The Cloudy (or Shady?) Side of Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar has become more popular in recent years, and since we are The Sunshine State, Florida has more solar panels than you’ll find in most other states.  Advocates tout the environmental benefits of reduced fossil fuel use, and the savings on monthly energy bills.  However, there are major drawbacks to installing solar panels on your roof, and the salesman at your door likely will not point them out.  

 

We have a client, a dear, sweet lady, who just celebrated her 84th birthday.  A couple of years ago, a salesman came to her door selling the idea of “no more power bills.”  Now, she’s making payments of more than $300 a month, (which exceeds her old power bill) for panels that have a 25-year lease.  Her total lease payments will exceed $80,000, and the contract runs for more than 50 pages.  I certainly hope the salesman who contacted her never gets another good night’s sleep.

 

Beyond the problem of aggressive, predatory sales practices, which can occur in any industry, there are potential problems specific to rooftop solar. You need to consider all the issues before making a decision about installing solar panels at your home.

 

One major issue is that you are affecting your roof.  If you have a 25-year lease, like the one I mentioned, you’re all but certain to need a roof repair, and/or replacement, during that time period.  So, you’ll have to pay to have your panels removed and reinstalled, an expense for which the solar salesman won’t account.  Just think of the added complications, expenses, and delays if you’re working on repairs after a hurricane like Michael.  In addition, many insurance companies won’t cover damage to solar panels – a few events prohibit it – which narrows your options for finding insurance coverage … not a great idea in Florida.

 

Contracts you sign can be complex.  What’s more, the typical solar installation company stays in business for less than ten years, with many new installers closing their doors within the first three years.  So, if you have a problem, who can fix it?  Another challenge is that if the promised efficiency and output metrics aren’t reached, you likely have no recourse.  The final straw is that when selling your home with a solar lease, or lien, things can become more difficult.     

 

If you’re considering solar, find a reputable company with a long track record, and never put up with high-pressure sales tactics.  Consider all the facts, not just the potential energy savings, and don’t forget to talk to your insurance agent … first!