If you’re interested in going solar, here are some tips, advice, and resources to help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Contact our Help Desk with any questions at [email protected]. We are happy to help you!
1) Do some general research about going solar
Here are two resources that are reasonably comprehensive:
- State of California: California Solar Consumer Protection Guide, published by the state energy regulator (CPUC), includes a comprehensive checklist of questions.
- California Solar & Storage Association: Going Solar FAQs
2) Consider the age of your roof
Solar panels are usually warrantied for twenty years, and can last longer than that.
So it’s a good idea to make sure your roof will be in good shape for at least that length of time before installing solar. While you can remove the panels to replace your roof and then put the panels back on, that can be expensive.
3) Finding a company: Get two to three bids and check the credentials
While there’s no silver bullet guarantee in life, getting two to three bids will increase the chances that you find the installer you trust.
Start with a strong referral or two
It’s great to have a referral from someone you trust. However, if you don’t personally know anyone who has solar, consider asking people in your neighborhood who have solar.
From there, we recommend rounding out your list by searching for solar companies who meet the following credentials:
Make sure they are a CALSSA member
We highly recommend that you look for installers who are members of the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA). CALSSA requires all members to sign a code of ethics that commits member companies to consumer-friendly practices. CALSSA also works to keep member companies up to date on all the changing codes & standards and regulations. Find a CALSSA-member installer.
Make sure their contractor license is current
You can look a company up at the state licensing board.
Check their reviews
Make sure online reviews from Yelp, Reddit, NextDoor, and Google Business are generally good with no major flags.
Optional: See if they are NABCEP certified
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is considered one of the most rigorous training and certification programs in the country. Keep in mind that many good solar installers don’t have this certification, but you might still take it into consideration. Find a NABCEP-certified installer in your area.
What about door-to-door salespeople?
It might be worth listening to their pitch and taking down their information. However, we recommend you do not sign up on the spot with someone at the door. Take their information and look them up, using the tips listed above. If they pass muster, then consider them along with one or two other installers.
4) Make sure someone comes to your house at no cost
Some companies claim they can assess your home without sending a real person. Avoid them. Reputable solar installers will always send a trained professional, at no cost to you, to look at your roof and inspect your tree cover and other factors that could impact your solar system.
5) Consider your financing options
The three most common methods to finance solar
- Purchase with Cash or a Loan
- Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- PACE Financing
There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, which are summarized in the CPUC’s Solar Consumer Guide. For example, buying the system outright with cash or a loan can mean more savings over time. However, a lease or PPA can allow you to get the benefits of solar with no cash upfront.
How much does solar cost?
In 2024, the last year that trustworthy data was available, the cost to install an average sized rooftop solar system in California was between $4 and $4.27 per watt of generating capacity.
In plain English, that means an average-sized rooftop solar system with about 15 solar panels cost between $26,000 and $28,000 in 2024.
Your cost may be higher or lower depending on several factors, such as how you finance your system, and if you also get a battery.
6) Read your contract carefully before signing
Don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t seem right. This is why you should always get three bids: to give yourself lots of options.
- Don’t be pressured into signing a contract. Give yourself however much time you need to read and understand the entire document. If that means delaying the signing by a day or two, it is worth it.
- Make sure the terms of the contract match what the salesperson promised you. If they don’t match, ask. If the answer doesn’t make sense, don’t sign unless they modify the contract to match what you were promised. If they won’t do that, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Contact our Help Desk with your questions
Contact our Help Desk with any questions at [email protected]. We are happy to help you!
