Focusing solely on price when evaluating solar power / solar photovoltaic / solar PV system quotes can leave money on the table. Looking at several other metrics will ensure that property owners maximize the value of their investment and get the best financial returns.

1. BEYOND DOLLARS / WATT
Key Metrics for Comparing and Evaluating
Solar Power System Quotes
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2. $/Watt Isn’t The Only Metric
When shopping for solar photovoltaic (also known as solar
panel, solar electric) systems, many businesses and
homeowners focus mainly on price. To that end, dollars per
watt is a key metric when comparing quotes because it allows
the consumer to adjust for differences in system size. While
price is certainly an important factor, maximizing the value of
your investment both financially and
environmentally, involves consideration of several
other, equally important factors. Here are some that we think
are vital to making the right decision.
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3. Workmanship Warranties
• Warranties often ensure that there is no additional
out-of-pocket risk in the first few years of system
ownership
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4. Technology Choices
• All equipment is not created equa.
• Equipment choices impact:
– Production levels
– Reliability
• Production and reliability are critical to generating
solid financing returns
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5. Installation Quality
• Installers vary in quality
• Ask questions about quality assurance
• System performance is dependent on the quality
workmanship
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6. Installer Reputation
• Ask for references
• Check third-party ratings and reviews (i.e.
www.energysage.com/supplier/installers/search )
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7. Solar Electricity
Production Estimates
• Ask how much solar power your new system will
generate in the first year (in kWhs)
• Calculate the production ratio for each system
quoted
– Divide the annual expected kWhs by the system size (in
Watts)
– compare the results across quotes and inquire about
any differences
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8. Shade Mitigation
• Shade due to trees or other obstructions impacts the
amount of electricity produced
• Ask installers how shade will be addressed
– micro-inverters
– Tree removal (check out:
http://blog.energysage.com/should-you-cut-down-trees-
to-improve-solar-panel-performance/ )
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9. Installation Date
• Most property owners want their systems completed
and interconnected yesterday
– Understand and agree upon a timeline
– A large backlog of installations may affect your decision to
work with a particular installer
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10. Attention to Aesthetics
• Pay attention to how your installation will look
–
– Are the panels positioned in the same direction?
– Will conduit and wiring be hidden or visible?
• Choose an installer wiling to go the extra mile. Will
they:
– Hide conduit in fake downspouts?
– Paint it to match the roof shingles or siding?
• Aesthetics are important to most property owners so
ask how these issues will be handled
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11. Experience and Commitment
• You want an experienced installer
• Ask questions:
– How long he or she has been installing systems
– How many systems similar to the one you are considering
they have installed?
– Is it a solid company? Will they still be here in the long
term to honor warrantees?
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12. Customer Service
• Pay attention to how the installer treats you during
the pre-installation process. This is an indicator of
what your experience will be like once the contract is
signed.
• Responsiveness
• Effective communication
• Meeting deadlines
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13. EnergySage Can Help
Going solar is an important financial decision and price isn’t the only
factor in determining the success of your investment. It’s important to
look beyond $/watt when making your final decision so you can
maximize your financial returns.
If you’re looking for help, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace can help
you to solicit and evaluate multiple competitive quotes to make sure
you choose the one that’s right for you.
By automating this process and providing information that is key to the
decision-making process, our Solar Marketplace makes shopping for
solar easy for the consumer. If you’re ready to start the shopping
process, you can access the Solar Marketplace here.
www.Energysage.com
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