Solar is gaining popularity within the neighborhoods of Utah. Before you jump on the bandwagon and go with the first company that offers solar, make sure to do your homework. Here are five things to discuss with any solar company you are looking to purchase from.

1. How long have you been in business in Utah and how many solar panels have you installed in Utah?

Solar is a newer industry in Utah and with it comes plenty of new companies. Trust your home and your investment to a company that has been around for at least five or six years and specializes in solar energy. The more time they’ve spent around solar, the more knowledgeable they are in the industry and the more qualified they are to answer your questions.

Additionally, finding a company that is based in Utah will only help you in the long run. Understanding Utah and how the sun shines here in all types of weather will help you get the most out of your solar panels.

2. Is this the best solar panel for me?

A good solar installation company will represent more than one (hopefully at least three) different solar panel manufacturers. Different projects with different budgets call for different solutions. No one solar panel is the best for every project and every home. If a solar installer only represents one solar panel manufacturer, they may suggest it to be the best panel out there and the best panel for you.

The same rule of thumb applies to the inverter(s) that come with your system. Make sure the company also has options you can choose from.

3. Do you actually do the installation?

It is best to go through a company that is a licensed electrical contractor specializing in solar. Having direct installation can cut out the middleman costs as well as keep the company responsible for the work they do.

If a solar company does not do their own installations, then fully investigate the company doing the installation work. Make sure they are licensed and bonded to do such work and that they specialize in solar. You want someone who installs solar all day, every day to work on your home and your system. They should also have a close working relationship with the solar company and would be accountable to them and, most importantly, to you.

4. What tax incentives are available for solar?

Solar companies should be able to fully explain that there is a 30 percent federal tax credit that is uncapped and a 25 percent Utah State tax credit that is capped at $2,000. They should also know how the tax credits work. You do need a tax liability in order to take the tax credit, but you can take it over multiple years. You will not receive a check directly from the IRS with your tax credit after installing solar.

If they say you qualify for the tax credits based on your credit score or household income, you should run. The tax credits are for everyone and it is not based on your credit score or income.

5. How will you determine the right size solar energy system for my home?

A reputable installer will be able to show you the math and data behind the calculations that determine the system they quote you. You want to review the numbers and the sources of that information to understand what the system is projected to produce. The last thing you want is to invest in an undersized system thinking it will fully offset your power bill, when it will not. Unfortunately, there are companies who will overpromise on an undersized system in order to match a lower price from a competitor.

You can always check the numbers yourself through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) tool PVWatts at http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/.

If you need more answers, call up Intermountain Wind & Solar at 801-298-5255 for your solar questions.

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