What Does a Solar Provider Do?

A solar provider is the company that will install your system. They will also monitor it, maintain it and help you make the most of it.

Look for a solar provider who offers warranties for your panels, system components and power production. They should also offer incentives to offset the costs of your solar investment and finance your installation.

Installation

Once you’ve selected your solar provider, they will work with you to get the necessary permits and approvals. They will also help you order the equipment needed for your system, including panels and inverters.

When your paperwork is approved, they’ll schedule an installation date that fits with your availability and their work schedule. Installing in the off-peak months can speed up this process and make it easier for your system to be installed quickly.

Once the installation is complete, your city or jurisdiction will inspect it to ensure it meets safety and zoning laws and other codes. Once it passes this inspection, the jurisdiction will notify your utility, who will grant you “Permission to Operate” or PTO. This is when you can start using your solar system.

Monitoring

Monitoring is the process of periodically collecting, analysing and using information to actively manage performance, maximise positive impacts and minimise the risk of adverse impacts.

It is the ongoing assessment of a project’s implementation against its objectives and targets set out during planning, in order to provide early indications of progress or problems and to facilitate timely adjustments and modifications as and when required.

Although monitoring can be a complex management undertaking, it is an essential part of any M&E system. Generally, it involves the periodic collection and analysis of information to assist active management, and it includes deliberate and ongoing reflection.

Maintenance

Like any mechanical or electronic item, a solar system is most resilient and most profitable when it is properly maintained. This means routine servicing, inspections, and cleaning to keep your system working as it should, delivering years of free electricity and utility bill savings.

Depending on the type of solar system you own, warranties might cover maintenance costs over time. Similarly, many manufacturers recommend certain service schedules and even require you to follow them if your warranty is active.

However, not following these recommended times can void your warranty and increase your risk of a premature failure. That’s why we recommend you implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan for your solar array.

Incentives

Your solar provider can offer a variety of incentives to help reduce the cost of your solar installation. Some include state tax credits, property tax exemptions and solar rebates.

One federal incentive is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is designed to offset the initial costs of solar systems. This credit is available to qualifying homeowners, and it can save you a lot of money when tax season rolls around.

Another form of incentive is the performance-based incentive, or PBI. It is a per-kilowatt-hour credit that is added to the electricity produced by your system.

In addition, some states offer a special kind of compensation called Solar Renewable Energy Credits, or SRECs. These are earned when solar PV systems produce clean energy to meet local government-imposed targets for utilities and large energy consumers.

Financing

There are several financing options available through your solar provider. Some are traditional loan-based, and others are a bit more unique.

A solar loan can be a great way to go for homeowners looking to maximize long-term savings. These loans don’t require any money down, which allows you to start saving on your energy bills right away.

Homeowners with home equity also benefit from these loans, which are typically at low interest rates and come with longer repayment terms than unsecured personal loans.

Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) are also popular financing options for many customers. In both cases, the solar provider maintains ownership of the system, and you pay a monthly or annual fee for the electricity it produces. These models have their pros and cons, but the financial benefits are often worth it for homeowners.