Sell-Out Solar Workshops Highlight Top 5 Insights Before Going Solar

With over 6,100 solar companies, 5 major financing methods, thousands of panel models and dozens of inverter manufacturers, homeowners can’t find straight answers. Solar.com has stepped in to sort through the chaos and help homeowners save an average of $6,000 on the cost of their solar systems.

Sold out workshops are not something typically found in community education centers, but Solar.com is addressing a void in an industry begging for answers. Solar.com has been hosting Solar Workshops throughout Southern California, saving attendees an average of 30% on their solar systems. The key insights, plus the free solar consulting service and online marketplace offered at Solar.com, have helped hundreds of Southern California homeowners with the decision to go solar. Solar.com plans on turning that number into thousands as the company expands its geographic region and brings Solar Workshops to over 100 cities in 2015. Here are the 5 most important considerations before making the decision to go solar:

Can you afford it? – The perception that solar is only affordable to the wealthy is a myth. “If you can afford your electric bill, you can afford solar,” explains Dr. Helen Cox, Director of CalState University Northridge Institute for Sustainability and a co-host of the Workshops. “There are solar loans and leases available that allow homeowners to pay nothing out of pocket and make monthly payments at a lower rate than their current electric bill.”

Lease or Purchase? – Each solar company will pitch this differently depending on its interests. Currently, there is a 30% Federal Tax Credit available for the purchase of a solar system. If a homeowner’s annual Federal Taxes are equal to or greater than 30% of the system cost, a purchase will save almost double what a lease would over the life of the system.

Is price or quality more important? – Everyone’s situation is unique. If you’re looking to stay in the same house for years to come, paying slightly more for better quality and warrantied panels is the way to go. If you’re looking to maximize your immediate monthly savings, then compromising on the quality in return for a lower price is the best option.

String-inverters vs. Micro-inverters? – Every solar system needs one or the other. Inverters come with different warranties and offer different monitoring options. The bottom line is if your roof has significant shade, you want micro-inverters or optimizers if not, the less expensive string-inverters will perform just as well. For more details on Micro and String Inverters, check the video below.

Which installer is the best? – This all depends on the circumstances. Some installers specialize in different roof types while other installers offer better pricing on high-quality equipment. The geographic area will alter installer prices as well as their current project demand. To find the best installer for a unique project, you’ll need to get as many bids as you can. Reach out to installers individually, or have Solar.com do all the work for you – and find a price 30% below market.