Getting a Solar Contractor is the issue, buy the parts yourself so you don't have a markup to pay and do as much as you can do by yourself (after learning how if need be) after all the primary purpose of going solar is to reduce cost of living, the more money you waste on things you don't need the longer that ROI takes (if you ever get there before the equipment fails).
It depends. Battery have an advantage over a standby generator because they are truly renewable (no fuel, no oil changes, no engine maintenance). For a long-term power outage, batteries are more secure.
Great information. How do you vet the Solar installers you recommend? I live in Peoria AZ and am looking into solar on my new home. Based on our usage, we are looking at a 8.1 kW system, producing 15,000 kWh per year. The number of installers in our area is staggering and prices vary greatly. Focusing on Panasonic panels and Enphase IQ8 inverters. Thank you.
Hi Mike and thanks for writing in. We work closely with the equipment manufacturers to determine the best qualified installers in each territory. We have 3 great installers in your area. Please drop us a line and we can get you a comparison quote: www.solarsurge.net
Great video Joe! I did not know Solarinsure . A common mistake I saw was Homeowners getting a system then having the roof replaced a year down the road.
Excellent advice! Buyer always BEWARE!! Doing your homework before any paper has your signature on it will almost always ensure a great journey into the solar power world. Getting more than one estimate is paramount.
How fun, I didn’t know you too were a Qualifier:)- Good on you Joe for teaching what to look for and what to be cautious of. Customers need to hear that.
Good points. I went with a large installer in my area, and the panel installation went great. When we got to the batteries, it was a difficult process. I learned I was only their third customer to ask for Enphase batteries. Long story short, Enphase had to send a factory rep to show my installer what they did wrong. My advice would be for customers to learn how to use the monitoring app’s available for their system. If I had not questioned the performance I was seeing in the apps, I would have still had a broken battery install to this day.
Third party insurance is a great idea. It's impossible to know who will be in business 25-years from now. I'm almost more distrustful of companies that offer 25-year workmanship warranties.
Disagree with you, the Panel is the most important component of a system. They are the "heart" of the system. There is a big difference in the quality and life of different panels. We tested many different technologies in the '90s (Shell Solar). There is a big difference in production. ROI starts with power production.
ROI may start with power production, but if your inverter fails then ROI goes to 0. I have never seen a solar panel go bad because of a firmware/software error. Inverter and batteries fail for this reason all the time.
@@SolarSurge exactly the reason you go with micro inverters and oversize your system 10-20%. Also, super important to buy quality components via cheapo crud.
The comment about installers putting money aside for possible repairs during the warranty period sounds great and logical but how can one as a customer verify that? The installer will most-likely say "oh yeah, we do that...." how can it be verified?
Sure it can be verified. Ask the sales rep how much does the company keep in the warranty service reserve. If he says "3% to 5%" that's a reasonable answer. If he says "ummm.... hmm.. I don't really know. um... I'll have to check on that...." maybe you should get another quote.
Men that have attended a five-year apprenticeship program and men who are solar certified under the umbrella of the five year apprenticeship program and men that have been certified in roof work, and tying off appropriately are the only people that should be hired.
You say to watch out for requests for large down payments on solar projects. I received a quote that wanted 30% at the time of signing, 60% when the materials are delivered to the job site, and the final 10% when the connection to the grid is made.
The 30% down is the largest down payment you should ever pay. I prefer to keep it to 10% or lower. If the contractor needs the 30% down, consider financing the project and then pay the finance company off once the system installation is complete and the system is operational. That will give you a bit better protection as a consumer.
@@SolarSurge We do custom battery jobs and ask for 70% down because battery installs are all we do. The cost of a custom design and list of parts is massive compared to the labor. We are a exclusive company and don't advertize, word of mouth is 90% of our work. We can sign contract on 12 jobs take 10% down and we would have to finace $450,000.00 to keep the books even not all those jobs can be completed in 1 month. Other contractors give us there work because they don't have the expert electrical and battery specific background. We also don't offer loans or finacing with high presser sales that involve liens on the mortage and inflated costs.
@@keithpvbatt2040 Hi Keith. This sounds like a special circumstance. In this case, especially since you are an exclusive installer working on referrals, the down payment is justified. I think you would agree that a mainstream high-volume installer charging 50% down payment on a routine SolarEdge install is not good practice nor a requirement for a financially strong contractor.
When we signed the contract we only paid $1k when installation started when finished 65 % when all equipment was delivered one additional payment when installing when we got then the rest when done.
A neighbor had solar installed on a roof shaded by trees. I can’t believe they didn’t suggest a different part of the roof, or to substantially trim or remove the trees.
That's a shame. Any competent installer should perform a shading analysis BEFORE the sale so that you can see an accurate projection of the energy the system will produce for you.
This is confusing as our installer working with Solar Surge asked for $20K up front , it’s been 6 weeks, still waiting for utility approval. We trust Solar Surge to clear all criterion listed here in picking our best installer.
Hi Dale and thanks for the feedback. Titan is one of the financially strongest companies in the industry. They will install and clear ASAP once permits and third party approvals are in. We will keep them on track.
Thanks for the tip that the #1 flag should be online reviews. At the time this video was released April 2023, which contractors do you use in the Orlando, Florida area so that I can check out their online reviews.
That’s a shame. To be fair, it is very hard for the manufacturer to vet the installers either. They can verify who has been properly trained and certified, but they don’t usually get into the financials of the contractor.
In many jurisdictions in canada it can take up to 6 months to start working on a project because of building permits and other delays so a large cash deposit is not a red flag. As long as the contractor is delivering all the equipment to the customer it is fine
It’s my experience, as a solar contractor in So. Cal, that the companies I see offering SolarInsure most frequently are new start up companies (on Energy Sage) and solar brokers (3rd party sales-only orgs). Based on that it’s hard for me to believe SolarInsure is vetting any of their network of installers.
Y'all forgot to mentation just like getting a contractor for other work in you home, ask them if they couldn't do the work for their own home which local contractor would they hire.
Your first point is not totally correct. My question to you. If the company is brand new and just getting into the business what do you do ? Just walk. Maybe you have just left the best installer. No need to answer I will move on. Have a nice day
The statistics show that 80% of new businesses will fail within 5 years. Same with solar. It's a big risk to take with a 25-year investment. Even if you really like the young new installer. Your call.
Joe I know this is a tough call I was a remodeling contractor most of my working life, so how is a startup company ever going to get a good referral if nobody will trust him to perform enough to build a referral base? Someone has to or he fail will fail before he even starts. Every business had to start somewhere.
@@billytheman I think you start with friends, family, neighbors, etc. People who know you and your family personally. Then you work the referral angle hard. After 1-2 years, you will have a good base of reviews, testimonials, and hopefully cash in the bank.
This video is not only good for consumers but also any persons interested in starting up a business to view. Thanks Joe.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, new companies need to know this if they are going to build to last.
thank you so much for all your education videos!
thanks for this. how do you find out if they have adequate workers comp insurance?
Just ask for a certificate of insurance. This is something all contractors should have readily available.
This is very good advice, so continue with the good work and review
Getting a Solar Contractor is the issue, buy the parts yourself so you don't have a markup to pay and do as much as you can do by yourself (after learning how if need be) after all the primary purpose of going solar is to reduce cost of living, the more money you waste on things you don't need the longer that ROI takes (if you ever get there before the equipment fails).
can you address if batteries are a necessity in Texas with a Whole Home Generator (Natural Gas) Seems like it would be redundant? Thoughts?
It depends. Battery have an advantage over a standby generator because they are truly renewable (no fuel, no oil changes, no engine maintenance). For a long-term power outage, batteries are more secure.
Great information. How do you vet the Solar installers you recommend? I live in Peoria AZ and am looking into solar on my new home. Based on our usage, we are looking at a 8.1 kW system, producing 15,000 kWh per year. The number of installers in our area is staggering and prices vary greatly. Focusing on Panasonic panels and Enphase IQ8 inverters.
Thank you.
Hi Mike and thanks for writing in. We work closely with the equipment manufacturers to determine the best qualified installers in each territory. We have 3 great installers in your area. Please drop us a line and we can get you a comparison quote: www.solarsurge.net
@SolarSurge Joe, do you service Portland, Oregon region? I didn't see Oregon listed in your website. Thank you.
Sorry, no coverage in Oregon yet
Really great video(s). I pass your videos on to my parents/siblings/relatives who are planning on installing solar/battery systems. Thanks again!
Fantastic insights - Thanks!
Great video Joe! I did not know Solarinsure . A common mistake I saw was Homeowners getting a system then having the roof replaced a year down the road.
Service in Alabama?
Excellent advice! Buyer always BEWARE!! Doing your homework before any paper has your signature on it will almost always ensure a great journey into the solar power world. Getting more than one estimate is paramount.
How fun, I didn’t know you too were a Qualifier:)-
Good on you Joe for teaching what to look for and what to be cautious of.
Customers need to hear that.
Good points. I went with a large installer in my area, and the panel installation went great. When we got to the batteries, it was a difficult process. I learned I was only their third customer to ask for Enphase batteries. Long story short, Enphase had to send a factory rep to show my installer what they did wrong. My advice would be for customers to learn how to use the monitoring app’s available for their system. If I had not questioned the performance I was seeing in the apps, I would have still had a broken battery install to this day.
Third party insurance is a great idea. It's impossible to know who will be in business 25-years from now. I'm almost more distrustful of companies that offer 25-year workmanship warranties.
good point. Legally speaking, many states regard a “lifetime warranty“ as seven years.
This is really really good advice!
Disagree with you, the Panel is the most important component of a system. They are the "heart" of the system. There is a big difference in the quality and life of different panels. We tested many different technologies in the '90s (Shell Solar). There is a big difference in production. ROI starts with power production.
ROI may start with power production, but if your inverter fails then ROI goes to 0. I have never seen a solar panel go bad because of a firmware/software error. Inverter and batteries fail for this reason all the time.
@@SolarSurge exactly the reason you go with micro inverters and oversize your system 10-20%. Also, super important to buy quality components via cheapo crud.
I can verify this, so is simply Solar a good company? Or not?
The comment about installers putting money aside for possible repairs during the warranty period sounds great and logical but how can one as a customer verify that? The installer will most-likely say "oh yeah, we do that...." how can it be verified?
It can’t be verified.
Sure it can be verified. Ask the sales rep how much does the company keep in the warranty service reserve. If he says "3% to 5%" that's a reasonable answer. If he says "ummm.... hmm.. I don't really know. um... I'll have to check on that...." maybe you should get another quote.
Men that have attended a five-year apprenticeship program and men who are solar certified under the umbrella of the five year apprenticeship program and men that have been certified in roof work, and tying off appropriately are the only people that should be hired.
You say to watch out for requests for large down payments on solar projects. I received a quote that wanted 30% at the time of signing, 60% when the materials are delivered to the job site, and the final 10% when the connection to the grid is made.
The 30% down is the largest down payment you should ever pay. I prefer to keep it to 10% or lower. If the contractor needs the 30% down, consider financing the project and then pay the finance company off once the system installation is complete and the system is operational. That will give you a bit better protection as a consumer.
@@SolarSurge We do custom battery jobs and ask for 70% down because battery installs are all we do. The cost of a custom design and list of parts is massive compared to the labor. We are a exclusive company and don't advertize, word of mouth is 90% of our work. We can sign contract on 12 jobs take 10% down and we would have to finace $450,000.00 to keep the books even not all those jobs can be completed in 1 month. Other contractors give us there work because they don't have the expert electrical and battery specific background. We also don't offer loans or finacing with high presser sales that involve liens on the mortage and inflated costs.
@@keithpvbatt2040 Hi Keith. This sounds like a special circumstance. In this case, especially since you are an exclusive installer working on referrals, the down payment is justified. I think you would agree that a mainstream high-volume installer charging 50% down payment on a routine SolarEdge install is not good practice nor a requirement for a financially strong contractor.
When we signed the contract we only paid $1k when installation started when finished 65 % when all equipment was delivered one additional payment when installing when we got then the rest when done.
A neighbor had solar installed on a roof shaded by trees. I can’t believe they didn’t suggest a different part of the roof, or to substantially trim or remove the trees.
That's a shame. Any competent installer should perform a shading analysis BEFORE the sale so that you can see an accurate projection of the energy the system will produce for you.
wish I knew about you before I bought, not there is anything wrong with my system but I am impressed with your presentation
Thanks for the support. Please share this information with any friends/neighbors who might be considering going solar in the future.
This is confusing as our installer working with Solar Surge asked for $20K up front , it’s been 6 weeks, still waiting for utility approval. We trust Solar Surge to clear all criterion listed here in picking our best installer.
Hi Dale and thanks for the feedback. Titan is one of the financially strongest companies in the industry. They will install and clear ASAP once permits and third party approvals are in. We will keep them on track.
@@SolarSurge Thanks Joe, we trust your work.
Hahahahhaha dudes using Titan and made this video lmao. Titans trash
@@SolarSurge This didn't age well, lol.
Thanks for the tip that the #1 flag should be online reviews. At the time this video was released April 2023, which contractors do you use in the Orlando, Florida area so that I can check out their online reviews.
Fantastic video Joe! wish you’d made it 18 months ago bf Enphase picked an asshole contractor to screw me over! 🤬
That’s a shame. To be fair, it is very hard for the manufacturer to vet the installers either. They can verify who has been properly trained and certified, but they don’t usually get into the financials of the contractor.
In many jurisdictions in canada it can take up to 6 months to start working on a project because of building permits and other delays so a large cash deposit is not a red flag. As long as the contractor is delivering all the equipment to the customer it is fine
Great topic, well-presented, Joe! 👍
Really good information..
Where I can get Tesla inverter
Look for the Tesla Powerwall 2+ that is the version of the powerwall that comes with a inverter component
It’s my experience, as a solar contractor in So. Cal, that the companies I see offering SolarInsure most frequently are new start up companies (on Energy Sage) and solar brokers (3rd party sales-only orgs). Based on that it’s hard for me to believe SolarInsure is vetting any of their network of installers.
Y'all forgot to mentation just like getting a contractor for other work in you home, ask them if they couldn't do the work for their own home which local contractor would they hire.
Your first point is not totally correct. My question to you. If the company is brand new and just getting into the business what do you do ? Just walk. Maybe you have just left the best installer. No need to answer I will move on. Have a nice day
The statistics show that 80% of new businesses will fail within 5 years. Same with solar. It's a big risk to take with a 25-year investment. Even if you really like the young new installer. Your call.
Joe I know this is a tough call I was a remodeling contractor most of my working life, so how is a startup company ever going to get a good referral if nobody will trust him to perform enough to build a referral base? Someone has to or he fail will fail before he even starts. Every business had to start somewhere.
@@billytheman I think you start with friends, family, neighbors, etc. People who know you and your family personally. Then you work the referral angle hard. After 1-2 years, you will have a good base of reviews, testimonials, and hopefully cash in the bank.
Sure let me go up three stories in the air on the roof and babysit the installer to make sure that they use the correct wire ties.
😅 👌 👍
You said we need to watch the video first and yet you continued talking. Such hypocrisy leads viewers to rate your presentation as a con.
🤦🏽♂️