How to Conduct a Solar Walkthrough
Conducting a Solar Walkthrough with a Homeowner
This is information to be shared with a new homeowner regarding their solar system. This page will be modified over time based on user feedback and additional experience.
List of Topics to Discuss with Homeowner:
- General description of the component parts of the solar system and how it operates
- Share sample energy bill from another Habitat solar homeowner
- Explain seasonality of solar production and variability of electricity bills
- Explain what the homeowner can expect if they are careful with their energy usage (a small electric bill)
- Explain the various components of an electric bill: usage, fuel cost adjustment, taxes, minimum billUS Department of Energy data shows that low-income households spend an average of 8.6% of their total household income on energy bills while non-low income households spend 2%.
- Minimize your electricity bill handout (refrigerator magnet)
- If possible, provide the homeowner with a watt meter that can be used to determine the electricity usage of any appliance that is plugged into an outlet.
- Warrantees–solar panels, inverters, and installation (provided by solar installer)
- Interconnection agreement (Sometimes, the interconnection agreement has not been completed by the date of the walk through)
- Solar Fact sheet – What to expect from your solar system
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits****
- Solar Investment Tax Credit – In some cases, Habitat homeowners may qualify for the Investment Tax Credit. This tax credit, if applicable, can reduce the amount of federal income taxes owed by 30% of the cost of the solar system (assuming that the homeowner incurred the cost of the solar system AND they owe federal income taxes). As an example, if the homeowner paid $10,000 for their solar system, then they are eligible to claim a $3000 tax credit on their federal income tax return. This credit can be claimed over five years.
During the Solar Walk Through, Verify:
- Homeowners insurance policy (policy declarations page)
- Signed interconnection agreement with electric utility
- Turn on solar breaker to make sure the solar system in operating