Thinking about rooftop solar? 4 things to consider and how to protect yourself

[sl8]

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/14/1244329545/solar-rooftop-panels-power-tips-protection-fraud
(nany more links at source)

Thinking about rooftop solar? 4 things to consider and how to protect yourself

AUGUST 14, 2024 5:15 AM ET
Jeff Brady

Solar power is booming and that helps the country meet its climate goals by replacing fossil fuels. The part of the industry that installs solar panels on homes has grown more than 5,000% in just the last 15 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

But in recent years, customer complaints have increased even more. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. Some customers say they were victims of fraud and forgery. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently warned solar customers about hidden fees and deceptive statements about the financial benefits of solar.

All this threatens the residential rooftop solar industry’s impressive momentum, and some are working to repair its reputation. But what if you want to go solar now? Here are some things to consider first.

Prepare for high-pressure sales tactics
One reason the residential rooftop solar industry has grown so fast is that companies, especially the large ones, have deployed legions of salespeople. Some use high-pressure sales tactics, and you’ll need to be ready for that.

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[bucolic_frolic]

1. Yeah. Imagine the complexity of roof replacement with all that solar bling up top.

[liberal N proud]

2. We have had solar for about 8 years

Our contract when we purchased included removal and replace when any roof work is required.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. Wow. That was not the answer I heard a few years back, so they have faced facts /nt

[liberal N proud]

4. It was a concern for us when we installed them

Our roof was about 12 years old when we did it.

[Voltaire2]

5. If you can't afford to pay the full cost upfront

don’t buy it. The good news is that the cost of panels is decreasing. Also you get a 30% tax credit.

The ‘free’ scams should be avoided. It is a real bad idea for someone else to own your rooftop.

[Scruffy1]

6. Most residential solar companies here in El Paso are pretty terrible.

When I bought my house five years ago, I planned a solar roof top installation. Later on I let a salesman in my door. I didn't dislike him, but he didn't know his ass from a whole in the ground. I've seen so many bad jobs around here that I wouldn't even consider doing it unless I wrote the specs. With a worldwide glut of solar panels the price has tumbled to about 50 cents a watt. That's about 3k for a 6000 watt array. Another 2k for wiring, racking and inverters etc. Anyone knowing the difference between series and parallel wiring could do the basic wiring and maybe add 500 bucks for a licensed electrician to do the hook up. I was given a quote of $26,000 by one company. Now I have worked in the home building and home improvement business and know you have to have a minimum of 30% of gross margin to stay in business and that 30% marketing and sales cost are not unusual, but this is pure scam.
I have looked over local installations and seen bad elevations and even panels on the north side of a pitched roof. However, even if done correctly there is no way that at the price they charge it is a good investment. I live in an older neighborhood and many of the houses like mine have no insulation in the walls or attics. Upgrading your insulation should be mandatory before installing a/c or solar.
What's the point of having solar if your savings are going out your walls and attic? A contractor won't even ask about that or look. I spent about $6000 replacing single pane windows and insulating the walls and ceiling. I also ventilated the roof well. This has saved about $1000 a year or a 16% return on investment. With solar I couldn't even get a 5% return on my investment f I did it myself. If you finance it, way in the red. Solar panels have a 20-30 year life so that should be taken into consideration.
The round numbers I gave are only for my situation. For a lot of people it might be a good investment. I highly recommend that anyone that wants to install solar to find someone who does not work for a contractor like an engineer to go over the numbers. Or better yet spend some time and do some research for your local area on solar yield and installation.
I was ready to install 2 heat pumps on my house when the infrastructure act was passed, so I delayed it until it became available, since I was eligible for the $8000 rebate. Of course Texas delayed it until after the 2024 election so the slabs are sitting empty. The good news is that with the insulation and windows my house works well with the evaporative chiller even with the extreme heat of the last 2 years.

[BWdem4life]

7. I'll tell ya my story

Moved into this house with solar panels in 2011. Panels had been installed maybe 10 years prior. Roof was in somewhat poor condition at that time.

Owner said she had had many issues trying to get it hooked to the grid etc. She could not be sure they were doing anything.

Had to replace the roof last year. When I heard how much they would charge to take down / reinstall the panels, I decided to do it myself. Took a few days. Not easy.

I decided not to reinstall. Now it’s a year later and I’ve been able to compare the electricity usage. It was nearly identical.

Had serious issues trying to get anyone to take the panels and solar inverters. Finally unloaded them on craigslist for free to someone who thought they could use them.

YMMV