As residential solar increases in popularity, so does the prevalence of inexperienced solar companies.
When solar companies cut corners, you suffer. Poor customer service, misleading warranties or uneducated salespeople can quickly turn your solar installation process sour.
While there are plenty of reputable solar companies out there, staying informed can help you avoid scams and find a company with the necessary experience and expertise to ensure a reliable investment.
Here are the top three things that your solar panel company won’t tell you, but are crucial to know:
1. Avoid Leasing Your Solar Panels
If you’re leasing your solar panels, chances are you’re assuming more risk than you think.
The truth is, leasing solar panels is cheaper upfront because you’re passing off most of the benefits of going solar to your solar company.
Leasing solar panels is not necessarily a scam, but your return on investment will be lower and you will not own the solar panels on your home.
For starters, when you lease your solar panels, you don’t get to claim the 30% federal tax credit on your solar system. You’re allowing the solar company to claim it instead.
Leased solar panels also don’t increase the value of your home like ones that you own will. In fact, if you’re selling your home, some potential homebuyers may be scared away by the idea of making payments on an existing solar loan.
That means that, when you sign a solar lease, your solar company…
