I'm Sorry, Ma'am, But You Can't Go Solar (Encore)

On the next Probably True Solar Stories, a feisty senior citizen
is determined to haggle with a solar salesman to buy the solar
system of her dreams. But her haggling plans fall through when an
honest salesperson refuses to sell an installation at any price.
Can they find the solar win-win?

True Solar Takeaways


Not every home is a good fit for solar. 

The home may have too many trees or other obstacles that
block the sun--and solar production. The home may need a new
roof. The home's wiring or service panel may need an upgrade. A
good installer will make an evaluation and let you know these
things in advance of signing a contract.  You can always
make these upgrades and go solar in the future. 

In general, solar installed on North-facing roofs will
generate very little solar power, but in some areas, such as
Southern California, it can make financial sense. However, for
most of the U.S. and Europe, a South-facing roof is ideal. West
and East are okay, and in some cases, may be better. 

If you live in Australia, a North-facing roof is great.

Your solar installer should design the best system based on
your roof and many factors. 

To find a good installer, get a referral from a friend who's
already gone solar.

Even with a friend's referral, always check out solar
installer reviews on the internet. Yelp, Google Reviews, Angie's
List, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) will usually reveal
the bad and good installers.

After reading reviews and doing your homework, always get at
least three quotes. You'll learn something about solar and your
home's electricity usage with every quote.

Beware of the installer's utility inflation rate when a
proposal estimates your payback period and ROI. No one can
predict utility rate inflation over the next 25 years. Just
because your bill went up 10% for two years in a row does not
mean it will go up 10% every year for the next 25 years.  

You can find more buying tips on the internet. The most
important thing is to get at least three quotes and compare them.
If you're confused, ask the installer questions. If they get
frustrated or pressure you to just sign without understanding the
proposal, costs, and payback period, walk away. 

If you're not familiar with computers and the internet, find
someone who is. Shopping for solar is complicated. 

You can't properly shop for a solar installer from ads in the
Yellow Pages, no matter what special discounts are
promised. 

If you can't go solar, your state may have community solar
programs that allow you to go solar by "subscribing" to a large
solar farm in your area. Search Google for "community solar in
YOUR STATE" to learn about the available programs. 



Hope that helps!


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