Going solar can be a challenging process for homeowners — especially when speaking with different solar companies yields conflicting and confusing information. But when done right, the economic and environmental benefits of rooftop solar are more than worthwhile.

View Details

So we asked solar industry veteran Brian Lynch a simple question: What can homeowners do to set themselves up for a successful solar installation?

Lynch broke his answer into 10 questions that homeowners should ask themselves before signing a deal and also threw in some expert advice for answering those questions that he’s picked up over his 15+ years with major solar players like REC, LG, and ADT.

Whether you’re comparing quotes on the solar.com marketplace or seeking them out on your own, ask yourself the following questions before you sign a solar agreement.

1. Do I know who I’m dealing with and can I trust them?

Rooftop solar is a major investment in lowering your electricity costs and carbon footprint, so it’s crucial to work with a reputable company that has a proven track record of excellent workmanship and customer service. Research the installer whether or not they are performing the sale.

As a baseline, they should have:

• Strong customer reviews and consumer ratings
• An established presence in your community
• A robust workmanship warranty
• Proof of licensing and insurance available upon request

Brian Lynch’s advice:

For a truly unbiased opinion, call the local inspector’s office and ask if they believe the contractor performs quality work.

2. Is the technology selected right for my project?

Not every solar panel, inverter, and battery is created equal. For example, certain panels and inverters are better suited for roofs with occasional shading than others. And if you’re relying on your solar system to reduce your electricity costs, it’s important to invest in the right technology.

Ask yourself the following question: Did the salesperson simply propose what they stock or did they select the right technology package for your specific application? Better yet, ask the salesperson why they chose the equipment they did.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

Research the equipment companies, their ratings, and whether they have US-based customer service – it might make all the difference in the world in a few years if something goes wrong.

Related reading: Best Solar Panels and Inverters Brands of

3. What are my goals for going solar?

Successful solar projects begin with setting goals. Some homeowners want to zero out their utility bill, others want to reduce their environmental impact, and a growing number are motivated by backup power and energy independence. Honing in on one or two primary goals can help you and your advisor craft a custom solution to meet them.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

It’s okay to have several motivations for going solar, but narrow it down to one or two primary goals to guide your system design.

4. Does the proposal meet my goals of going solar?

Once you have goals in place, make sure the proposals you receive actually meet them. Every homeowner and every project is unique. Did the salesperson develop a custom proposal based on your feedback, utility usage, and goals for going solar? Or did they simply propose what the roof could fit?

Ask the salesperson or advisor how the equipment, design, and financing options were selected to help meet your goals.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

Dealing with an unbiased advisor or advocate versus a commissioned salesperson can make all the difference in the world.

5.   Am I thinking about solar the wrong way?

We’ve all seen the ads promising “free” solar. Simply put, there’s no such thing — and these misleading ads set unrealistic expectations for homeowners looking to lower their essential energy costs. Companies that rely on click-bait like “free solar” likely have no issues lying to you later in the process.

Going solar is a great way to lower and flatten your essential electricity costs over time. But if the numbers sound too good to be true, they almost certainly are.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

The best way to identify and avoid solar scams is to get multiple quotes from reputable installers. This will give you a sense of fair pricing in your market and expose outliers that are too good to be true.

6. Am I economically enabling illegal activities?

Sounds crazy, but there’s a dark side of solar. Reports have been issued by Universities that expose forced labor practices in the upstream supply chain of some solar companies and there have been many investigations into illegal trade practices.

While the US is combatting forced labor in the solar supply chain with tariffs and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in , there are still panel manufacturers trying to circumvent these safeguards.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

The best way to avoid enabling unethical practices is to work with reputable companies that don’t have Chinese ownership ties.

7. Cash, loan, or lease?

Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here as everyone has different financial circumstances and goals. But there are pros and cons to all of the buying panels (with a loan or cash) and leasing them.

In general:

• Financing with a solar loan provides more immediate savings by replacing your monthly electric bill with lower payments on your panels
• Paying cash provides greater long-term savings since you can avoid interest charges
• Solar leases can provide immediate energy cost savings, but are typically less lucrative than ownership in the long term and come with a unique set of complications.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

Discuss and simulate several finance options with an unbiased advisor to craft a payment plan that best meets your goals.

8. To store or not to store?

Investing in energy storage – aka solar batteries – along with your solar array is a great way to “future proof” your solar investment. Battery storage provides energy security and allows you to use your electricity when it’s best for you. But, it comes with a substantial cost, and understanding whether an energy storage system is right for you is worth exploring.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

Consider the long-term economics. Battery storage costs substantially less when it is installed at the same time as solar panels than if it’s added to a solar system retroactively.

9. Do I have trust?

Do you trust what you’ve been told? Do you trust the equipment? Do you trust the installer? Do you trust that this is the right system for you?

If the answer to these questions is yes – then solar is amazing. If the answer is no to one or more of them, find a partner that will build and earn your trust.

Brian Lynch’s advice:

With today’s solar systems expected to last 25+ years, installing solar means entering a long-term relationship with your installation company and equipment manufacturers. Trust your project to an installer you trust will be around to promptly service your system and help you file warranty claims if issues should arise.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Shanghai Gulier.

10. Am I confident in my decision to go solar?

Solar shouldn’t be high-pressure gimmicky sales with three-card monte discounting. Solar should be thoroughly explained, researched, and priced in a fair and consultative manner. If you’re confident in your decision to go solar then congratulations – you’ve made a fantastic decision. If not, take the time to evaluate your options

Brian Lynch’s advice:

Take the time to fully understand, consider, and establish confidence in your decision to go solar. Don’t let a salesperson rush your decision.

Solar panels - 20 things you need to know (July )

Green energy is gaining popularity at a fast rate, and solar is one of the best eco-friendly options for homeowners. A solar panel is a group of electrically connected solar cells, enclosed in a frame, which converts sunlight into electricity. Switching to solar energy has many advantages, allowing you to save money while helping the environment, and may have a few limitations connected to the position of your house and weather conditions.

In this article, we'll go into more detail with 20 facts about solar panels. However, if you just want to cut to the chase and find someone who can help you install solar panels quickly, we've got you covered.

At GreenMatch, we have a UK-wide network of accredited and reliable solar panel installers. We can provide you with up to 3 free quotes from installers available in your area whom provide the best solar panels. This way, you'll have a better idea of local rates and can choose the best deal.

Click the button below to get your free non-binding quotes now.

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save up to £1,110 per year

It only takes 30 seconds

1. The concept of harnessing energy from the sun is not new

The first to predict it might become a reality was Leonardo da Vinci, in the 15th century. The first solar cell was developed in the 19th century, but its solar efficiency was only 1%.

2. Solar energy is completely free and renewable

Once the initial solar panel costs are covered, you will not need to spend a cent on the electricity they produce. Moreover, you will reduce your carbon footprint by using solar energy, since it is totally green and renewable.

Solar energy users save, annually, as much as 75 million barrels of oil and 35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Plus, a huge amount of power can be harnessed from the sun: in just one hour, the Earth receives more energy than it would consume in an entire year (approximately 120 terawatts).

3. Made from earth-abundant materials.

The vast majority of available PV modules use silicon as their main component. This is good because there is plenty of silicon – it is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. The silicon cells manufactured from one ton of sand produce as much electricity as burning 500,000 tons of coal.

Alternatively, conventional fuel sources have created an array of environmental and human health problems, including carbon dioxide emissions leading to climate change, acid rain, air pollution, smog, water pollution, rapidly-filling waste disposal sites, and destruction of habitat from oil spills and accidents.

4. There are two types of solar panels

Photovoltaic (solar PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, while solar thermal panels heat water by absorbing the sun’s warmth, and can be used to heat homes or swimming pools.

5. The initial cost

The cost of installing solar panels is not to be overestimated, because even though prices are high the payback period is quite short due to the savings on electricity bills and the government aids. Homes equipped with solar panels sell faster and at a higher price than those without.

Advancements in technology and rises in the number of installations will likely bring down prices, due to economies of scale and lower cost of materials. PV costs have dropped precipitously, and now solar and wind are the least expensive electricity sources in most of the world. This makes getting regular or cheap solar panels one of the best choices for your home.

6. Low maintenance requirements

Once installed, almost no solar panel maintenance is required. You will only have to make sure they’re clean and not shaded by anything. A tilted roof will require less cleaning, since rain helps remove dirt. Additionally, solar panels have a very long lifespan. They carry a standard 25-years warranty, but can last up to 30-40 years.

PV panels have extremely low operating and maintenance costs. For the small systems on most people’s homes this cost is negligible compared to costs of other renewable energy systems and conventional power plants. PV systems, in general, simply do not require frequent inspection or maintenance of any kind.

7. Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work

Even though maximum efficiency is reached when the sun is shining, electricity is still produced on cloudy days and during winter. On the other hand, no electricity can be produced at night, but a storage system can solve this problem. The solar battery costs can be paid off by selling excess energy to national grid and by the benefit of making you 100% energy independent. You should still consider that solar panels produce free electricity during the day, which is when it is more expensive and hence more valuable.

8. Potential issues

Prior to installing solar panels, you should consider the shape and inclination of the roof and the location of the house itself. In order to obtain the best annual performance, the roof should be facing south at a 30 degrees angle, approximately. These are not strict requirements, since solar panels also work in different settings, as long as the installation is free of shadows between 10am and 4pm. It is important to keep the panels far from bushes and trees for two reasons: they might shade the installations and the branches and leaves may scratch the surface, lowering their performance.

Excessive exposure to wind and rain may also degrade performance, in the long term, so shelter from the wind should be considered when evaluating placement. However, as mentioned previously, solar panels come with 25-years warranties, which guarantee that the output should not be lower than 80% within that time frame. Plus, surprisingly enough, solar panels do not work better in hotter climates. That is because solar cells harness sunlight and not heat, and their efficiency is decreased by high temperatures.

9. The technology is versatile

Solar panels can be used on any type of building, road, bridge, and even spacecraft and satellites. Solar energy is making its way into all aspects of life: lightweight, portable panels are already present on solar blinds for your windows and small devices like chargers.

Moreover, next-generation cars and boats are updating to solar. Large, empty areas are increasingly being used to host solar farms. The largest one is located in the Mojave Desert in California, and it generates 90% of the world’s commercially produced solar power.

PV systems are flexible and can be designed for a variety of applications and operational requirements and can be used for either centralized or distributed power generation.

10. Permissions

You will not need to apply for planning permission to install solar panels domestically, as long as your installation does not protrude more than 200mm. You will therefore need permission if your system is too large, or for other reasons such as placement within protected sites. 

If you live in a UK conservation area and want to install solar panels, we have a specialised article on solar panels in conservation areas that can advise you on whether you need planning permission or not.

11. Highly reliable and have no moving parts

Even under the harshest of conditions, PV systems maintain electrical power supply. In comparison, conventional technologies often fail to supply power in the most critical of times.

12. Durable and have long service lifetimes

PV modules are very durable and have long service lifetimes. In general, modules carry a warranty of 80% of their rated power for 20 or more years. Thus, the worst case is an expected 1% decrease in performance per year.

There have been several studies showing that in the real world, there is even less degradation than this – at around 0.2%-0.5%/year., PV panels can be expected to last up to thirty years or longer.

13. PV panels are completely silent

PV panels are completely silent, which reduces noise pollution if they offset generators. This also makes PV a superior solution for residential and other applications - like libraries and schools where silence is an asset - that are currently powered with a diesel generator (it should be noted that inverters do produce a modest hum).

14. Modular and easily expandable

Unlike conventional power systems, modules may be added to photovoltaic systems to increase available power. Recent improvements in micro inverters and DC optimisers make this easier than ever before.

15. PV systems are safe

As PV systems do not require the use of combustible fuels, they are very safe when made by one of the best solar panel manufacturers.

16. Can be used to shave peak loads

Solar energy availability coincides with energy needs for cooling. Hot, sunny summer days are when air conditioning (AC) loads are high and PV panels are churning out electrical energy to feed them. Thus, PV systems provide an effective solution to energy demand peaks – especially in hot summer months in regions where energy demand is high. This benefits the electric grid as well because it lowers conventional electricity market prices due to reduced peak demand.

17. Works great at high altitudes

When using solar energy, power output is optimised at higher elevations. This is very advantageous for high altitude, isolated communities where diesel generators must be de-rated due to the loss in efficiency and power output.

18. Having grid-tied PV systems also helps improve the grid

PV can improve grid reliability, which is of use to electric utilities by providing voltage regulation, dynamic control, inverter ride through, and improved power quality.

Small-scale decentralised power stations reduce the possibility of power outages, which are often frequent on the electric grid. Similarly, detailed studies of electric outages on U.S. military bases show PV-powered micro grids can improve national security.

19. Offers reduced liability for power generators

Many traditional sources of power have substantial externalities, and there are a growing number of lawsuits pending to compensate victims of these externalities. Thus, PV reduces future costs of mitigating the environmental impacts of fossil fuels like coal and nuclear generation technologies.

20. Enhances local job creation

PV also enhances tax revenues associated with local job creation, which is higher for solar than conventional power generation. Solar creates both more jobs and higher paying jobs than fossil fuel-related employment.

If you are interested in investing in solar panels in Scotland, Wales, England or Northern Ireland, then simply fill in the contact form and our specialists will provide you with up to 3 quotes, completely free of charge. This service is non-binding, and only takes a minute! Click the button below to begin.

For more satellite solar cellinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.