Finding an honest, educated, and reputable solar installer requires thorough research. It is one of the most time-consuming, yet valuable tasks one should undertake when considering a solar electric installation. This blog is the second installment in our series, “Questions to Ask a Solar Installer”. Our initial blog covered credibility, contact, & operations questions. This blog will address questions to ask a solar installer related to solar panels, energy generation & roof structure.
Key Questions to Ask:
Solar Panels
Southern View Energy is brand neutral. We have experience installing a wide range of top-tier brands, making selections based on quality, cost and availability. If a customer has a specific brand preference, we will accommodate that request.
In recent years, we’ve provided a selection of top-performing modules for our customers. Some examples of the brands we’ve installed are: Canadian Solar, Hyundai, Hanwha QCells, Mission Solar, REC Solar, Silfab, Solaria, Talesun, and Trina. All chosen based on quality, pricing and availability. To view photos and specifications of some of our installed projects, take a look at the interactive map found on our website.
Because SVE is brand neutral, we select top-tier solar modules backed by reputable third-party corporations. Therefore, if a panel encounters issues during its warranty period, a trustworthy company supports the brand to uphold the warranty. Most importantly, with a wide array of excellent panels to choose from, our goal is to provide the highest quality products available at competitive prices.
Yes. Each individual piece of equipment carries its own warranty. Solar panels are usually 25-30 years with dual warranties covering linear performance and workmanship.
Microinverters typically come with a 25-year warranty and string inverters are covered for 10 years. Batteries come with a 10-year warranty. SVE provides our own workmanship warranty: one year for residential installations and two years for commercial projects. One of the key advantages of a solar electric system is that it has no moving parts, which means there’s very little that can go wrong.
Energy Generation
Every system we create is a custom design. We determine and recommend system size(s) based on the client’s energy usage, solar goals, and available installation space. We assess power usage by analyzing historical kWh consumption and monthly energy expenses to determine the appropriate system size and, if desired, the recommended battery backup.
How did you come to that recommendation?
Using the information gathered from your energy usage/cost, a RIO analysis is generated. Typically, we begin by preparing a proposal with several system options for discussion. The next step is to meet with the client for a free on-site solar analysis and to answer questions. This process helps us address the client’s structural and energy efficiency needs, enabling them to make an informed decision about the best system to meet their energy goals. 
Yes, this allows us to generate the most accurate energy usage analysis. Ideally, we like to have 12 months of energy usage data to determine the average kilowatt usage and amount spend per kilowatt.
This depends on several factors, including energy consumption, location, shading, and the number of solar panels that can fit in the available space. For example, according to Georgia Power, the average household uses 12,289 kWh annually. As a result, to effectively offset this usage, a household in Atlanta would need 24 400W solar panels (a 9.6kW system) with batteries to store energy produced during the day for use at night. This setup, with panels unobstructed and facing due south, would generate approximately 12,990 to 13,960 kWh annually.
Yes, each solar electric system comes with a monitoring platform. Customers can use the software on desktop or mobile devices. At the completion of the installation, we conduct a walk-through with our customers and teach them how to access and interpret the system performance data from their monitoring applications.
Roof Structure
This is a very important consideration. Roofs that are in need of repairs or replacement are not good candidates for a rooftop solar installation. All roofs age differently depending on the roofing material, the weather conditions, and the original quality of the installation. If your roof is more than 15 years old or has significant damage, it may be necessary to replace it before installing solar panels.
Yes, if you live in a historic district or have an HOA, you’ll need to follow their approval guidelines before committing to a solar installation. Similarly, if you are concerned about your roof’s condition, you should consult with a roofer to verify that your roof is a good candidate for a solar installation.
SVE will always conduct a free on-site solar evaluation to assess the property. Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity and should ideally face south, or a combination of east, west, southeast, or southwest. Most importantly, shaded solar panels produce less electricity! Not every home is ideal for a solar installation.
Contact SVE
If you have other questions regarding solar panels, energy generation & roof structure and you’re interested in working with an honest, educated, and reputable solar installer, complete our contact form, call us at 678.833.5191 or email info@southernviewenergy.com to explore how solar can help you achieve your energy goals.

