Solar Due Diligence: Protect Your Investment and Your Home
The solar industry is fast-moving and often aggressive. While the technology is sound, the financial
and legal frameworks surrounding it can be complex. Because your solar system will likely be on your
roof for 20+ years, treating this as a high-stakes capital improvement project—not just an appliance
purchase—is the only way to ensure it remains an asset rather than a liability.
Your Pillars of Due Diligence
Audit Your Own Consumption First: Never rely solely on a salesperson’s estimate of your energy needs. Review your last 12–24 months of utility bills to understand your true usage patterns. A system that is oversized or undersized based on a "snapshot" estimate can destroy the financial viability of your project.
Decipher the "Fine Print": Not all contracts are created equal. Look beyond the monthly payment amount and demand clarity on:
Escalators: Does your utility rate increase annually? If so, by how much, and is that reflected in the contract?
Maintenance & Warranty: Who is responsible if a panel fails or your roof leaks? If the installer goes out of business, is the equipment warranty still honored by the manufacturer?
Ownership vs. Leasing: Understand the long-term impact on your property title. Some lease or PPA structures can complicate future home sales.
Evaluate Physical Orientation: A great system on a poorly oriented roof will underperform. Ask for a shade analysis and ensure the design accounts for local weather patterns and future obstructions (like growing trees or planned neighborhood construction).