Researching solar installers and financing 
 
When researching installers, its best to focus on qualified and insured professionals with  proper certification. The industry standard certification is from North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It’s also a great idea to ask those who’ve recently gone solar for references and assess online for reviews. Remember to request proof of licensure before working with an installer. Attempt to get at least three bids for the PV system installation. It’s important to ensure the bids are based on the same traits and metrics to compare fairly. 
 

When getting to know installers, consider asking these  questions:
 
Is your company familiar with local permitting and interconnection processes? 
Can the company give references from other customers in your area? 
Is the company properly licensed or certified? 
What is the warranty for this system about? Who ensures the operation and maintenance of the system?  5. Does the company have pending, active judgments or liens against it? 

Bids should state the maximum generating capacity of the system in Watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Ask an estimate of the amount of energy the system will create on a yearly or monthly basis. This information is useful for comparison with existing utility bills. Bids also have the total cost of purchasing the PV system up and running, that includes hardware, installation, connection to the grid, permitting, sales tax, and warranty. A cost/watt, and ballpark cost/kWh are the most helpful metrics for comparing costs for different installers. Installers use various devices or provide quotes for systems of various sizes.
 

Understanding  financing and incentives

Small solar energy systems are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through 2019. The tax credit decreases to 26% in 2020, then to 22% in 2021, and expires December 31, 2021. If a solar lease or power-purchase agreement is chosen,   you  aren’t eligible for this tax benefit because you don’t own the system. Thoroughly explore   available solar financing options. What’s  best for your property varies on a  range of factors. The Clean Energy States Alliance guide helps homeowners understand their choices and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.  If you choose to install a  system, your installer should  help you get the  permitting and steps. Your installer will determine the appropriate size for your system. The size is based on your electricity needs and the following variables; 

The site's solar  source or available sunlight
The system's orientation and tilt
The system's efficiency at converting sunlight to electricity
Additional electricity sources, like a utility. 

Your installer will confirm that  equipment is installed correctly, oriented and tilted to maximize solar energy retrieved and created. Ensure your understanding of billing, net metering,  will work, and  additional utility fees that require payment. If you want to join the solar revolution, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. For more information about solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for guides and articles.