Path-Q Solar

What sales claims about solar production should I verify before signing?

Answer

Verify the modeled annual and monthly production, shading and weather assumptions, system losses, degradation, export limits, utility value, and whether any savings or payback claim includes all costs. Require the assumptions and any performance promise in writing rather than relying on verbal estimates.

Key points

  • Ask for the system design and production model, including roof orientation, shading, tilt, and loss assumptions.
  • Separate energy production from bill savings; the latter depends on tariffs, self-consumption, exports, and future rates.
  • Check whether projected savings assume rate increases, incentives, battery operation, or financing terms that are uncertain.

What it depends on

  • Site-specific production model
  • Historical and expected electricity use
  • Current and projected utility tariffs
  • System price, financing, incentives, and maintenance assumptions
  • Any contractual production guarantee

Risks and trade-offs

  • Aggressive rate-escalation or production assumptions can make payback appear shorter than it is.
  • A high production estimate may not produce equivalent bill savings if exports are poorly compensated.
  • A guarantee may be limited by exclusions, measurement rules, or remedies.

Information you may need

  • Written production report and assumptions
  • Itemized total project cost and financing schedule
  • Utility export and billing rules
  • Guarantee terms, exclusions, and remedy

Your next step

What to do next

Ask an independent technically qualified reviewer or a competing installer to test the production and savings assumptions before signing.

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SQ00497