Rooftop Solar Energy Contracts Explained

As the cost of solar energy continues to decrease, more homeowners are installing solar panels to power their homes and lower energy costs. If you are thinking about going solar, you’ll need to sign a contract, and it is important to know what you will be signing.

Before you sign your solar contract, make sure you understand the terms. From the warranty to the installer’s liability, there is much to understand!

Of course, solar contracts will vary depending on the installer, and how your system is financed, but here is an overview of some of the things that you can expect.

Solar System Overview

This section of your contract provides specific details about your solar system such as the number of panels it had, the type of panels and inverters, the location, the panel wattage, and the manufacturer’s warranty.

It might also include the date your system will be installed and operating, as well as the value of its yearly solar production.

Learn More> How Many Solar Panels Does the Average Home Need?

Warranties and Guarantees

Your contract should plainly state which warranties are included with your system including but not limited to:

• 25-year power performance warranty
• 10–12-year product warranty
• Installer warranty
• Inverter: typically, 5–10-year factory warranty
• Warranty extension: Some manufacturers offer warranty extensions of 20 years

Financial Summary

The financial summary will show you where your money is going including the cost of materials, labor, and installation, as well as the estimated energy savings over the solar system’s life. You may also see an outline of the costs for permitting and inspections, which often make up a large part of the overall costs.

The system’s expected annual solar output in kilowatt-hours (kWh) will also likely be included here, as well as the value of the system’s solar output.

Electric Details

The overview of your annual electricity usage and your new solar system’s expected output will likely be outlined in this section. Remember, the size of your home isn’t the only factor that determines your electricity usage and solar output.

We usually ask for 12 months of electricity bills to help size your system, and we also consider the efficiency of your appliances, or if you own an electric vehicle when designing the right system for your needs.

Electric Bill Savings

This section of the contract gives you insight into how much your utility bills are likely to be once you have installed your solar system. Your energy savings will depend on many factors including your overall energy consumption, your system’s exposure to sunlight, if you are set up with net metering, and local electricity rates.

Of course, the cost of electricity changes over time, so it is important to ensure that you understand how that could affect your cost savings.

Learn More> Everything You Need to Know About Net Metering

Inspections and Interconnection

Before we install your solar panels, we need to obtain construction and electric work permits from the city or county where you live. We will also need to gain approval from your utility company to connect your PV system to the grid.

Once installed, your system must be inspected and then interconnection with your utility can take place. If the system fails inspection, the problems will need to be addressed before interconnection with the grid can occur.

Sign Up for Solar

If you are ready to sign on the dotted line and get a solar system installed in your home, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We are ready to help you gain energy independence and harness the energy from the sun.

Ready to go solar? Choose Solar Bear Orlando. Schedule a consultation today—407-904-7585!