Key Questions and Answers About Going Solar - Consumer Reports

That depends on what you’re spending on electricity, the amount of power that an installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system can provide, your finances, and your time frame for living in your home.

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Calculate your average monthly electric expenses by tallying your electric bills for the past 12 months and dividing by 12. Plug that figure, and your address, into a solar calculator such as Google Project Sunroof, EnergySage, or SolarReviews. Those tools will combine that information with aerial views of your roof from Google Earth, Tesla Maps, or another aerial photography tool to estimate how big a PV system your home could handle, how much you could save over, say, 20 years, and your investment’s break-even point: that is, when a purchase would begin to pay off. The average homeowner who buys a solar panel system could break even in 8.7 years, EnergySage says. 

Savings and break-even estimates for the same property can be wildly different among the calculators, so consider them a starting point in your decision-making. But if you plan to sell your home before the earliest break-even point, a solar purchase probably doesn’t make sense.

If your roof is old, the answer is no—at least not until you replace it. Asphalt shingles that are 10 years old or more should be replaced before adding a solar array on top, says Ana Almerini, a spokesperson for SolarReviews. New solar panels are warrantied to last, on average, 25 years, while most roofs are warrantied for 30 years or less. If your 10-year-old roof needs to be replaced at its 30-year mark—20 years into your solar array’s lifetime—you’ll need to remove everything to reroof and then reinstall the solar system, a costly proposition.

With newer roofs, you’ll still only know for sure if a solar installation is feasible after a solar company rep checks out your roof and surrounding foliage in person. They’ll determine whether there’s too much shade or other obstacles, or the roof has problems that don’t make an installation worthwhile. That inspection costs you nothing and takes place before you sign on the dotted line. Or, If you’d rather find out whether your roof is a candidate before you shop—avoiding the calls, texts, emails, and visits to your front door you can expect from aggressive salespeople—pay a roofer for an inspection. 

Check, too, with your municipality—and homeowners’ association, if you have one—to find out about any restrictions on the type and placement of solar panel arrays. 

The most powerful savings tool for homeowners who buy their solar systems is the federal solar tax credit, available for installations through . It allows you to subtract 30 percent of the cost of buying and installing solar heating, electricity generation, and other solar home products from your federal taxes. There’s no dollar limit on those expenses; you’re entitled to that 30 percent tax break whether you spend $20,000 or more than $100,000 on costs associated with a residential solar system.

This break is available to all taxpayers for their primary or secondary residence located in the U.S. Taxpayers of any income level can take advantage of it. You can use it whether you itemize your taxes or take the standard deduction. Keep in mind, though, that the solar tax credit is available only if you purchase a solar system; if you lease one, you can’t take advantage of the credit. And if you don’t typically owe taxes, the credit isn’t useful.

You also could further your savings in these ways: 

Local and state incentives. Your state may offer additional breaks, including tax rebates or sales tax exemptions (see this state-by-state compilation from Solar.com, an online solar marketplace). Your municipality may exempt your solar system from your home’s assessed value, so your taxes don’t rise even as your home value does.

Rebates. Your electric utility, as well as certain installers and manufacturers, also may offer rebates for buying and installing a system. 

Sale of your excess electricity. In a handful of states, solar-home owners can arrange to sell their excess power to utilities. They sign up with a marketplace that assigns the excess electricity a certain number of solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs); those SRECs are then traded in a marketplace with fluctuating prices. The District of Columbia and eight states—Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia—have such marketplaces. In some areas of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, residents can participate in Ohio’s SREC marketplace.

Leasing is commonly marketed as a way to finance a solar installation for those who aren’t using cash. The benefit of leasing—usually a 20-year commitment—is that you put no money down. Your energy bills are instantly lower, based on a formula the solar provider devises. Maintenance is handled by the solar company as well. Typically you pay a set monthly amount for electricity— regardless of how much power your system produces. (In a power-purchase agreement, a lease variant, you pay for what your system produces.) 

Just be aware of the pitfalls and caveats of leasing, which make this type of financing less beneficial to homeowners than cash purchases or loans. For one, the solar panels, racks, and inverters on your roof aren’t yours, and the solar company that owns them—not you—benefits from all the available tax incentives. Interest rates can be higher than for financing you obtain yourself. Your monthly payment also can rise each year with a lease, versus a loan payment that stays constant. 

And, depending on where you live, your home could be more difficult to sell with a leased solar system in place. If the new buyer doesn’t want to continue the lease, the solar company will remove its panels and you’ll have to pay what you still owe on the lease. Buyers who agree to assume the solar lease need to report those payments as their own debt when applying for a mortgage, added to any credit card balances, student debt, and car loans they already owe. “That lease payment could throw the buyer into a higher interest rate, or not qualify them for a loan at all,” says Sandra Adomatis, a real estate appraiser in Punta Gorda, Fla., and an expert in valuing green homes with The Appraisal Institute, an industry group. 

Taking a loan from the solar company also isn’t ideal. The interest rates the solar company will charge may be higher than what you’d get by seeking an independent lender yourself. And solar dealers often tack on significant origination fees—up to 30 percent of the system’s cost, compared with 1 to 5 percent for traditional loans. “I wouldn’t use the financing from the solar company,” says Garrett Mendelsohn, founder and CEO at Solar Bootcamp, based in Palmas del Mar, Puerto Rico, which teaches solar company representatives how to sell systems virtually. “Ninety percent of the time, you’re paying a high interest rate and huge dealer fee.”

If you’ve been in your home a while, a less costly way to finance your solar investment is through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) or loan, borrowing off your home’s built-up value. The interest rate is likely to be lower than if you seek a personal loan for the job. And, you can deduct the interest on your federal tax returns for a major solar installation; the IRS permits such deductions when home equity is used to “substantially improve” your home.

For HELOCs and other types of loans, consult comparison sites like Bankrate, Lending Tree, and SoFi for competing interest rates and terms. New-home buyers and those refinancing also can check out Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Energy Mortgage Program, which can help you bundle a solar loan into the new mortgage. 

After closing, keep an eye on interest rates. You can refinance when current rates, now relatively high, begin to fall. 

Solar installers are typically one-stop shops, offering you panels and inverters—and the racks that hold them—as well as installation. In addition to offering their own financing, they may sell extra warranties, monitoring, and maintenance. 

To find installers, search for “solar installer,” or input your address and other basic personal information into comparison websites like EnergySage and SolarReviews; each analyzes the quality of local providers and their products using technical measures; they both also use consumer reviews. (EnergySage doesn’t require your number, a boon if you want to avoid texts.)

The not-for-profit Consumers’ Checkbook is another source of reputable installers, providing reviews of local services in seven major metro areas—Boston, Chicago, the Delaware Valley, Puget Sound, San Francisco, the Twin Cities, and Washington, D.C. In the Bay Area—subject to California’s relatively new mandate that new, low-rise residential construction include solar photovoltaic systems—Consumers’ Checkbook has reviews on 132 solar contractors. 

Before you arrange for an in-person or Zoom consultation from companies you identify through these tools, ask providers to show proof that they’re licensed in your state and municipality to do the work where you live. Check, too, with the Better Business Bureau in your area for complaints. Confirm that the companies have been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), a trade organization that sets standards for solar installers. Your utility company or state energy board also may list providers that meet certain quality standards. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), for instance, offers a search for solar contractors with a “Quality Solar Installers” designation. 

Neighbors with recent installations might be willing to talk to you about their experiences with solar contractors. Or, ask for input through community forums like NextDoor and the Facebook page for your community. And when you contact a company, find out how long they’ve been doing solar installations. Choose a company with several years’ installation experience, and ideally a presence in more than one state, Mendelsohn advises. He also recommends finding a company that uses its own, in-house installers.

You’ll see lots of figures and factors in a solar proposal. But there are five really worth focusing on when comparing offers.

Price per watt or kilowatt. That’s the upfront cost divided by the size of the system. The lower the cost per watt, the better the system’s value. You can use each company’s estimated cost per watt to compare proposals. “It’s like unit pricing at your supermarket.” explains Vikram Aggarwal, EnergySage CEO.

Warranties. They may differ for the workmanship, the solar panels, and the inverters—that is, the mechanisms that take the direct current (DC) that the solar panels create and convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity that our homes use. A standard solar panel warranty is 25 years, Aggarwal says. Inverter warranties range from 10 to 25 years.

Rated power. This is a measure of the system’s efficiency—that is, how much electricity it puts out under ideal conditions. Rated power of at least 400W is preferable; Aggarwal recommends 420W to 440W, because he says it’s the most efficient. The solar company should also give you a projection of how much the power production will degrade by the time the warranty expires. Solar panels’ productivity degrades at a median, 0.5 percent a year, according to the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. At the end of a typical, 25-year warranty, that translates to productivity of 87.5 percent.

Annual production. You may notice that the proposals you get from different companies show dramatically different estimates of the amount of power they can provide—from, say, 100 percent of your current needs to 125 percent or more. Why bother with all that excess power? If, say, you add an electric vehicle to your power consumption, planning for more power may be worthwhile. “If you think you’re going to buy an electric car in next four to five years, you may want to oversize your system now,” Aggarwal says. “Most installers won’t be willing to add new panels and inverters in the future.” Depending on the arrangement with your utility, you may be able to sell back the excess power, reducing your electric bill further. 

Quality of the solar equipment. You can look on EnergySage and SolarReviews for comparisons and judgments of solar panels and inverters; names like Canadian Solar, LG, and QCel show up highly rated there. For inverters, experts we talked to preferred microinverters, individual units attached to each panel, versus string inverters, which are connected to both the panels and each other like Christmas lights. As with Christmas lights, string inverters are annoyingly interdependent. “If one panel goes out, Aggarwal says, “the whole system goes out.”

If you're stepping into the solar world, you'll quickly learn that the inverter is the brain of your system. It's not just a box on the wall — it's what turns the sun's energy into usable power for your home. Choosing the right one is crucial; it's a decision that affects not only how well your solar panels perform but also how efficiently you can use that power in your daily life.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of solar inverters. We'll help you understand what they do, why they're important, and what you should look for when choosing one. In this guide, we'll cut through the jargon to give you a clear picture of what makes a good inverter and how to find one that aligns with your energy needs and values.

Understanding Solar Inverters

Before diving into the factors to consider when purchasing your own solar inverter, it’s important to know that not all inverters are created equally.

When researching you may come across the descriptors “single-phase” and “three-phase” – a handy rule of thumb to distinguish between single-phase and three-phase inverters is this: single-phase power supplies are typically found in residential homes, whereas commercial or industrial settings often require the more robust three-phase supplies.

For the scope of this article, we'll focus on single-phase inverters, as they are the go-to choice for residential solar energy systems, offering an ideal blend of efficiency, affordability, and simplicity for your home.

An inverter's job might seem straightforward: it converts the DC power from your solar panels into AC power for your home. But there's more to it than just conversion. The type of inverter you choose can affect everything from the efficiency of your solar setup to the way you monitor your energy production.

There are three main types of inverters and each comes with its own set of benefits and considerations:

String Inverters:

These are the most common and typically the most cost-effective option. They connect a 'string' of solar panels to one inverter. If you have a straightforward roof without shading issues, a string inverter could be a solid choice.

Microinverters:

These are installed on each solar panel. They're ideal for homes with shading or multiple roof planes facing different directions as they allow each panel to operate independently. If one panel is shaded and its performance dips, the others won't be affected.

Power Optimizers:

Sitting between string inverters and microinverters, power optimizers are attached to each panel, like microinverters, but they work with a central inverter. They 'condition' the DC power before sending it to the inverter, making your system more efficient and less susceptible to production loss due to shading issues.

Your choice will depend on several factors: the size and shape of your roof, the amount of shading it gets throughout the day, and even the climate you live in. It's not just about picking the highest-tech option; it's about what works best for your home's unique situation.

In the next sections, we'll dive deeper into how to match these options to your needs, helping you get the most out of your solar investment

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inverter

Selecting the right inverter for your solar system is more than just a technical decision; it's about maximizing compatibility with your panels, lifestyle, and energy goals. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

System Compatibility: Your inverter needs to be compatible with your solar panel specifications. This includes the voltage and power output. An inverter that's not matched well with the panel specifications can lead to inefficiencies and even damage.

Efficiency: Look at the inverter's efficiency rating, which tells you how much solar power it can convert into usable electricity. Even a few percentage points can make a significant difference in your system's performance over time.

Size and Scalability: Consider the size of the inverter in relation to your current and future energy needs. If you plan to expand your solar array later, choose an inverter that can handle the increased load.

Installation Location: Think about where you'll place the inverter. Some are designed for indoor installation, while others can be installed outdoors. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can affect an inverter's performance, so choose one that suits your environment.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of solar inverter manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Warranty and Support: A longer warranty period can give you peace of mind. Also, consider the manufacturer's reputation for customer support. You want a company that stands behind their product and is accessible if you need help.

Advanced Features: Modern inverters come with features like monitoring systems that let you track your energy production in real time. Decide which features are must-haves for you and which you can live without.

Cost: While it's not the only factor, cost is always a consideration. Balance the upfront cost of the inverter against the long-term benefits it will provide. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can lead to greater savings down the line.

Inverter Differences Explained

Understanding the pros and cons of each inverter technology is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your solar energy goals. Here's a breakdown to help you weigh your options:

String Inverters

Why they're a good choice:

Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than other types.

Proven technology: Well-established with a long track record.

Why you might think twice:

Single point of failure: If the inverter goes down, the entire system goes with it.

Shading impact: Performance can drop if one panel is shaded, as all panels in a string are affected.

Limited monitoring: Typically, you can't monitor the performance of individual panels.

Less flexible: Not ideal for roofs with multiple angles/orientations or shading issues.

Less reliability: Typically have 10-12 year warranties.

Not modular: Limits future upgrades.

Not as user-friendly: Sometimes difficult to size accurately to avoid power clipping.

Microinverters

Why they're a good choice:

No single point of failure: If one inverter goes down the remaining inverters and panels will work perfectly fine without interruptions.

Panel-level optimization: Each panel works independently, maximizing energy production.

Modular design: Easily add any number of panels to the system without swapping out any equipment.

Enhanced monitoring: Allows for monitoring of each panel's performance.

Better performance in shade: Ideal for roofs with partial shading.

Extended reliability: 25-year warranty.

Ease of use: Seamlessly pairs with solar panels to avoid power clipping.

Why you might think twice:

Higher cost: More expensive upfront investment.

Power Optimizers

Why they're a good choice:

Improved efficiency: Optimize DC power from each panel before conversion.

Shade management: Better performance than string inverters under shaded conditions.

Cost-benefit: Typically cheaper than microinverters but with some of their benefits.

Why you might think twice:

Must be paired with a string inverter: A failure in the central inverter affects the whole system.

Each technology has its place, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific situation. For instance, if your roof experiences partial shading at certain times of the day, microinverters or power optimizers could be more beneficial. On the other hand, if your roof has unobstructed exposure to the sun, a string inverter might be all you need.

Remember, the inverter is a long-term investment in your solar system's health and productivity. Weighing the pros and cons of each technology with your unique energy needs in mind will guide you to the right choice for your solar journey.

Installation and Placement

The proper installation and placement of your solar inverter are as crucial as the device itself. An inverter works best when installed in a location that balances exposure to the elements with ease of access for maintenance and monitoring. Typically, this means a spot that avoids direct sunlight, excessive dust, and any chance of flooding — think of a shaded side of the house or a garage wall. It's not just about protecting the inverter; it's about preserving its efficiency and extending its service life.

While the inverter should ideally be close to the solar panels to minimize energy loss, practicality may dictate otherwise. For instance, you might need to consider the length of cable runs, potential electromagnetic interference, and even local building codes that could influence the placement. It's a balancing act between the ideal technical setup and the constraints of your home's layout and local regulations.

The inverter needs to be mounted correctly — usually vertically — to achieve adequate cooling. Overheating is a common issue that can lead to inefficiency or damage, so proper ventilation is a must. And when it comes to maintenance, you'll want the inverter within easy reach. There's nothing more frustrating than needing a ladder or having to move obstacles just to perform a simple system check.

Given the technical and regulatory complexities, it's wise to have your inverter installed by a professional. Contacting an experienced solar installer will not only guarantee that your system meets all safety standards but will also optimize the placement for performance and longevity. Going with a reputable local installer can help make sure that your solar system operates smoothly from day one.

Reliability and Warranties

When investing in a solar inverter, understanding the reliability and warranty offered is as crucial as the inverter's technical specifications. A reliable inverter can secure consistent performance over the years, while a comprehensive warranty can protect your investment.

Modern inverters are designed with robust technology. For instance, microinverters and power optimizers are known for their durability, often outlasting string inverters due to their ability to operate independently, reducing the strain on any single component. The reliability of an inverter is also reflected in its design to withstand environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations and moisture, which are critical considerations for outdoor installations.

Warranties for solar inverters typically range from 10-25 years and they can be a testament to the manufacturer's confidence in their product. Some high-end microinverters come with warranties that can extend up to 25 years, closely matching the warranty period of solar panels themselves. It's important to read the fine print and understand what the warranty covers. Does it include parts and labor, or just the parts? Is it a limited warranty that only covers certain defects, or is it more comprehensive?

When choosing an inverter, consider the manufacturer's reputation and the reviews from long-term users. A company with a solid track record in customer support and warranty fulfillment is as valuable as the inverter's efficiency and technological prowess. With Astrawatt Solar, you can expect guidance in selecting an inverter that promises both reliability and a strong warranty, giving you peace of mind with your solar investment.

Cost Considerations

As you consider the financial aspect of choosing a solar inverter, it's important to recognize that solar power is an accessible and wise investment, not just for the environmentally conscious but for anyone looking to take control of their energy future. With utility rates climbing at unprecedented rates, the traditional monthly bill is becoming a significant, never-ending expense. Solar energy, in contrast, offers a chance to break free from this cycle.

Choosing the right inverter can amplify the return on your solar investment. A more expensive inverter might offer better efficiency, a longer warranty, or crucial features that could save you money in the long run. A higher quality inverter means your system will work more reliably, for a longer period of time, with fewer or no periods of downtime ultimately increasing your production and increasing your ROI. On the flip side, the most advanced inverter won't add value if your solar setup doesn't require its specific benefits.

Think about the inverter's efficiency rating — higher efficiency could mean more electricity to power your home and less waste. Also, consider potential future savings from a model that offers expandability, should you decide to grow your solar array down the line. Getting a quote from a seasoned solar installer is the best way to get a clearer picture of the financial aspects.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between quality and cost, ensuring you invest in an inverter that delivers reliable performance and fits your budget. It's about smart spending for sustainable savings.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Solar Inverters

As we reach the conclusion of our guide, it's clear that the right solar inverter is a cornerstone for any efficient and reliable residential solar system. Our recommendation is to approach this decision with an eye on quality and a perspective on the future. Opt for an inverter from a reputable brand that offers a solid warranty, and consider models that provide monitoring capabilities to keep you informed about your system's performance.

Don't overlook the power of peer reviews and testimonials. They are the collective voice of experience, offering unfiltered insights into how an inverter lives up to daily demands. They can highlight a product's strengths and expose any weaknesses, guiding you toward a decision that others have road-tested.In the end, choosing the right inverter is about finding a balance — a product that meets your energy needs, a brand that supports your journey, and a warranty that secures your peace of mind. With an installer like Astrawatt Solar, you can navigate this decision with expert advice, ensuring that your solar setup is as robust and reliable as the sun itself.

The company is the world’s best residential inverter supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.