How to Get Solar Panel Quotes and Make an Informed Decision

How to Get Solar Panel Quotes and Make an Informed Decision

Energy - Learning how to get solar panel quotes and make an informed decision about whether you want solar panels can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be hard! The following guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting solar panel quotes, what information the quotes will include, and how to interpret that information so you can make an informed choice.

What type of system do you need?

There are a few types of solar systems to choose from: standalone, grid-tie, off-grid. Before you get solar panel quotes, it's important for you to determine which system would best suit your needs. Standalone is the most common type of system--these are typically what people think about when they consider solar panels for their home or business. They have no need for any other outside energy source (such as electricity lines), but these systems are more expensive upfront than grid-tie or off-grid options. Grid-tie systems hook up your rooftop panels directly into the power grid so you can sell your excess electricity back to the utility company while still using the sun’s power when it shines down on your home.

What is your budget?

Solar panel installation can be costly, but it's worth it in the long run. If you're considering installing solar panels on your home or business, you'll need to get solar panel quotes from at least three different companies so you can make a more informed decision about the expense. Here are some guidelines for getting the best solar panel quotes: 

-For a residential property, you should get at least three quotes from reputable businesses. It may take some time to find the right company for your needs, but by requesting quotes from several different businesses you'll be able to compare prices and quality of service.

-The company will want as much information as possible about your property before giving you a quote.

What are your goals for going solar?

Solar panels are one of the most effective ways of generating your own electricity. You get free energy from the sun, so it's important that you choose a system that will meet your needs. There is a lot of information available online about how much solar panels cost, how much energy they produce, their warranty period, and more. The best way to find out if solar panels are right for you is to get solar panel quotes from several providers in your area. But first, here are some questions you need answered before you can make an informed decision: 

1) What kind of budget do I have? 2) How much power do I need? 3) Am I looking for a home-solar system or commercial-solar system?

What is your energy usage?

Solar panels are not for everyone. You should consider how much energy you use before getting solar panel quotes. If your energy usage is minimal, it might be worth looking into other ways of saving on your electric bill. On the other hand, if you’re a huge energy hog, solar panels are definitely something to look into.

#1: Find out how much electricity you use per day 

Use a kWh meter to measure how many kilowatt hours of electricity you use in a day. This will let you know whether or not solar panels would be right for your home. For example, if you only use 200 kilowatts (kWh) in a day, that means that the average cost per kWh is 10 cents.

What is the climate like where you live?

The climate where I live is wet, humid and hot. This means that the sun is always shining so solar panels are a great option for me. I've found some good deals through independent reviews from trusted websites, so I feel confident in making the decision to get solar panel quotes. The next step is comparing prices, which will help me know whether or not my roof would be compatible for solar panels. If it isn't compatible, there are other alternatives that I can consider too! One more thing before getting a quote: what company is your current power company?

What is the condition of your roof?

There are a few different factors that will determine the condition of your roof. If it's not in good shape, getting solar panel quotes will be even more difficult since the panels themselves won't be able to be installed on top of a brittle or cracked surface. 

The first thing you'll want to look for is overall wear - does it have any missing shingles? Dents? Are there any visible holes? If so, that means you need a new roof before installing solar panels. 

Next, you'll want to check for broken or missing nails. Broken or missing nails indicate that your roof may have been damaged by water which can cause mold growth and lead to other issues like leaks.

What are the building codes and regulations in your area?

Before you get solar panel quotes, it is important that you know what building codes and regulations apply in your area. Some areas require that a permit be obtained for installation from the utility company. Other places might not allow them at all. If it is a requirement, then you will need to get solar panel quotes from authorized companies who have been approved by the local authority. If permits are not required, then check the list of qualified contractors in your area before getting solar panel quotes.

How much shade does your home get?

Trees are a great part of your home's landscape. They provide shade during the hot summer months, protection from wind, bugs, and even people peering into your house when they're tall enough. You might want to consider if these benefits make it worth giving up the potential cost-savings of solar panels. When getting solar panel quotes for your house, also take into account how much shade your property gets because that can significantly impact the panels' performance. If you're in a tree-heavy area or get full sun most of the day, chances are good that investing in solar will save you money on electricity costs over time and help preserve our environment for future generations.

What incentives are available in your area?

The best way to get solar panel quotes in your area is by using the EnergySage website. The site lists all the incentive programs in the U.S. that are available for solar panels, then directs you to a local installer once you've decided on a region or state. You'll find that many offer rebates, tax credits and even federal grants as well as low-interest financing options. Other benefits might be lower monthly bills because of net metering or increases in your home's value because it's more energy efficient - though this can vary depending on what other upgrades have been done as well as where you live, so it's best not to count on this being a given unless it's something a salesman can tell you with certainty.

Get multiple quotes and compare

Get quotes from a few providers so you can compare prices, types of panels, warranty length and more. You can't get solar panel quotes without getting quotes. Your quote will list out how much energy you'll get for the next year on a daily basis. Don't use this to figure out how much power your home actually uses--that's too complicated. Just think about what it will be like when your house is powered by clean energy rather than dirty electricity from coal-fired plants! The quote should also say what types of incentives you're eligible for as well as any limitations on availability in your area that are determined by zoning regulations. Get as many quotes as possible before making any decisions so you know what is available at the time you're looking at specific installers.