Installing solar panels involves planning, analysis
Many people are trying to find new ways to go green, and more and more consumers may be interested in purchasing solar panels for their homes. Solar panels can help save the environment with the added benefit of saving you a little money. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers these tips when deciding to purchase and install solar panels for your home:
• Discuss solar with your energy provider. Before getting into the details, it is important to calculate the average number of sunny days a year in your area to make sure solar panels will be beneficial. Usually, if your monthly bill is less than $100, consider other ways to save energy that cost less. Ask the energy company about a net metering program. These programs allow you to measure the difference between what homeowners pay the utility company for their energy purchased and the cost of energy homeowners provide the utility company from the collection through solar panels. Ask about the local, state and federal laws concerning the standards and codes of the solar panels.
• Choose a business. Once you have decided that solar panels are right for your home or yard it is time to research businesses who lease, sell and install them. Ask friends and family members who have solar panels installed for suggestions. Check out reliable businesses through BBBHouston.org to read reviews and complaints.
• Inquire about tax credits. Find out the amount of tax credits you will receive for the amount of energy that is generated. Ask about the length of time you will receive tax credits. Be sure to understand the process to receive the tax credits and note any important filing dates for the credits. Ask if you will be taxed on the credits.
• Settle all the details. Compare costs and decide if it is more beneficial to lease or purchase the solar panels. Decide if the panels will have more light exposure on your house or in your yard. Be sure to know the length of the contract. Ask what will happen if the business promises a certain percentage of savings from your utility bill and the amount of savings is not achieved.
• Understand the fees. Ask if there is a cancellation fee. Find out who pays for a repair if damage occurs during the installation. Ask if there is a fee to remove and replace the solar panels if you need your roof replaced. If you decide to move homes, ask if there is a fee to move the solar panels. If the environment of your new home cannot accommodate the solar panels ask what the fee would be to cancel.
• Settle installation details .Be cautious of installers that promise no out-of-pocket costs prior to reviewing your specific situation. Be wary if an installer suggests obtaining credit for the full amount of the system even though they are promising very low or no costs due to rebates.
• Make sure the roof of your home is equipped to sustain a solar panel system. Even though a properly installed solar system will not damage your roof, make sure your roof is in good condition before you begin the installation to avoid any future problems.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.