Topps Talk: Choosing the Right Solar Installer for your Home

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[00:03] Host: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Topps Talk.

[00:07] Host: I’m your host, and today we’re going to be discussing how to choose the right solar installer.

[00:12] Host: We have a special guest with us today, our installation expert from Solar Topps.

[00:18] Host: Thank you so much for joining us today.

[00:21] Guest: Thanks for having me. I’m excited to share some insights.

[00:24] Host: So let’s start with the basics. Why is choosing the right installer so important?

[00:30] Guest: That’s a great question. Choosing the right installer is probably the most important decision you’ll make in your solar journey.

[00:40] Guest: You can have the best equipment in the world, but if it’s not installed correctly, you’re going to have problems. A poor installation can lead to reduced system efficiency, roof leaks, and even safety hazards.

[00:50] Guest: Plus, your solar system is designed to last 25-30 years, so you want to work with a company that will be around to honor warranties and provide service if needed.

[01:00] Host: That makes sense. What are the key factors homeowners should consider when evaluating solar installers?

[01:10] Guest: I’d recommend looking at five main areas: experience and expertise, licensing and certifications, quality of equipment and workmanship, warranties and guarantees, and customer reviews and reputation.

[01:20] Guest: Let’s break these down one by one. First, experience and expertise. How long has the company been installing solar? Do they specialize in residential installations, or is it just one of many services they offer?

[01:30] Guest: At Solar Topps, we’ve been focused exclusively on solar for years, and as a result, we’ve completed thousands of installations. That specialized experience really matters when it comes to designing and installing your system correctly.

[01:40] Host: Speaking of expertise, what about licensing and certifications? What should homeowners look for?

[01:50] Guest: This is absolutely crucial. In Arizona, for example, solar installers should have a valid ROC (Registrar of Contractors) license. This not only ensures they meet minimum standards but also provides some protection for consumers.

 

[02:00] Guest: Furthermore, homeowners should look for NABCEP certification. That’s the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It’s widely regarded as the gold standard in the solar industry because it requires rigorous training and testing.

[02:10] Guest: Also check if the company is a member of industry associations like SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) or local solar organizations. These memberships show a commitment to industry best practices.

[02:20] Host: Let’s talk about equipment quality. How important is the brand of solar panels and other components?

[02:30] Guest: Equipment quality is definitely important, but it’s only part of the equation. You want to work with an installer who offers tier-one solar panels and quality inverters from reputable manufacturers.

[02:40] Guest: But equally important is the quality of the installation itself. The best equipment poorly installed will underperform. Ask about the company’s installation practices, the training of their installation teams, and their quality control processes.

[02:50] Guest: At Solar Topps, we use only premium equipment, and our installation teams are highly trained and follow strict quality guidelines. We also have dedicated quality inspectors who check every system before it’s commissioned.

[03:00] Host: What about warranties? What should homeowners expect?

[03:10] Guest: Warranties are a critical consideration. There are typically three types of warranties to consider: equipment warranties, workmanship warranties, and performance guarantees.

[03:20] Guest: Equipment warranties come from the manufacturers and typically cover panels for 25 years, inverters for 10-25 years depending on the type, and mounting hardware for 10-20 years.

[03:30] Guest: The workmanship warranty comes from the installer and covers the actual installation work. This should be at least 10 years, though some companies like Solar Topps offer longer periods.

[03:40] Guest: Performance guarantees are promises about how much electricity your system will produce. These are important because they protect your investment if the system underperforms.

[03:50] Guest: The key thing to remember is that warranties are only as good as the company backing them. If your installer goes out of business, their workmanship warranty becomes worthless.

[04:00] Host: That’s a good point. How can homeowners evaluate a company’s stability and reputation?

[04:10] Guest: Start by checking how long they’ve been in business. The solar industry has seen a lot of companies come and go, so longevity matters.

[04:20] Guest: Look at online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to both the overall rating and the specific comments, especially those related to installation quality and after-sales service.

[04:30] Guest: Ask for references from past customers, particularly those who have had their systems for a few years. This can give you insight into the long-term performance of their installations and their customer service.

[04:40] Guest: And don’t forget to check if they have a physical office in your area. This can be a good indicator of stability and makes it easier to get service if needed.

[04:50] Host: What about the installation process itself? What should homeowners expect from a quality installer?

[05:00] Guest: A quality installer will have a well-defined process that includes a thorough site assessment, detailed system design, clear communication throughout, professional installation, and comprehensive system commissioning.

[05:10] Guest: The site assessment should include a detailed roof inspection, shade analysis, and evaluation of your electrical panel. This information is crucial for designing an optimal system.

[05:20] Guest: The system design should be customized to your specific home and energy needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. The installer should explain why they’re recommending a particular system size and configuration.

[05:30] Guest: Throughout the process, there should be clear communication about timelines, what to expect during installation, and any potential challenges or delays.

[05:40] Guest: The installation itself should be done by trained professionals who follow industry best practices and local building codes. They should be respectful of your property and clean up thoroughly after the job is complete.

[05:50] Guest: Finally, system commissioning should include testing all components, verifying proper operation, and providing you with documentation and training on how to monitor your system’s performance.

[06:00] Host: Are there any red flags homeowners should watch out for when evaluating installers?

[06:10] Guest: Absolutely. Be wary of installers who pressure you to sign a contract quickly or offer deals that are “only good today.” Solar is a significant investment, and you should have time to do your research and make an informed decision.

[06:20] Guest: Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. Quality installation and equipment come at a cost, and unusually low prices often indicate corners being cut somewhere.

[06:30] Guest: Watch out for installers who outsource their work to subcontractors. While not all subcontractors are bad, using them can lead to quality control issues and confusion about who’s responsible if problems arise.

[06:40] Guest: Be skeptical of unrealistic production estimates. Some companies will overestimate how much electricity your system will generate to make the economics look better than they actually are.

[06:50] Guest: And finally, be cautious of companies that are vague about their warranties or who can’t provide clear documentation of their licensing and insurance.

[07:00] Host: What questions should homeowners ask during the evaluation process?

[07:10] Guest: Great question. I’d recommend asking: How long have you been installing solar systems? How many systems have you installed in my area?

[07:20] Guest: What licenses and certifications do you hold? Can you provide proof of insurance?

[07:30] Guest: What brands of equipment do you use, and why? What are the warranties on the equipment and your workmanship?

[07:40] Guest: Who will be installing my system? Are they employees or subcontractors? What training do they have?

[07:50] Guest: How do you handle permitting and utility interconnection? What’s your timeline from contract signing to system activation?

[08:00] Guest: What happens if there’s a problem with my system? How quickly do you respond to service calls?

[08:10] Guest: Can you provide references from customers with systems similar to what you’re proposing for me?

[08:20] Guest: And finally, what financing options do you offer, and what are the terms and conditions?

[08:30] Host: Those are great questions. Let’s talk about the proposal itself. What should be included in a good solar proposal?

[08:40] Guest: A good proposal should be comprehensive and transparent. It should include a detailed system design showing panel placement on your roof and the location of other equipment like inverters.

[08:50] Guest: It should specify all equipment being used, including make and model of panels, inverters, and mounting hardware.

[09:00] Guest: The proposal should include a production estimate that’s based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and local weather patterns. This should be conservative rather than overly optimistic.

[09:10] Guest: It should clearly state all costs, including any adders for things like complex roofs, electrical panel upgrades, or special mounting requirements.

[09:20] Guest: The proposal should detail all available incentives, including the federal tax credit and any state or utility rebates.

[09:30] Guest: It should include a financial analysis showing your expected savings over time, based on realistic assumptions about electricity rate increases.

[09:40] Guest: And finally, it should clearly state all warranties and guarantees, as well as the payment terms and schedule.

[09:50] Host: How important is it for the installer to have experience with your specific utility company?

[10:00] Guest: This is actually more important than many homeowners realize. Each utility company has its own requirements for solar interconnection, net metering programs, and rate structures.

[10:10] Guest: An installer who regularly works with your utility will understand these requirements and can design your system to maximize your benefits under the specific rate structures available to you.

[10:20] Guest: They’ll also be familiar with the interconnection process, which can save time and prevent delays in getting your system activated.

[10:30] Guest: At Solar Topps, we work with all the major utilities in Arizona and have dedicated staff who specialize in each utility’s requirements and processes.

[10:40] Host: What about local building codes and permit requirements? How do those factor in?

[10:50] Guest: This is another area where local experience is invaluable. Building codes and permit requirements can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, even within the same state.

[11:00] Guest: An installer who regularly works in your area will be familiar with these requirements and can design your system to comply with them from the start.

[11:10] Guest: They’ll also have established relationships with local building departments, which can help streamline the permitting process.

[11:20] Guest: Installers without this local experience might design systems that don’t meet local requirements, leading to delays, additional costs, or even having to redesign the system.

[11:30] Host: Let’s talk about the installation team itself. What should homeowners look for?

[11:40] Guest: Ideally, you want an installation team that consists of employees rather than subcontractors. This gives the company more control over quality and training.

[11:50] Guest: The team should include licensed electricians for the electrical work and experienced roofers for the roof penetrations. Both of these aspects are critical for a safe and reliable installation.

[12:00] Guest: Ask about the training and certification of the installation team. Do they receive ongoing training on new products and installation techniques? Do they follow industry best practices for safety and quality?

[12:10] Guest: At Solar Topps, our installation teams are all employees who receive extensive training and follow detailed installation protocols. We also have dedicated quality control inspectors who check every installation.

[12:20] Host: What about after the solar installation? What kind of support should homeowners expect?

[12:30] Guest: After-installation support is a critical but often overlooked aspect of choosing a solar installer. You want a company that will be there for you long after the installation is complete.

[12:40] Guest: This includes helping you understand how to monitor your system’s performance, responding promptly to any issues or concerns, and providing regular maintenance if needed.

[12:50] Guest: Ask about the company’s service department. Do they have dedicated service technicians? What’s their typical response time for service calls? Is there a charge for service visits during the warranty period?

[13:00] Guest: Also ask about system monitoring. Will you have access to real-time production data? Will the company actively monitor your system for any performance issues?

[13:10] Guest: At Solar Topps, we provide all our customers with access to a monitoring portal where they can track their system’s performance. We also proactively monitor all systems and reach out to customers if we detect any issues.

[13:20] Host: How should homeowners evaluate the financial aspects of different proposals?

[13:30] Guest: When comparing proposals from different installers, it’s important to look beyond just the upfront cost. Consider the total value proposition, including system size, equipment quality, warranties, and expected production.

[13:40] Guest: One useful metric is the cost per watt, which allows you to compare systems of different sizes. But even this should be considered in the context of equipment quality and installer reputation.

[13:50] Guest: Pay attention to the production estimates and financial projections. Are they based on realistic assumptions? Some companies use overly optimistic projections to make their proposals look better.

[14:00] Guest: Also consider the financing options. If you’re not paying cash, the terms of the loan or lease can significantly impact the overall economics of the system.

[14:10] Guest: Remember that the cheapest option upfront isn’t always the most economical in the long run. A quality installation with premium equipment might cost more initially but can provide greater savings and fewer headaches over the life of the system.

[14:20] Host: What about the timeline? How long should the process take from signing a contract to having an operational system?

[14:30] Guest: The timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the solar installation, the local permitting process, and the solar installer’s workload.

[14:40] Guest: In general, you should expect the process to take anywhere from 1-3 months from contract signing to system activation. This includes design finalization, permitting, installation, inspection, and utility interconnection.

[14:50] Guest: The actual solar installation typically takes only 1-2 days for most residential systems, but the permitting and utility interconnection steps can take several weeks.

[15:00] Guest: A good installer will provide you with a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed of progress and any delays. Be wary of installers who promise unusually quick timelines, as this might indicate they’re cutting corners on important steps.

[15:10] Host: Any final advice for homeowners who are evaluating a solar installer?

[15:20] Guest: My final advice would be to take your time and do your research. Solar installation is a significant investment and a long-term commitment, so it’s worth spending the time to find the right installer.

[15:30] Guest: Get multiple quotes, ask lots of questions, check references, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or if an installer is pressuring you, that’s a red flag.

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