Positive Experiences with Solar Panel Systems: Insights and Tips for Homeowners

Not All Solar Panel Systems Are Nightmares For Their Owners

Several readers of Cowboy State Daily have shared their experiences with solar panels following a troubling story from a family in Happy Valley, near Cheyenne. Their insights also include tips on how to choose the right solar system.

Positive Experiences with Solar Panels

While the Happy Valley family encountered significant issues, not all homeowners face such challenges. Wayne Walker, a University of Wyoming graduate currently residing in Arizona, installed solar panels at his home four years ago. He explained that his power generation is expected to cover the $19,000 cost of his system in about eight years, thanks to a federal tax credit of $13,000 and an additional state tax credit of $1,000 from Arizona.

“Up there in Wyoming, it’s a little further north so the sun doesn’t shine as long,” he noted. “But you have great sunny days. It’s not like some other places where it clouds up a lot of the time.”

Walker emphasized the importance of thorough research before making a purchase. He gathered quotes from five different companies and consulted with neighbors about their experiences with various providers. “When I started looking into how the panels got serviced, that’s how I ended up with the one that I chose,” he said. “And they have been really good to me.”

Caution About Leasing

Deb Handel, a reader from New York, advised against leasing solar panel systems. “Leasing companies attract a lot of customers because they advertise no money down, which lowers your payments,” she said. “But it’s a terrible deal. They don’t tell you that leasing means they’ll put a lien on your house because you don’t actually own the system.”

This can lead to complications when homeowners decide to sell, as removing leased panels can cost thousands if the new owner opts not to keep them. “When you lease it, it’s a total bad deal,” she warned. “You never own it, so you never benefit.”

Handel financed her solar panels through a home equity line of credit back in 2008, converting all her power needs to electric, including her Tesla vehicle. She has eight solar panels for her garage to charge her car entirely with solar energy. “I haven’t paid an electric bill, in truth, since 2008,” she shared. “And I haven’t paid a gasoline bill since 2018.” A critical component for her has been investing in battery storage to maximize her solar energy use.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Some readers are “do-it-yourselfers” with electrical or mechanical backgrounds who can install their solar systems without professional help. However, this is not the case for most people, according to Scott Kane, co-owner of Creative Energies, a company based in Lander, Wyoming. “Every now and then, there’s a person who’s like a mechanical engineer or an electrician themselves,” Kane said. “But really 99% of people are getting professional support on something like this.”

He pointed out that safety is a significant consideration, and many cities have licensing requirements. Utility companies also often require inspections, necessitating that the work be performed by a licensed electrician.

Creative Energies has been in Wyoming since 2001 and has installed solar systems not only in the state but also in Utah. They were involved in the planning for a solar home built by the University of Wyoming in Lander, which is so energy-efficient that its creators claim it costs nothing to power.

Avoiding Misleading Sales Tactics

Kane has observed some solar panel companies using misleading tactics to sell their systems. “A big part of our work in Salt Lake has been servicing solar power systems that were built by contractors who aren’t answering their phones anymore,” he said. “If someone’s solar power system is up on their roof but not working, that’s like an affront to us.”

To avoid pitfalls, Kane recommends looking for companies with a proven track record in the state. He suggests asking whether the same company that installs the solar panels will also provide ongoing service. “If they’re not, sometimes you find out that the solar company is not even in the United States,” he cautioned.

He encourages potential buyers to consult the Department of Energy’s guide to going solar, which includes tips for selecting panels and other essential information. Kane also advises that anything that sounds too good to be true probably is.

“We start our process by asking for their last year of utility bills,” he explained. “And we’ll ask what the person’s budget is, as well as how much they’re open to investing. Often, they’ll come up with something like, ‘Hey, we’re going to target offsetting 50% of your utility bill, or maybe 80 to 90%.’” However, he noted that achieving a 100% offset is unrealistic for most homeowners.

For additional information or inquiries, Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.