Q&A Tuesday episodes

Hello, every week I answer homeowner's question in my Q&A Tuesday episodes. and I post them all here. You can submit your question by clicking the email icon below and I'll answer them on one of my Q&A Tuesday episode. Thanks for watching!

Q: Will a lien be placed on my home if I sign a solar agreement?

  • Most solar companies WILL put a lien on your home to secure their investment.  However, there are a handful of companies that WILL NOT put a lien on your home.  Be sure your solar representative clarifies this issue to your satisfaction and always read the contract thoroughly before signing a solar agreement. 

Q: What happens if I want to sell MY home?

Depending on which company you work with and the type of agreement you choose,  you have multiple options:
  • (1) You can transfer the system to the new Homeowner, along with the remaining warranty. 
  • (2) You can pay the loan off in full and build the value/cost of the system into the sales price of the home. Most Solar Companies will continue to provide the warranty and system coverage for the new Homeowner throughout the lifetime of the Agreement. (This is typically what homeowners who purchase their systems upfront do).
  • (3) You can move your solar system to your new home if it is within the same utility district and the utility allows it.  

Q: What happens WHEN the solar term is over?

Depending on which company you decide to work with and the agreement that you choose,  you have multiple options:
  • You can have the solar system removed, at no cost to you.  
  • You can remove the solar system and install a completely new system with the latest solar technology under a new Agreement.  New rates will apply.
  • You can purchase the system at fair market value: (ONLY FOR PPA OPTION). 
  • For "FINANCED" systems, once the term is over the panels are yours.  You no longer need to pay the solar company and all the energy that your system generates is FREE of charge. 

Q: How long are the terms per contract?

This depends on which solar options you choose and the options provided in your state:
  • Lease & PPA’s = 20 year tems
  • Financed = 10 - 30 year term. 

Q; How long is the Solar warranty? 

Depending on the solar company and the option that you choose.
  • Lease and PPA’s = 20-30 yrs
  • Financed = 20-30 yrs
  • Purchase = 20-30 yrs

Q: Do solar companies hire Sub-contractors to install their solar systems?

  • It depends on which company you decide to work with.  Most solar companies do hire sub-contractors to do some of even all of the work. But there are a few solar companies that do ALL their own work. Make sure to clarify this with your Solar Representative. 

Q: How are the panels installed on the roof?

  • The solar panels are screwed onto the rafters from the top of the roof.  The wires from the solar panels will be run through conduit pipes and attached onto the inverter on the side of your home. Find out how much money you can save by going solar:  CLICK HERE 

Q: What happens if my roof is damaged during and after installation?

  • Most but not all solar companies will cover any damages for the term of the contract. Check to see if the solar contract covers AT LEAST $2 million dollars to cover any damages to your home. Find out how much money you can save by going solar:  CLICK HERE 


Q: How much money can I save if I install solar panels on my home?

  • Since every home is built differently and every homeowner consumes energy differently it is impossible to give an accurate dollar amount without getting specific information from the Homeowner.  But the average energy savings by going solar is 20% - 40%.  Find out how much money you can save by going solar:  CLICK HERE 

Q: How long does it take to install a typical solar system?

  • A typical installation normally takes 4-6 hours depending the size of the system. 

Q: What if my system under produces the amount of energy that is in the agreement?

  • Most solar companies guarantee all of the system production.  If for whatever reason the system under produces the Agreement's solar output amount, most solar companies will reimburse the homeowner the amount that the system underproduces. ​ Find out how much money you can save by going solar:  CLICK HERE 

Q: How much do solar panels cost?

It all depends on the size of the system that is being installed on your home. 
  • There are purchase plans were you can buy the system outright AND 
  • There are even solar plans with ZERO money out of your pocket. 

Q: what happens if something break or stops working with the panels?

  • Depending on the solar company, most solar warranty will cover the entire system from any damages for 20 - 30 years depending on which option you go with.  NOTE: Not all companies will cover the entire system. Make sure you read your contract and clarify with your Solar Representative.