Homeowners who are exploring investing in solar power often turn to a logical place for guidance: their solar installers. It makes good sense, installers have experience with not only a wide range of solar panels and energy storage products, but also with a broad swath of homeowners. They understand what homeowners want and the solar power setups that provide exactly what they need.
For these reasons, we tapped some expert solar installers to discover their best advice for selecting solar panels and creating a high-quality home energy system.
Know your goals for installing solar panels
When installers from Sacramento, California-based Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort meet with customers, one of the first things they want to know is why the homeowner is shifting toward solar power. “We want to know what got them interested in solar,” says CEO Jason Hanson. That way, the company can ensure they’re creating a system that meets the homeowner's needs and conveys the benefits that matter most to the customer.
Hanson says that in most cases, the driving motivation is financial. “Customers want to know how much (solar panels) will cost and when they will pay off,” he says. To answer those questions, his team digs into the details, reviewing a year’s worth of utility bills, analyzing the current utility rate structure, and inquiring about future changes in power use.
The result not only informs how many panels the home requires and the anticipated output but also when the homeowner can expect a return on their solar investment.
Research the product quality
Ideally, your solar panels will remain effective and efficient for years to come. However, your panel performance depends on the quality of the product you purchase. That’s why Mohammed Abdalla, CEO and Founder of Good Faith Energy in Dallas, Texas, recommends Panasonic solar panels. “We want a product that withstands the test of time,” he says. "That’s especially important in Texas, where panels are subject to high heat, rain, and even hail. For example, Panasonic panels have a very low degradation rate; on average they’re still operating at 91% after 25 years. Comparatively, most other panels are operating in the low 80s at that point," Abdalla says.
Hanson adds that Panasonic panels are much less likely to develop micro-fractures in the cells—and the frame and construction are sturdier overall. For both installers, knowing that the panels are durable and built to last offers gives them confidence that they’re providing the best product possible to their customers. A strong warranty, such as Panasonic’s TripleGuard and AllGuard, which protects the panel’s performance, workmanship, parts, and labor for 25 years, offers additional comfort for installers and customers alike.
Consider installing battery storage
According to installers, most homeowners first think about the benefits of transitioning to solar power—they like the potential for cost savings. The environmental benefits and ability to be more self-sufficient have appeal as well. However, many don’t necessarily consider that they’ll only be able to use their solar as long as the sun is shining, or that they could also lose access to their solar power when the grid goes down.
In California, Hanson says, power outages are becoming more common, especially during fire season. The ability to create a reliable source of power, regardless of what’s happening with your utility company, is driving interest in energy storage. “People don’t want their life to be interrupted,” Hanson says. When customers are interested in energy storage, he recommends Panasonic EverVolt, an AC-coupled home battery storage solution. “The EverVolt offers very good startup amperage and can power some appliances that other batteries won’t,” Hanson says. “It’s good for people looking for a more substantial home backup system.”
Choose quality products and installation
The best solar panels and energy storage systems are only as good as the companies that install them. Abdalla notes that there are many points in the process where installers can take shortcuts to speed up the installation or find cheaper, lower-quality materials. “We want to be competitive, but not at the expense of the client,” he says.
Paying attention to the details and ensuring that every part of the process is rooted in quality is essential. Hanson notes that his company has completed more than 30,000 installations in its 36 years—and had very few roof issues along the way. “That’s because we use sound materials and techniques,” he says. For example, Hanson always recommends watertight conduit as part of his projects. That’s because if water gets into a PV system, it can take the whole PV system offline.
“Homeowners need a company that will bring them a quality product, installed with craftsmanship and backed by a really strong warranty,” Hanson says. “You want to bring all these things together.”
For homeowners, installers are a critical component of purchasing and benefiting from a solar energy system. Follow the advice of some of the best and you’ll ensure that your solar power setup is primed for performance, durability, and longevity.
Ready to start your journey towards a more energy efficient and sustainable future? Learn more about Panasonic solar panels and battery storage products.
