Electricity for West Texas and Southern New Mexico | El Paso Electric

Key Questions to Ask Before Entering into an Agreement

For all solar systems:

What is the total cost of the solar system?
How much is the total cost of the solar system if I add storage?
What is your timeline for this investment?
How do my options differ if I want a short-term arrangement or a long-term asset?
How much do I pay up front, and how much over time, for how long?
What is the system size?
How much electricity will the system generate each year? Do you guarantee a minimum amount (a production guarantee)? Are there any other guarantees?
Will my system be net-metered? How will I be compensated for excess electricity generated by the system?
If there is a blackout, what will happen to my system?
If I need storage in case of a blackout, what size system and system attributes do I need?
Do system output calculations consider actual installation details of the system?
Can I expect to save money with this system? If so, how much? Based on what assumptions?
Does installing storage change how much I can save with this system? If so, how much?
Is the installation company licensed and insured?
What will the system look like once installed?
Will I receive a system design for my review and approval before installation?
Will I be required to make any changes to my home (e.g., roofing upgrades)?
Do you use the SEIA residential disclosure form? Can you provide a completed copy of the form?
Are there separate warranties for parts and labor?
What do the warranties cover and what are their durations?
What type of maintenance or cleaning is required? Are any maintenance services included? If not, who should I contact?
Who deals with the utility and arranges for interconnection, inspections, and permission to operate?
Is performance of the system monitored and, if so, by whom? How can I monitor system performance?
Who should I contact if I have a question about the system following the installation? Who should I contact if my system stops working?
Who will keep the RECs generated by the system? Will you retire the RECs on my behalf?
Can you explain how RECs work in my situation? If I don’t keep the RECs, is there an option to purchase the RECs? If not, what can I say about my home?
If I want to sell my home and don’t own the RECs, how can I describe my home to potential buyers?
Can my HOA stop me from installing solar?
What are my rights under state law?
Does your company follow the SEIA Solar Business Code? Do you agree to abide by SEIA’s Complaint Resolution Process?
Is residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing available in my state and locality?
If the company fails, who should I contact regarding panel and inverter warranties and replacement?

For leases and PPAs only:

What is the length of the lease or PPA?
Who receives solar tax incentives and how are they factored into the cost?
Will my payments increase over time? How much will they increase?
What happens if I wish to end the lease or PPA early?
Can I purchase the system, either during the agreement or once it ends?
What are my options when I sell my home?
Am I free to sell my home or do I need the system owner’s permission?
Do I have to pay off the lease when my home is sold?
Can you explain the UCC-1 filing to me? What happens if I want to refinance my mortgage?
Are there fees to transfer the PPA or lease agreement to the new homeowner?
What are the conditions for a new homeowner to take over the lease or PPA?
Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance on the system?

Source: Solar Energy Industries Association. SEIA. June 2018. Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power, www.seia.org