This week in Solar Basics we’re talking about the importance of solar panel performance guarantees and how consumers can know that they’re receiving the most value from their solar panel purchase.

Solar panel performance can be measured in many ways, some of which we covered in the earlier post on reliability. For example, the ability for panels to stay online and functional throughout various external conditions (what we call ‘energy production continuity’) is one valuable metric for measuring the overall performance of a system. But on a more general level, strong performance can be expressed by a panel maximizing its energy output (and thus energy savings) over its lifetime.  Some panel manufacturers like SunPower take steps to guarantee that customers reach an expected level of output by providing long-term warranties and additional services. Warranty packages lessen the investment risk for consumers by fixing or replacing malfunctioning equipment and providing benefits to consumers that make up for lost power production.

If you are making a solar purchase decision, work with your dealer and the solar panel manufacturer to obtain information about the following areas:

Service warranties – Service warranties generally ensure that dealers or manufacturers will correct defects in materials and/or workmanship such as roof leaks (from installation), loose modules, wire faults and other issues. SunPower provides a 10-year service warranty on materials and workmanship.

Power warranties – Power warranties generally ensure that solar panels will produce a certain level of minimum output over a certain number of years or the manufacturer will fix/replace the panels, or provide compensation to the homeowner equal to the power shortfall.  In addition, SunPower offers an industry-leading power warranty of 25 years, ensuring that panels will produce up to 80% of their expected minimum peak power output or SunPower will address the shortfall.

Click to find more information SunPower service and product warranties. 

Monitoring services – Many customers take a hands-on approach when following their system output. Monitoring services allow users to track their energy production and their overall environmental impact. With monitoring services, customers can also monitor the energy usage for the entire building. SunPower provides monitoring services on an in-home display, online or through an iPhone application. We also offer an additional service whereby dealers are alerted when systems don’t meet expected performance standards, saving time and money for the customer.

Click to learn more about SunPower monitoring services.

At SunPower, we want our customers to have the peace of mind that they are guaranteed a certain level of performance over the lifetime of their solar installation.

Check out this video about SunPower’s guaranteed performance:

Let’s say you’re interested in making a rooftop solar panel purchase, you’ve researched your options on the internet and maybe even talked with a friend or neighbor with solar to learn about their experience. As a next step, you’ve created a short list of solar manufacturers and installers and reached out to them for quotes. Now you have installers coming out to your house to conduct a site assessment and walk through of your solar panel options. 

With more homeowners switching to solar energy each day, the number of companies offering solar installation services is also on the rise.  It’s important that you ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment, but that you’re also dealing with a reputable installer who boasts a strong service record. Don’t worry about prying for information about the solar installer’s credentials and the company’s performance. Remember that you are in charge. After all, you’re the one making a major investment. So here are the five main questions you should ask your potential installer to ensure you are making the right decision:

1. How much experience does your company have?

2. What licenses and insurance does your company possess?

Another way to evaluate a company’s level of experience in solar is by the licenses and certification the company and its staff have attained. Make sure you choose an installer that has the required local and state licenses (such as solar, electric and general contractors licensing). The best solar installers have staff members that are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

3. Is your company accredited by the Better Business Bureau?

If a business has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau, it means the BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

4. Will your company handle all of the work required?

Some installers hire sub-contractors to complete certain parts of the job, making it difficult to track accountability. Simplify the process and have peace of mind by choosing a company that can manage your project from start to finish, including design, installation and permitting and system maintenance.

5. Can you please provide me with customer references?

Your best way to screen a contractor is to ask them to provide two to three references. Contact these customers to make sure they are happy with the work performed. 

By selecting a SunPower dealer for your solar installation you can rest assured knowing that your dealer has undergone the most rigorous training in the industry. SunPower dealers are carefully selected to ensure they share SunPower’s commitment to quality and customer service, so that you get the highest return on your investment. Visit our website for more about the SunPower dealer network or to get a quote from a SunPower installer.

If you have any other questions worth asking your installer, please share them on our Facebook wall.  

SunPower continues to change the way the world is powered…  On April 21st 2011, SunPower, Tucson Water Department and Trico Electric dedicated a 1-MW ground mounted solar power system in Tucson, Arizona. The project doubles the solar power system capacity used by the city. This means Tucson Water is now enjoying a reduction in its monthly electricity costs. And, this also means the agency is able to reduce its CO2 emissions annually by more than 1,300 tons; equivalent to removing 240 cars from the road each year!  SunPower is proud to be a part of Tucson Water’s commitment to energy conservation and environmental protection efforts.

Meeting renewable energy goals while the demand for energy is high or growing is not easy for agencies like Tucson Water Department. The agency provides services to approximately 80 percent of the population in the Tucson metropolitan area. Processing, pumping and storing the water needed for approximately 775,000 residents require a substantial amount of electricity. With the installation of a SunPower Serengeti T0 Tracking solar power system the agency will reliably receive clean energy for years to come.

The installation is located on city-owned land located within Tucson Water Department’s underground water storage and recovery facility, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Tucson. The SunPower team was there for the dedication. Today, we’d like to share some photos our team took from the dedication. Enjoy!

If you are interested in more business and government customer success stories, check out our website.