If you’re searching for reliable solar installers in Tampa to help you power up your home with clean energy, you’re in luck! Florida’s sunshine state is an ideal location for solar panel installations. As you may have already done some research online and even consulted with a solar specialist to get a better understanding of the process and pricing, it’s crucial to make the right decision when choosing a solar installation company to ensure that you get the best results possible.
That’s why in this article, we will cover the most important questions you should ask your solar installers in Tampa when they visit you to provide a quote. By asking these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of the installation process, what to expect, and how to maximize the benefits of your solar panels.
So, let’s dive in and explore what you should be asking your solar installers in Tampa.
Are Solar Panels a Good Idea Now?
Before I go into detail about the questions that you should ask your solar contractor or consultant who comes out to provide you with a solar estimate, let me quickly address this important question: Is it a good time for you to go solar?
Yes! Solar power is now within reach of everyone, and if your home is located in Florida, it has never been a better time. Florida has one of the highest electricity rates in the nation, and that is a fact! Combined with the constant need for air conditioning, it is no wonder why Florida is not known for its low energy bills. Solar installations in Tampa Bay are now affordable, and thousands of homeowners have begun to install solar to lower or eliminate their electricity bills.
However, I understand that solar power for your Tampa home is an expensive investment, and it is essential to make sure it is done correctly. Here are some questions to ask your solar installer if you are considering solar power for your property.
Are You Considering Installing Solar Panels to Your Home?
One of the first things I noticed when I started working with Tampa’s solar installers a few years ago was that almost all of their owners and sales staff had solar panels installed. This is something I haven’t seen in any other industry.
It’s great to know that a baker actually eats his cakes! I was impressed to see that many Tampa solar installers believed in solar and their company enough to install their own solar systems. They also installed solar on their homes because it made financial sense, which is exactly what you, as a homeowner, want.
However, this does not necessarily mean that a solar consultant isn’t qualified or won’t install a good system. They may be looking for a new roof to install solar on before installing it, or they may not own the house they live in. It’s still great to find out that the person you are talking to has their own solar system and is happy with it.
“What size should my solar panel installation be in order to maximize my savings?” This question will give you an idea of how much roof space is required if you are able to offset all your energy costs using solar power. It will also tell you how much your solar power system will cost.
Unfortunately, many solar consultants will promise you a 100% offset or “more than enough” solar power. This question will be answered, but it’s important to do your research and ask for realistic estimates based on your energy usage and available roof space.
Information Needed By Your Solar Installer
- To understand your energy consumption and patterns, check your energy bills.
- Which parts of your roof receive the most sun? At what angles should you place solar panels? How many panels can fit in the available space?
- You can generate excess solar power and then feed it back to the grid. This will help offset months when you use more energy.
- They will need to know which utility company you use and their energy rates so they can accurately project and predict your savings.
Solar consultants will quickly tour your home and explain how they can meet your energy needs with a solar system.
ESD Solar is one of the best solar installers in Tampa. We use special software that utilizes satellite data and artificial intelligence to plan your entire solar project, given we have basic information.
Are You Licensed to Put Solar Panels in Florida?
Although it may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how straightforward this one is!
A lot of solar installers in Tampa are unlicensed and lack the necessary qualifications. Rather, they are merely brokers or sales firms that outsource the installation of their solar panels to a solar installer.
You can ask if the person will perform the installation or subcontract it for a more direct response to this question. If they don’t install the solar panels themselves, they won’t be able to fulfill their promises, no matter what they claim.
Are Your Solar Installers Experienced?
Tampa’s recent solar boom is a relatively new phenomenon, as solar didn’t gain widespread adoption until the past decade. As solar was not cost-effective until recent years, it’s challenging to find solar installers with more than twenty years of experience in the field.
However, there’s a significant difference between a company that has just started and one that has been in operation for 5-10 years.
The residential solar industry is still emerging, and many companies offer competitive pricing and other services to assist homeowners with solar panel installation. It would be unjust to exclude these startups from consideration simply because they are “new”. As someone who manages a startup in a highly competitive industry, you’re aware of the challenges.
A solar company that isn’t yet established doesn’t necessarily imply that they will do a poor job or use inferior equipment. Many startups were created by people who noticed flaws in existing companies and decided to establish their own to address them.
We have a variety of questions that you may ask, not just one.
You can inquire about the number of solar installations they’ve completed within a specific time frame. This will provide you with a sense of their expertise and the quality of their work.
Can the Solar Panel Weight Be Supported by My Roof?
Ensure that your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels.
As solar panels will be affixed to your roof, removing and reinstalling them after your roof has been repaired or replaced can be expensive and time-consuming. Any reputable solar installer will inquire about the condition of your roof before installing solar panels.
Don’t let your roof deteriorate or become damaged.
Several solar companies collaborate with roofing companies to repair or replace your roof and install solar panels. Simultaneously completing both projects can offer several benefits, such as tax credits or incentives that can be applied throughout the project.
Can the Solar Panel Weight Be Supported by My Roof?
This is a challenging question to answer as solar panels rely on sunlight for energy. No solar installer can predict how the sun will behave, rain patterns, cloudy days, etc., over the next twelve months.
However, there is ample information available, and solar companies can perform calculations to determine the number of solar panels your home needs and how much energy it will consume. They can also calculate whether your energy consumption will be offset 100%.
It is essential to ensure that your solar contractor is available to assist you if you encounter any problems with your panels.
I have observed solar companies being optimistic about the amount of solar power that a system can produce by removing a few panels to lower costs. It is crucial not only to pay a high price but also to ensure that you have enough solar power systems to meet your entire energy needs, saving you money in the long run.
ESD Solar, for instance, uses a formula to overcompensate energy production so that the solar power systems we design generate sufficient energy to meet clients’ needs.
It would be best if you asked your solar company what happens if the system produces less power than expected. Many companies offer additional solar panels, for example.
The following question is perhaps the most critical to ask in this context.
What Guarantees and Warranties Do My Solar Panels Come With
Installing solar is still an exciting option for many homeowners. You might be doing your own research to determine if solar is the right choice for you. Many homeowners have many questions.
All solar power systems include equipment warranties as well as quality guarantees. The work of solar installation companies is also guaranteed for a set amount of years. Although solar panels don’t require much maintenance, it’s worth asking if warranties require that they be serviced periodically to ensure that your warranty doesn’t become null.
Ask as many questions as you can about the matter and make sure to read all documentation.
What Happens If I Have Solar Power and Then Later Need More?
Although it may not seem important, it is.
ESD Solar asks many questions to help predict future changes in your life that could impact your energy use. Your energy consumption will rise if you have a larger family or welcome a new member to your home. However, energy consumption will drop if your child turns 18 or moves out of your house. Your energy consumption will increase if you add a room to your home or rent one of the rooms.
These changes will allow your solar company to plan your solar power system correctly. It will also give you an accurate description of how much you will pay monthly and how much you will save.
What if you are planning to make lifestyle changes? Or what if something happens that you didn’t expect? This is just life, and things do happen. Ask your solar installer about how they handle these situations. Also, ask if they can add panels at an affordable price.
I hope you found this article useful. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about going solar, or to provide a FREE SOLAR QUOTE.
Get the Help You Need With Our Expert Solar Installers in Tampa
Are you ready to make the switch to solar energy in Tampa? Our expert solar installers are here to help! With years of experience designing and installing solar power systems, we provide top-quality service and support to homes and businesses throughout the Tampa area.
From your initial consultation to the final installation and beyond, ESD Solar is dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction. With our help, you can start enjoying the benefits of clean, affordable solar energy in no time.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more sustainable future!
