will perform year after year and estimate the long-term energy savings it can provide.

Why is a Power Production Chart Important?

The power production chart is an essential tool for evaluating the efficiency and reliability of a solar energy system. By analyzing the expected energy generation, users can plan for their energy needs and ensure the system aligns with their goals, such as reducing electricity bills or achieving energy independence. This transparency allows for better decision-making and ensures confidence in the investment over its lifespan.

Example Power Production Chart for Solar Topps

Below is a sample power production chart illustrating the expected energy output for a residential solar energy system provided by Solar Topps. The chart is designed to demonstrate the monthly and annual power generation based on typical system performance under standard conditions.

Month	Average Solar Production (kWh)	System Efficiency (%)	Est. Energy Savings (USD)
January	800	90%	$120
February	850	92%	$128
March	1,100	94%	$165
April	1,200	95%	$180
May	1,400	97%	$210
June	1,500	98%	$225
July	1,600	98%	$240
August	1,550	97%	$233
September	1,350	96%	$203
October	1,000	94%	$150
November	850	92%	$128
December	750	91%	$113

 

Total Annual Production: 14,450 kWh
Estimated Annual Savings: $2,105

This chart provides a clear projection of the energy output, allowing Solar Topps customers to gauge the performance of their solar systems and monitor long-term financial savings.

Who will repair the system if there is an issue?  

Although a solar system has no moving parts and designers create most system components to operate without fail, problems can still occur. Any system performance issues directly translate into money lost. If you choose to go with a solar installer who hires a third-party contractor to install your system, it could delay how long it takes to repair your system in the event of a malfunction. In many instances, Solar Companies in Phoenix use multiple subcontractors to work on your system, so it can be difficult to guarantee a quality installation or resolution for your system concern. The solar installation agreements should detail what to do and who to contact in case of a system issue. A trustworthy installer works to minimize or eliminate any downtime you experience.  

At Solar Topps, our highly trained service technicians utilize all essential components from our fully stocked warehouse when assessing any concerns on your site. This helps resolve any issues quickly, keeps your system running longer, and lowers your electric bills. 

Additional Tips for your Solar Panel Agreement 

As solar increases in popularity, more homeowners are starting to make the switch and save on their energy bills. But what are the best ways to save the most money? While every homeowner’s journey is different, there are still some key universal ways to get the best system for your home. If you have any questions about your 

Since 2009, Solar Topps has helped thousands of homeowners go solar without regrets, and we are happy to share some of the key factors we have noted over the years that make for a better solar experience. See some of our additional articles from the list below.  

• Tip: Doing Your Research 
• Tip: Getting Multiple Quotes from Qualified Solar Installers 
• Tip: Timing is Everything

Always remember that you are not alone in this process. Whether Solar Topps is your Phoenix, AZ solar installer of choice or you decide to go with someone else, we want you to get the best value possible. Feel free to call, text or chat online for a free, no-obligation conversation. We look forward to helping you go solar in Arizona without regrets.