Solar guide seeks to educate, enhance buying experience

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently launched a new online tool designed to educate solar consumers while enhancing the buying experience.

The free guide offers those interested in going solar a one-stop shop to better understand the basics of solar energy and ownership options.

“The residential solar market is expanding into new states at a rapid pace, and because of that it’s critical that potential solar customers have the tools they need to fully understand solar transactions,” Tom Kimbis, SEIA’s executive vice president, said. “By demystifying the buying decision solar can find its way onto millions of new American homes.”

There are now more than 1.6 million solar installations in America, officials said, noting research estimates the nation will reach four million installations by 2023 and with that growth will come an increasing need to educate homeowners.

The new version of the guide includes questions to ask solar companies about selling a home equipped with solar panels, a new primer on solar plus storage with what questions to ask about installing storage systems and tips on taking care of individual systems.

“Education about home solar and batteries is vital for empowering freedom of energy choice,” Nicole Sitaraman, senior manager of public policy at Sunrun, said. “Sunrun is deeply committed to meeting consumer expectations via transparent processes and clear information, and we encourage all potential solar customers to read this guide.”