Today we are sitting down with Jay Erwin, Director of Installation, and Marco Trujillo, Solar Analyst for Solaroo Energy, a local solar installation contractor, to talk about installing solar panels during the winter months, and important things solar customers need to know.

1. Will weather affect my installation?

Weather can affect a solar installation, but with the right safety equipment, a good solar installation company can install in rainy and snowy conditions.

"There is a risk of both installers and equipment slipping and falling getting up and down off roofs when the weather is bad," Erwin remarks, "Using automatic panel lifts alleviates the need to have installers heft panels up and down ladders, and is much safer. Also, no matter what the slope of the roof is, we tie our guys off. A roof is a dangerous place, and especially in inclement weather, we take every safety precaution."

2. Tax credit timing

Winter installation is vital for solar customers when it comes to qualifying for tax credits and promotional financing that can help reduce the cost of solar. Based on current IRS rules, the federal tax credit applies during the year that the solar system is commissioned by the utility, meaning that the system is installed, a final inspection is passed, and the utility has set the net meter and turned the system on.

Depending on how long the permits take from the city, there is a risk that you could be installed but not commissioned by the end of the year. If this happens, your tax credit would be available for the next tax year. "There is always a chance that if you start the solar process in October and November, the utility will take too long to set the meter, and you are commissioned in January." Trujillo comments, "a good solar consultant will prepare you for the tax credit timing when installation is scheduled for the end of the year."

3. Financing implications

As cash solar financing becomes more popular, the timing on the tax credit becomes more important. "Most same as cash financing will give 0% for either 12 or 18 months, and is meant to be paid off within that timeframe, or else the interest rate increases to double digits," Trujillo cautions. "So if you are planning on an end of the year installation, make sure you have 18 months, so if you miss the end of the year, you will still have enough time to get the tax credits back the next tax year, before your same as cash period ends."

End of the year timing can be crucial for many solar customers, and 2016 – which is the year the tax credits are set to expire – will be even more important. Make sure you have a solar analyst who will walk you through the process, and who knows how long it will take to install the system.

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