Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic cells, absorb energy from the sun, convert it to electricity, and then power items plugged into a wall outlet. Many homeowners can save money on utility bills and lower their carbon footprint by opting for solar panels.
Installing solar panels on your roof is a big undertaking and investment with long-term benefits—but only if it’s done correctly. Before committing to installing solar, it’s important to be prepared with the right questions to ask contractors to ensure that your home, roof, and solar system are ready. We spoke to a couple of experts to compile the most important questions to ask, why they matter, and the solutions that can help.
1. Is my roof in the right condition to support a solar system for the next 20 to 25 years?
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years, so your roof needs to be in good condition for the installation. Many homeowners install panels on aging roofs that need replacement just a few years later, which can turn a long-term investment into a double expense.
“If your roof has fewer than 10 good years left, you need to replace it before the panels go up,” says Ali Hassan, roofing specialist at Rabbit Roofing in Tampa, Florida. “Removing and reinstalling solar later can cost upwards of $2,000 depending on the system and location,” Hassan says. Planning ahead saves you from having to take the system down in a few years, pay for labor twice, and risk damage to both the panels and the roofing system during removal.
“You want to know the roof can carry the weight and last as long as the solar panels will.”
Ali Hassan, Rabbit Roofing
Avoid this problem by requesting a full roof inspection from a licensed roofer before signing any solar contract. This inspection should include checking for weakened decking, worn underlayment, flashing issues, and signs of structural fatigue, says Hassan. “Even if your roof looks fine, there can be hidden problems you can’t necessarily see,” says Hassan. “You want to know the roof can carry the weight and last as long as the solar panels will.”
2. Will the solar mounting system void my roof warranty?
Solar installers anchor panels using methods that can damage the roof or compromise waterproofing, so there is a concern that installing solar could void your roofing warranty. In that case, you would be responsible for the cost of all future repairs. “This is why you need to confirm that the solar installer works directly with a roofing contractor, or at least follows manufacturer-approved mounting guidelines,” advises Hassan.
Hassan’s roofing company coordinates with solar teams before they install any panel. “We check the roof material, attachment points, and type of mount being used. If the wrong brackets or penetrations are made without proper sealing, it only takes one storm to expose a leak,” he says. Each type of roof has different requirements, and your warranty depends on following those requirements exactly. “Before you agree to anything, get that answer in writing, and make sure both your roofer and solar installer are on the same page. It protects the system and your home.”
3. How will the placement of the solar panels affect future roof maintenance or repairs?
This is important to find out since the layout of the solar panels can affect how accessible areas of the roof will be for any future service. If the panels are placed too close to ridges, valleys, vents, or drains, even a minor repair can turn into a major job just to get to the damaged area, says Hassan. “I have been on jobs where a 30-minute shingle patch turned into a 6-hour project because half the solar array had to come off first,” recalls Hassan.
He suggests asking the installer to leave access paths between panel rows and keep vulnerable areas clear. “When the system is planned properly, it does not take away from production. What it does is make future inspections, minor repairs, and full replacements much easier to manage without adding unexpected costs.”
4. What financing or payment options do I have, including incentives, tax credits, and rebates?
Local, state, and federal incentives can significantly reduce your upfront cost, so it’s beneficial to ask about all the options available in your area. A Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), for example, can help reduce the costs of solar installation by 30 percent. “If you work with a certified solar installer, they will be able to help you find the incentives that can be applied,” says Jim Marino, CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements in Alpharetta, Georgia. “Ask about each incentive to learn more and avoid missing the deadlines or requirements needed to receive them.”
When it comes to finance plans, beware of promises that you won’t have to pay anything, warns Marino. “You should have the option to buy the solar panels outright, sign a lease, or enter a purchase agreement,” he says. “Understanding the differences and your responsibilities with each is critical for making the right decision, so ask follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding.” You should also ask the installer to provide you with a side-by-side comparison sheet for these options, which includes the benefits, drawbacks, and long-term costs associated with each choice.
5. How will the solar panels interact with my current system?
Finally, you’ll want to understand exactly how the solar panels will work with your current electrical system, such as whether they connect to a solar home generator, along with the metering process. Ask if you will need to upgrade your electrical panel, whether you will be selling the excess power back to the grid, how much compensation you will receive for it, and if your utility permits net metering.
Hire an energy expert or licensed electrician to inspect your system before proceeding with the solar panel installation. “This can affect the savings on your monthly bill and impact your decision for the size of your solar system,” explains Marino. “Make sure you ask the installer to explain all local net metering policies and requirements for interconnection.”
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn