When shopping for a new home in Humboldt, finding one with solar already installed can seem like hitting the jackpot. Lower utility bills, reduced carbon footprint, and no installation hassle—what’s not to love? Before you sign on the dotted line for that sun-powered property, here are the 15 critical questions you need to ask, organized by system type.
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First Things First: Is the System Grid-Tied or Off-Grid?
The first thing you need to figure out is whether the solar system is grid-tied or off-grid. This fundamental question will determine how the system works and what to expect from its performance. Here’s a breakdown:
- Grid-Tied Systems: These systems remain interconnected with the utility grid. They can send excess power back to the grid, earning credits or compensation in some cases. If the system produces more energy than the house consumes, you may be able to sell that energy back to the utility company. Grid-tied systems can be installed with or without battery backup, which allows them to draw energy from the grid when solar production isn’t enough (e.g., at night or during cloudy days).
- Off-Grid Systems: These systems are completely independent of the utility grid and use batteries to store energy produced by the solar panels. If the sun isn’t shining, the batteries provide power. Off-grid systems may also have backup generators to provide energy during extended cloudy or low-sun periods. Off-grid living requires more self-sufficiency, and these systems are often found in remote or rural areas.
Once you’ve established whether the home has a grid-tied or off-grid system, you can dive deeper into the specifics.
Questions for Grid-Tied Solar Homes
1. Is the Solar System Owned or Leased?
This is a crucial question as it impacts the financial structure and transfer of ownership. If the system is owned, it’s included in the home sale, and you won’t have to worry about taking on any additional obligations. If it’s leased, you’ll need to take over the lease agreement or negotiate with the seller to buy out the lease.
2. What Are the Terms of the Lease (if applicable)?
If the solar system is leased, ask for a copy of the lease agreement. This will help you understand the financial obligations and the length of the lease. You should also research the pros and cons of a leased solar system, such as potential buyout options or ongoing monthly payments.
3. What Type of Interconnection Agreement Exists?
Ask the seller what type of interconnection agreement exists with the local utility company (e.g., Net Energy Metering (NEM), Net Billing Tariff (NBT), or Solar Billing Plan (SBP)). This agreement dictates how the solar system interacts with the grid and affects your savings. Request proof of the Interconnection agreement with PG&E. If there isn’t proof of this agreement, consider that a red flag!
4. Is the Interconnection Agreement Grandfathered or Subject to Change?
Some grid-tied systems have agreements that were “grandfathered in,” meaning they were established before certain regulations changed. Ask if the agreement is grandfathered or if it could change with new ownership. This is critical to avoid surprises in your future utility bills.
5. What Are the Fees to Stay Connected to the Grid?
Grid-tied systems often come with connection fees or minimum monthly charges. Ask about these fees and whether they vary depending on the utility company. You don’t want to be caught off guard by hidden charges.
6. Is the System Sized Appropriately for the Home’s Consumption?
Request a walkthrough of the solar system to verify that it’s sized appropriately for the home’s energy consumption. You should be able to see whether the solar panels generate enough power to cover the household’s needs, especially during peak usage hours.
7. Is Battery Backup Included?
If the home has battery storage, ask about its capacity (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh). This is especially important if you’re in an area prone to power outages, as the battery will store energy for use during non-sunny days or grid interruptions.
Questions for Off-Grid Solar Homes
8. What Type of Batteries Are Used?
For off-grid homes, batteries are a crucial part of the system. Ask what type of batteries are used (e.g., lithium-ion, lead-acid, etc.), as this affects storage capacity, efficiency, and maintenance requirements.
9. What Is the Battery Storage Capacity?
Inquire about the total battery storage capacity (in kWh). This will tell you how much energy the batteries can store for use when the sun isn’t shining. You’ll want enough capacity to meet the home’s energy needs, especially during cloudy days or at night.
10. How Old Are the Batteries, and What Is Their Remaining Lifespan?
Batteries degrade over time, so it’s essential to know how old the batteries are and their expected lifespan. Ask for the expected remaining life of the batteries, as replacements can be costly.
11. Is There a Backup Generator?
Off-grid systems often include backup generators. Ask whether one is present, what fuel it uses, and the generator’s consumption rate. You should also inquire about how often the generator has been used historically, which can give you an idea of how reliable the system is during low-sun periods.
12. How Does the Generator Transfer Work?
Is the generator’s transfer automatic or manual? Automatic transfer makes the process seamless, while manual transfer may require more effort during power outages.
13. What Is the System Size and Energy Autonomy?
Ask about the system size (measured in kW) and how many days of energy autonomy the battery system provides. This tells you how long the system can supply power without recharging, which is important during extended cloudy or low-sun periods.
General Questions for Both System Types
14. How Old Is the Solar System?
Like any home appliance, solar systems age over time. Find out the system’s age and check the remaining expected lifespan of the components, especially the panels and inverter.
15. What Type of Equipment Is Used?
Ask for details on the equipment used in the solar system, such as the panels, inverters, and racking. You’ll also want to know the equipment’s manufacturer and the type of inverter system or charge controller in place, as these can affect performance and longevity.
Warranties, Maintenance, and Property Considerations
Before committing to a house with solar, you’ll also want to ask about warranties, maintenance history, and property-related considerations.
- Warranties: Are the warranties for the solar equipment transferable? If so, request documentation of the warranties for the panels, inverter, and batteries.
- Maintenance History: Who installed the system, and who has serviced it since? Check the maintenance history and whether the system has required any repairs.
- Insurance: Does the homeowner’s insurance policy cover the solar system? For off-grid systems, are there any special insurance requirements for the battery storage?
- Permits and Compliance: Were all proper permits obtained for the installation? Does the system meet all local codes and regulations? Make sure the system was installed legally and is compliant with all regulations.
Making Your Decision
Whether grid-tied or off-grid, a home with solar can offer significant benefits, but only if you understand exactly what you’re buying. By asking these targeted questions, you’ll avoid surprises and be able to accurately calculate the true value the solar system adds to your potential new home. The type of solar system that’s best depends on your personal priorities, energy needs, and lifestyle preferences.
Before finalizing your purchase, consider having the solar system inspected by a qualified professional with experience in the specific type of system to verify the system’s condition, performance, and identify any potential issues unique to that system type. Greenwired has helped many homeowners navigate the complexities of both grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. If you’re considering a home in Humboldt with existing solar or looking to add solar to your current home, contact us to schedule a site evaluation.