One of the first (and most important) decisions you’ll have to make when installing solar panels is who is going to install them.
Home solar panels are a big investment, and they’re installed directly onto your roof. To make sure you get your money’s worth and don’t end up with any damage, it’s important to choose your installer carefully.
So how do you know who to trust? Start by asking these key questions while you’re researching installers.
1. How long have you been in business?
Experience matters when it comes to solar. A company that’s been around for a long time knows what it’s doing and has ironed out all the kinks, so you get a smooth experience.
At Cascadia Solar, we’ve been installing solar panels since 2008. And, as the solar division of Frederickson Electric, we’ve been serving the Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas for over 50 years.
2. Who will actually install my solar panels?
Many solar companies outsource installation, which almost always results in inconsistent and lower-quality results. Ask your installer who will be up on your roof installing your solar panels and whether they’re company employees or subcontractors.
The Cascadia Solar team is entirely in-house.
3. Are you licensed and insured?
Always confirm your installer is licensed and carries insurance. This protects you and your home throughout the solar installation process. It might seem like it should be a given, but you’d be surprised. If an installer isn’t happy to provide proof of their license and insurance, consider it a red flag.
4. How long is your warranty, and what does it cover?
Ask about both equipment and workmanship warranties to get a full understanding of how you’re protected.
Our systems include a 25-year panel warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. If anything goes wrong, you can call us directly for help. We’re right here in Port Townsend, and we stand behind every system we install.
5. Do you perform maintenance if equipment fails?
Solar panels last a long time. It’s important to make sure your installer will be there for you, not just during the installation process, but in the years and even decades that follow.
We’re here to take care of our customers for the entire lifespan of their system. If something breaks or isn’t working as it should, we can diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
6. Does monitoring come with the system?
Your solar panels should come with a monitoring system that tracks output and notifies you of any problems. A good installer will set you up with a monitoring system when you go solar, and a great one will monitor your system for you.
At Cascadia Solar, we provide lifetime monitoring for every system we install. You never have to worry about your system going down because we will be notified immediately and figure out what we need to do to get your system back up and running.
7. Do you have experience with the local utility grid and permitting process?
Permitting and utility interconnection are key components of a successful solar installation. If your installer doesn’t know your town or utility’s rules, you could end up in a tangled mess of delays and fees.
We’ve installed hundreds of residential and commercial solar energy systems on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, and we know how to handle the permitting and interconnection processes.
8. What happens to me if you go out of business?
It’s not uncommon for solar installers to close up shop as incentives and policies change, which can leave their customers in the lurch.
With Cascadia Solar as your installer, you don’t have to worry about that happening. We’re a division of Frederickson Electric, which has been in business for over five decades. We’ll always have solar and electrical experts in-house and be here to take care of your system for the long haul.
9. Do you have any references I can speak to?
Any reputable solar installer will be happy to show you examples of their work and provide references. If an installer you’re considering can’t show you proof of past successful installations, they probably aren’t a company you want to hire.
10. What are the projected savings and production estimate?
It’s crucial to understand what your savings and energy production will look like before you sign a solar contract. A good contractor will give you personalized numbers based on your home, usage, and utility rate, and help you decide whether solar panels are worth the investment for you.
If a company is just showing you a too-good-to-be-true number and trying to talk you quickly into signing, they’re probably not someone you want to work with.
11. What kinds of rebates and incentives are there? Will you help me with them?
There are incentives available for solar panels that can reduce installation costs and impact your monthly savings. Some are federal, but most vary by state and utility. Ask your installer for a full breakdown of what’s available in your area. A knowledgeable local company will have this information readily available and be happy to walk you through it.
12. What types of financing options do you offer, and how do they impact payback?
There are a few ways to pay for solar, and the option you choose will affect your lifetime savings. Ask your installer about the various options and what the payback period will look like with each.
If an installer is pushing you aggressively toward a lease, be wary. Solar leases are often misleading and expensive. It’s better to own your system outright by paying cash or financing it with a loan.
Cascadia Solar does not offer any in-house financing, and if a customer needs to finance their system they are free to get whatever loan suits their needs. We typically point people towards the Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union as a place to start, since they have loans specific to green-home improvements like solar.
13. What will the final design look like? How will you maintain the aesthetics of my home?
Solar panels are installed on your roof and can change the look of your home. If you have concerns, make sure you bring them up before you sign a contract.
A good question to ask is: where do you run the conduit? At Cascadia Solar, we opt to run the conduit through your attic, instead of installing it on the roof, which allows for a much cleaner look. However for folks who do not have attic space, our electricians do a great job of running conduit under the roof eaves or hidden along gutters if possible to minimize the aesthetic impact. We encourage our homeowners to discuss these details with the Cascadia Solar team so that you are happy with every aspect of the way your new system will look.
You may also want to ask about panel placement and color, as well as where the inverter and any batteries will be installed. These components are often installed in the garage, so it’s important to confirm they won’t take up space you rely on.
