Solar pricing-how much should solar cost?

When it comes to solar pricing, it can be a bit complicated because you can't just order your home solar system off of the store shelf.  There are several factors that need to be evaluated such as your roof position, your energy needs, and the interconnection program offered by your utility provider.  

When solar is done right, all of these factors are accurately evaluated, and the perfect system will eliminate your future energy costs.  The good news is that in most cases, the costs to convert to solar will be a discount compared to what you've been paying your energy provider.  Even though there are online solar quotes available, exercise caution on any quote that was generated without knowing the specifics of your energy needs.  Those online estimates can be assumptive and generally don't have the capacity to provide accurate system options.  

When it comes to pricing, it's important that you know what you are paying for.  Let's start with system size.  You want a system sized to eliminate your current utility provider's energy costs.  In order to do this, you'll need to incorporate your utility provider's Net Energy Metering offers and this can vary greatly depending on your utility provider.  NV Energy for example, currently offers a generous NEM credit program whereas the big three in California (Edison, PG&E, and SDG&E) have switched to a crediting system that requires both battery storage and peak shaving.  If your energy consultant doesn't understand these programs, you need to find one who does.  Most solar cautionary tales are a result of not maximizing your Net Energy Metering options.  

The next aspect of pricing that's important to understand is that not all systems are offering the same equipment and warranties.  Currently the most popular inverters are Enphase, Solar Edge, and Tesla.  They all offer pros and cons but the only option of the three that protects your home from a centralized inverter failure is Enphase.  Also, the only manufacturer that offers a standard 25-year warranty is Enphase.  Solar Edge and Tesla offer less "clipping" (loss of energy when converting from DC to AC) but the minimal loss at conversion is less valuable than avoiding centralized failures. 

Another key component to consider when pricing your system is your warranty.  What is the warranty and who do you call when you need warranty work?  In many cases, your solar installer is strictly using the manufacturer's warranty and not necessarily offering any added protection.  This is why we emphatically recommend using a certified installer who's partnered with Solar Insure.

There is price and there is cost, and they are different.  You could get a price that is tough to beat, by far the lowest quote.  Typically, since they are operating on very thin margins, they will not be in a position to help you when you need help down the road.  Typically, they're cutting corners wherever they can so that they can offer you such a low price.  

It's a dangerous game to go with rock bottom price.  Just for clarity, we're not recommending going with the highest price either.  It's smart to get multiple quotes, and it's even smarter to go with a company who's partnered with Solarinsure, and has ample positive reviews on Trustpilot.  

At Solar Home Facts we offer what we feel is the best solar pricing option in Nevada and Arizona.  To learn more check out our unbeatable Price Match Guarantee.