What Questions to Ask Before Signing a Solar Agreement

Signing a solar agreement is a big decision—not because solar is risky, but because the details matter.

Most frustration around solar doesn’t come from the technology. It comes from homeowners not fully understanding what they’re agreeing to, how it fits their home, and what happens over time.

Before signing anything, here are the questions every homeowner should feel comfortable asking—and getting clear answers to.

1. Is This System Sized for My Actual Usage?

Solar systems should be designed around your historical electricity use, not estimates or averages.

Ask:

• What usage data was used to size my system?

• How many months of billing history were reviewed?

• What assumptions are being made about future usage?
  
  

A system sized incorrectly—too big or too small—can create confusion later, even if it’s installed perfectly.

2. What Happens If My Energy Use Changes?

Homes change over time.

Ask:

• What if I add an electric vehicle or new appliances?

• What if my usage increases or decreases?

• How flexible is this system if my needs change?
  
  

Solar works best when expectations are aligned with how a household actually evolves.

3. Do I Own the System, or Is It a Lease?

This is a foundational question—and it should be answered plainly.

Ask:

• Who owns the equipment?

• Who is responsible for maintenance and monitoring?

• How does this structure affect long-term obligations?
  
  

Ownership and leases both work—but they function differently. Knowing which one you’re signing up for matters more than which one is “better.”

4. What Happens If I Sell My Home?

This question should never feel awkward to ask.

Ask:

• How is the system handled during a home sale?

• Is the agreement transferable?

• What does that process look like for the buyer?
  
  

Solar agreements—especially leases—are often designed to transfer with the home, similar to a utility service. Understanding that process upfront avoids surprises later.

5. How Will This Show Up on My Electric Bill?

Solar doesn’t replace your utility—it works alongside it.

Ask:

• What will my utility bill still include?

• How are net metering credits applied?

• When should I expect billing changes to appear?
  
  

Utilities like Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company apply credits on billing cycles, which means results are not always immediate. Knowing this ahead of time prevents confusion.

6. What Are the Long-Term Terms of This Agreement?

Solar agreements last years—not months.

Ask:

• How long is the agreement?

• Are there annual escalations or rate adjustments?

• What happens at the end of the term?
  
  

Clear terms don’t mean bad terms. Unclear terms are the real issue.

7. What Is and Isn’t Guaranteed?

Solar performance is predictable—but it’s not identical every day.

Ask:

• Are production estimates guarantees or projections?

• What level of variation is normal?

• What happens if production is lower than expected?
  
  

Understanding the difference between estimates and guarantees is key to long-term satisfaction.

8. Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions Later?

Support doesn’t end at installation.

Ask:

• Who handles questions after activation?

• How are issues tracked and resolved?

• What resources are available if something doesn’t make sense?
  
  

A clear post-install support path matters just as much as the initial design.

The Real Goal of These Questions

These questions aren’t about catching someone off guard.

They’re about making sure:

• Expectations are realistic

• Responsibilities are clear

• The agreement matches your situation
  
  

A good solar provider should welcome these questions—not rush past them.

The Takeaway

You don’t need to be an expert to make a good solar decision.

You just need clear answers.

Asking the right questions before signing ensures solar becomes what it’s meant to be:

A predictable, long-term improvement to how your home uses energy—not a source of confusion later.

VirginiaSolar.org was created to give Virginia homeowners clear, unbiased information about solar—so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.

Our Help Desk and resource library are here whenever you want to go deeper or ask questions.