Frequently Asked Questions

Why Solar? Our energy consumption is way up; human beings have never been more dependent on technology than in this day and age. Everything we own has to be plugged in; even our cars. Getting all this energy from the grid is getting more and more expensive. Before advancements in technology a roof was just a roof. Luckily now your roof (or ground) is prime real estate that can be used to produce your own electricity which you can use, store, or sell back to the grid. 

What’s a KW or Kilowatt? How do I know how many I’m using? A kilowatt is a measure of electricity. You can find out how many kilowatts you use annually by calling your utility provider. We can obtain this information for you; we have a concierges specifically for gathering your usage information so you don’t have to be burdened with the task of collecting that info.

How long does it take to install solar? Solar is not construction—it’s a one-day install, you don’t even have to be there you can go to work and come back and it’s all done. The quality of your life will not change. 

What’s Net Metering? Net metering means you can produce electricity from your solar and sell it back to the utility company. This law is going to change soon and when it does you’ll get either $0 or a fraction of the credit you’re getting now for the energy you produce. This will make electricity bills higher even with solar. If you do solar now you’d be grandfathered in. 

I like solar but don’t want a solar loan? You can always buy solar cash. Not wanting a loan is understandable but unfortunately you kind of already have a loan (your electricity bill), an adjustable rate loan that you can never pay off. We have multiple finance programs for 5, 10, 12, 15 and 20 years, all of which is decidedly better than FOREVER. And you own your own solar energy system. 

I was disqualified before! We have programs that don't require credit at all. 

We have roof problems, other issues previous installer informed us they can't do our job. We’d love to take a look at your project. We can do most jobs because we have hundreds of installers with specific expertise in roof, electrical, and construction. We'll get it done. 

Bad experience with a previous solar company. We're not like any solar company in the world, we’re superlative at vetting our employees, installers, and partners and only hire the best. We breed a customer-centric problem solving culture and in the rare case there is an issue we go above and beyond to resolve it quickly! 

Do you have a phone number I can call? No—but please don’t misunderstand this as any lack of interest! We’d love to answer your questions. We know the decision to omit phone support is unusual, but after experimenting with different approaches, we’ve found that starting with email enables us to provide the fastest response. We focus on providing fast and high quality responses by email, so you’re always talking to a human that can help first-hand. 

Can you help me understand the proposal? Yes, the Proposal Reader video should help explain the proposal. Additionally, you can email us to schedule a phone consultation to go over your proposal with one of our solar engineers. 

What exactly will Insolar do for me?

We have ai technology that can analyze satellite photos of your roof, roof sun exposure, and your local utility rate schedule and design a perfect solar power system using the best equipment, financing and installers in the market. 

You won’t have to deal with a single salesman or any high pressure situations. Your information is secure with us. If you decide to go solar, we assist with providing official contracts right on our site between you and the solar installer. Once you e-sign the contract, we will start working directly with the installer to get your project installed and we will be with you all along the way to make sure your system is installed with ultimate satisfaction.

What geographic areas does Insolar service?

We have solar provider partners in every state in the country (except Alaska). These partners have gone through our rigorous vetting process and are Insolar qualified installers. However, our complete service is not yet offered in every region. The full Insolar experience is available in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. Where our service is not offered, we’ll connect you free of charge to the top approved installer in your area. Stay tuned – we’re expanding.

Does Insolar install solar panels?

Insolar will not install your system. We are a marketplace that sources the best installers, manufacturers, and financiers to find you the perfect system. One of our approved solar providers in our network will install your system.

Is this service really 100% online?

Our software allows us to do an analysis on your project and procure bids while completely remote. It’s best if we have a few short phone calls to discuss details about your solar project, but other than that, it’s 100% online. 

How accurate is the Insolar proposal?

The Insolar proposal should give a decent ballpark for your system cost and savings and is based on our historical solar pricing database. The proposal generator is able to identify your utility rate schedules and pricing in your area and calculate your solar savings using your average monthly electric bill. However, every project is different, so you will need to wait until we deliver bids to be certain of your results.

What if your proposals are wrong? 

Our proposals are pretty accurate but we run through them with a fine comb that’s why we ask you for bills to ascertain the usage and come out to access your property to check everything out. 

How do you handle change orders?

If after doing the site survey we discover that you need a few more panels or a few less panels we will adjust the contract price proportionally. For example if you’re buying 10 panels for $10,000 and you need 2 more panels then the new price is $12,000 accordingly. We try to keep things really plain simple at Insolar, if you any issues arise our staff is more than happy to see to it that it gets resoleves quickly and seamlessly.

Will Insolar evaluate the solar quotes I already have?

Absolutely. If you already have quotes in-hand it makes our job easier. We’ll know exactly what you are looking for, which will only expedite the process for you. We’ll evaluate the bids you have, and then provide competitive bids from our network. Once you compare the two, we’re certain you’ll see the value we bring to the table in both quality and price.

How much does it cost to use Insolar?

Our service is completely free for you. No hidden charges or unexpected fees.

How does Insolar make money?

Sales and marketing costs in the solar industry are extremely high, ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per project. We’re eliminated these costs for solar providers, and in doing so, we get paid a fraction ($1000>) of what it typically costs them. It is a success fee paid directly from the solar provider to Insolar. We will never charge you.

How does Insolar stay unbiased?

The only way we make money is if we deliver you an outstanding solar option you choose to move forward with. Our fee is flat across solar providers, equipment, financing, etc. This makes our platform and our solar experts completely agnostic to the factors of the system. The one and only thing we care about is delivering you the ultimate value. We will explain basic solar energy facts, our process, and answer any questions you may have. 

What sort of solar equipment do you use?

Our platform has thousands of equipment options. If the quality of solar equipment is high enough to meet our qualifications, we offer it. Though we offer it all, most of our customers tend to choose top tier equipment, including LG, SolarWorld, Sunpower, and Enphase, to name a few.

Does Insolar offer lease and purchase options?

We offer all financing options available on the market. It is up to you to choose. 

How does Insolar decide which financing options to display?

Based off of your specific information, such as credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and income tax bracket, we’ll find the perfect solar financing solution for your situation. Most of our customers opt for solar loans. There are over a dozen loan options on the market our optimization engine evaluates to determine which is most beneficial to you – but the choice is yours.

Can I go $0 down with Insolar?

Yes! We offer any option of going solar that you have heard about (likely a much better offer). We’ll educate you on the different options but we’ll leave the decision to you.

Who will find out if I qualify for rebates and tax credits?

Insolar has an extensive database of solar incentives that we are constantly updating. To ensure we maximize your savings, we’ll be sure to plug in all the rebates, tax credits, and other incentives available for your project.

Will you cater to my specific needs?

Simply put, yes. We try to be as flexible as possible. Many installers will only do cookie-cutter projects that are very straightforward. With us, we have such a large network that we will always have a partner interested in your project. Just tell us what you need!

Do you guarantee the best price?

We guarantee the best price for the same value deal. If we’re offering premier equipment and you show us a bid with low quality equipment, we’ll need to adjust our equipment offering to match it. The same goes for the quality of an installer. An installer that is more reputable will demand a higher price because they’re more likely to be able to stand behind their warranties.

What warranties does Insolar offer?

Insolar offers manufacturer warranties, solar provider warranties and a production guarantee. Bumper to bumper protection so you can rest assured for years to come.

Will I sign a contract with Insolar?

Your installation contract will not be with Insolar – it will be directly with the solar provider we match you with. The contract will be a Insolar standardized contract that we’ve drafted up to work for more than 100 different solar providers, while also keeping your best interest in mind. We’ll e-send you the contract via Docusign only after your selected solar provider has signed off.

Why should I use Insolar instead of going directly to an installer?

If you go to just one installer, you’ll have no idea if their quote is at the market price. It is strongly recommended that for any construction project you get at least 3 bids. With Insolar, you only need one point of contact, and we’ll receive up to a dozen bids on your project from only the highest quality installers in your area. These installers are competing for your business and saving money on sales and marketing, meaning your cost with us will be 20% below market average. You save time, money, and have an advocate on your side to make sure your project is installed smoothly. Here are some more benefits of choosing the Insolar Platform to make your purchasing decision

How is Insolar different from a normal solar provider?

We are a solar marketplace that finds you the best solar offer on the market. We will not install your system ourselves, but have one of our trusted partners (that you select) install the system. We will help you evaluate equipment, financing, and installer options. We’ve done the research and have the solar experts on staff to help you go solar.

How is Insolar different from a salesperson?

Solar salespeople have a bad rap for aggressive, high-pressure sales tactics. Typically, they will come into your home to do a consultation and many times want you to sign a contract on the spot. Their follow-up efforts can be aggressive. We’re here to end the need for that terrible experience. Our solar experts are here to help you and make recommendations for you. We never need to come to your home. We also provide multiple options for installer, equipment, and financing, while the typical salesperson has a sole offering to sell. Since we are not financially motivated to push one option over another, you can be sure that our only motivation is to give you the absolute best service.

What happens after I get my proposal?

The first step after you get your proposal is to reserve your system. Then we assign you a concierge who is available to you for anything you need. Our Solar experts will over some details on your home and energy usage to ascertain the proposal accuracy. Then our engineers will put together a 3D design of a solar system on your home and run production simulations. Once you approve the design we will install the system. Your assigned concierge will be with you along the way to answer questions and provide recommendations. 

How much time is this going to take me?

This question can be answered in a couple ways:

1) The aggregate time you spend in our process communicating with your concierge and evaluating information will be less than 20 minutes.

2) The amount of time from selecting a solar provider to having a solar system up and running is typically in the 1 – 3 month range. The range is dependent upon your jurisdiction, utility, and current demand on your selected solar provider. If you’re looking for a shorter timeframe, just let us know.

Will you share my contact information?

No way! This industry is plagued with homeowners feeling harassed from unsolicited phone calls. We’re trying to change that – your information is safe with us.

Am I going to receive a bunch of calls from installers if I give you my information?

Nope. The only time a solar provider will reach out to you is to schedule the site survey or installation.

Why do you need to know my personal information?

We’ll need contact information, your address, and your electric bill to design your perfect system.– that’s it. Your information is 100% secure with us. We will never giveaway or sell your information – guaranteed.

What information do you absolutely need to know?

The last 12 months of your electricity consumption, the amperes of your panel box, your offset goals for the system, and the financing options you might be interested in. The more precise information we have on your project, the more exact we can get with pricing. Information like obstructions on your roof, such as vents or trees you’re willing to trim, all help out.

Why do you need my electric bill?

We size your system off your electric bill. We also request a bill to see your utility rate schedule to ensure we are calculating savings correctly.

How will you design my system?

We use enhanced satellite imagery to review your home. Our engineers will build out a 3D CAD model of your home and then leverage LIDAR technology to determine the optimal placement of solar panels. We’ll finish the design off by running it through a production simulation software. This design will be done remotely.

How long does it take to get the Insolar proposal?

30 seconds maybe, less than a minute for sure. Go ahead and try it for yourself

Will installers contact me to bid on my project?

We put all your project information together (excluding contact information) in the exact format an installer needs to place a binding bid on your project. No contact necessary! This saves them time, which saves you money.

How does Insolar decide who bids on my project?

Insolar will not install your system. We are a marketplace that sources the best installers, manufacturers, and financiers to find you the perfect system. One of our approved solar providers in our network will install your system.

How many proposals will I receive?

If we show you a dozen proposals, it will create a lot of unnecessary confusion. Our algorithms sort out the top Cash and Loan options for you to choose from.

What factors does the ai look at when creating a proposal for me?

There are 50+ factors considered. These range from solar provider details, quality of equipment, coverage of warranties, financing options, and overall costs and savings. Our ai engine will assess all the factors and present you with the top quote.

Will the proposal cost be all-inclusive?

Yes! Aside from odd scenarios like a re-roof, your bid will show exactly what you need to pay. It will include permitting costs, taxes, and more.

Why is there a difference in cash and loan pricing?

The loan price is your true system cost. The cash price includes a cash discount. Why the cash discount? Similar to closing costs on a mortgage, there are additional costs the installer incurs through a financed deal. The installer is not making more money on these deals, rather the financier is taking a small margin to deliver the competitive rates. So by eliminating financing, the installer can give you a cash discount.

Am I obligated to buy?

No. There’s no obligation to buy anything, although we are confident we’ll find you an extremely attractive offer that you’ll want to move forward with. You can use Insolar to find out how many kilowatts you’re currently using, how many panels you need and how much you can save by going green. Or you can simply compare quotes and find out if you're overpaying for solar.

How long do I have to select a proposal?

Your proposal is guaranteed for 10 days. After the 10 days, we’ll need to reconfirm pricing and equipment supply with the solar provider. Due to solar providers demand and equipment supply constantly changing, their pricing may fluctuate.

What happens after I reserve my system?

You’ll then have the ability to review and e-sign the document. Once the contract is signed, we’ll then introduce you to the selected solar provider.

Will the cost change after the solar provider comes out to my house?

We have an extremely low change order rate – less than 5%. We take every necessary step to ensure we give you final pricing. If there are any changes to cost, such as structural issues, our solar providers must have these changes approved by Insolar. We’ve got your back!

Is Insolar out of the process after I sign a contract?

We’re not going anywhere. You’ll be introduced to the selected provider, and you’ll also be introduced to your concierge. They’ll be assigned specifically to your project and will be with you throughout the entire installation process to ensure everything is moving forward smoothly. Once your system is installed, we’re still there for help, whether it’s monitoring your system or answering questions.

What is the difference between a solar provider and installer?

We use these terms interchangeably. Some companies prefer solar provider and some prefer installer – no difference at all.

How many solar providers does Insolar work with?

Insolar is partnered with over 100 solar installers nationwide. These partners are all vetted and qualified by Insolar staff. Less than 30% of installer applications are approved.

How do I know I am getting a quality solar provider?

Every solar provider on the Insolar platform must pass through a rigorous vetting process before they can bid on any solar projects. After we have brought a company into our network, we have an internal rating system to ensure the utmost quality and care is given to each customer. With Insolar, you can be sure that you will get a high-quality, professional company.

How do you vet the solar providers?

Insolar evaluates potential solar providers on over a dozen different criteria, including past customer testimonials and references, publicly available reviews, bankability, number of installations completed, licenses and insurance, equipment used, warranties offered, and more.

What type of solar providers do you work with?

We work with both large national installers and smaller regional installers. This gives you a variety of installers offering different benefits. A large national installer such as Sunrun may have a great brand, but their pricing and installation timelines aren’t nearly as attractive as many regional installers. We regularly review national companies to give you the inside scoop to help you make a more informed decision.

What happens if an installer goes out of business?

We take every reasonable measure to ensure we only work with reputable, high quality solar installers. If you have an issue with your solar system, it’s likely to happen in the first 12 months. Given that we have a thorough vetting process and constantly update our installer rating system, it’s highly unlikely that any installer you choose will be out of business within a year from your installation. If in 5 years something needs to be troubleshot and your installer is no longer in business, you will still have manufacturer warranties on your equipment. Depending on the issue, you still may be covered partially or fully by the manufacturer.