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Lawson works on the Central Coast as an analyst for residential renewable energy systems.
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Important Characteristics of a Good Solar Analyst
by Lawson Schaller
In recent years solar systems have become more affordable and widespread. The industry has experienced rapid growth.
With that come new players in the market. Some are very aggressive telemarketers based in large metro areas who size and sell solar systems remotely without ever having completed a thorough site analysis or assessed the homeowner's solar investment goals. Others may be small local start ups that do not have experience or expertise in the solar industry and thus lack the skill to properly size, design and install a system.
Below is a partial list of important considerations in choosing a solar analyst. In a nutshell, a good analyst asks questions, listens, observes, and provides objective information, allowing the homeowner to make a sound investment decision. If, instead, the analyst pushes a predetermined single solution you may want to ask yourself why.
A pre-site visit phone call is often a good start in order to explore and understand the homeowner's goals, objectives, timelines, limitations, and preferences. It also allows the solar analyst to explain the many options available to invest in solar and discuss solar manufacturers and technologies. This can allow the analyst to be better prepared for a site visit. It provides opportunity to start building a relationship, understanding, and trust. Solar is a significant investment, adds value to one's home, and should be done with careful consideration.
A common mistake by an inexperienced (or profit motivated) analyst is to size a system based strictly on historical electrical usage. They might say "Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner you have averaged $300/mo in electric bills this past year and we have the perfect system to offset that $300." Conversely, a thorough analysis includes consideration of future usage. Another very important concept is to consider minimizing usage through efficiency and then size a solar system. There are many situations in which future usage will not parallel past usage.
Important Thoughts for Sizing and Designing a System
- Children in the home that will be graduating from high school and moving out.
- Other family members, renters etc. that are moving in or out.
- Hot tubs, freezers or other large appliances being added or removed.
- Retiring couples or a part time home business brings in (or removes) a welder, shop tools, pottery kiln, electric car, etc. that can have significant impact on electrical usage.
- Retiring couple spends 3-4 months a year traveling away from home and usage drops; or conversely spends much more time at home pursuing hobbies and usage increases.
- Thorough energy efficiency upgrades significantly reduce usage (see energy upgrade side bar).
Elements of a Proper Site Visit
- Determining if the main electrical panel is sized and code compliant to accommodate a solar system.
- Will the roofs structural integrity support a solar system? Will the roofing last for decades as solar panels have 25 year warranty - it can be costly to remove and replace a solar array to reroof a home.
- The analyst should get on the roof to measure and take shade readings.
- Assess existing shade conditions that may have impact on solar production- such as vents, antennas, trees, dormers (things that can only be determined by a site visit-not a google image). Is there a nearby tree species (eucalyptus, queen palms) that will grow to a shading height in the near future? Future remodel plans that might impact the solar array?
- Determine if any extra attention is required with pets, landscaping, etc.
Technology Options
- Technology improvements and changes have been numerous. There are literally hundreds of panel manufactures and inverter choices. Online monitoring of system production is now available. It is the analyst's job to offer simple explanations, advantages, disadvantages of the technologies and manufacturers available and to make suggestions for the homeowner to consider.
- Financial stability of the manufacturer. You may have noticed that a number of bankruptcies have taken place in the solar industry. It is important to have awareness of this and understand a firm's financial strength. There are independent 3rd party panel warranties available that may be a good choice. The analyst should review this.
A Professional Solar Analyst Will Provide:
- Written quote and warranty of a custom designed solar system meeting the homeowner's objectives.
- Apples to apples bid can be important. However it is not uncommon for solar analysts/installers to push for the largest or easiest (profitable) system to install. They may have overlooked the importance of future usage changes or energy efficiency opportunities.
- Written documentation of their licenses, insurance, industry accreditation and training – NABCEP certification is a good example of a quality oriented well trained firm.
- Ample references and photos of systems installed.
It is important to have an experienced, well trained, objective solar analyst to guide you through the solar investment process. It is as important to have a strong design and install team behind the analyst.
Once the system is properly sized and designed the installation is a very critical next step. Please see this link in choosing a solar contractor Solarponics. Having a local experienced contractor that provides design, install and service all under one roof offers many advantages.
Great Horned Owl Image on Banner Courtesy Cleve Nash |
