Item: ION Solar
Rating: 9.3
Author: Kaitlyn Short

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The Good

No Subcontracting
Maintenance Included
System Monitoring
Awards and Certifications
ION Earth Program

No Subcontracting

ION Solar does not outsource any of its installations, meaning the company installs every solar panel and inverter itself. Working with a full-service provider like ION Solar generally bodes well for homeowners as the company will then have full control over who is in and around your home and your family.

If you ever come across a company that does use subcontractors for any part of the project, we would suggest you tread carefully. While the solar company itself might be licensed, the subcontractors might not be. Additionally, the more people who are involved in the project, the bigger chance there is for miscommunication and lack of quality.

Maintenance Included

ION Solar states that the system it provides you includes free maintenance and repairs for the entire life of the contract.

In reality, solar panels don't require much maintenance other than being sprayed down with water every few months to keep off the dust and dirt buildup that could limit sunlight exposure.

However, if something does happen, ION Solar will be there to take care of it for you.

System Monitoring

Another beneficial feature ION Solar offers is system monitoring. Unfortunately, the company doesn't specify exactly what that monitoring entails, whether it's for production, usage, or both. It's to your benefit to have both.

However, ION Solar states that it will monitor your system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If there's ever a problem, the company will know about it and send a technician out immediately.

Awards and Certifications

ION Solar has been listed as one of America's 500 fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine. The company has also been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), a solar industry-recognized nonprofit organization charged with promoting best practices in solar power.

ION Earth Program

ION Solar is a featured partner of Habitat for Humanity. It's humanitarian program, ION Earth, provides a free solar panel system to a family in need for every 2 megawatts of clean, renewable energy ION Solar installs. It is impressive to see solar companies go beyond their everyday business practices to promote clean energy and other causes with their reach and efforts.

How much does solar cost with ION Solar?

There is no out-of-pocket cost to you to get started with ION Solar. If you can afford your current utility bill, then you can absolutely afford to switch to solar. You’ll pay nothing upfront, enjoy decades of lower power rates, and protect yourself against rising utility rates.

What type of equipment does ION Solar use?

One of the largest differences between ION Solar and the other guys is that the company uses only top-of-the-line equipment. That means more efficient production, long-lasting panels, and a better-looking install. You’ll sleep soundly at night knowing your home is powered by the best solar equipment on the market.

What are the benefits to the environment?

After switching to solar, your home will offset so much carbon dioxide it’s the equivalent of planting an average of around 78 acres of trees. Whether you happen to wear a cape or not, going solar means you’re a planet-saving superhero.

What if I sell my home?

Studies find that homes with solar sell faster and for more money. Why? Solar adds value by cutting expenses. It’s cheaper to live in a solar home, and that’s a big bonus for home shoppers. Your dedicated Project Manager will make the transition an easy one for both you and the new homeowner.

Will I still receive a utility bill?

Yes, you will still receive a utility bill each month. Each utility company is different, but there is typically a small monthly fee to connect to the grid. Additional fees are dependent on your energy consumption and on the amount of energy, the system will produce. If a solar system generates more electricity than the homeowner consumes, utilities may offer credits or payouts for the excess energy produced.

Why is my monthly bill changing?

If your electrical usage increases, it is likely that your utility bill will as well. Remember that ION Solar builds your system to match your energy needs based on your previous usage patterns.

What about federal and state tax credits?

The federal tax credit can effectively reduce the total cost of your solar system. Homeowners can deduct 30 percent of the system cost from their federal tax liability. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial systems until the end of 2019. The federal tax credit will drop to 26 percent in 2020, then to 22 percent in 2021. ION Solar cannot give you advice on filing your return or advice regarding your tax liability. Speak to a tax professional or financial consultant for help in filing your tax credit.

How does net metering work?

Solar energy production varies depending on the time of day and year. Systems are likely to hit peak production during the day when people tend to be out of the house. Excess electricity that is produced and not immediately used will be fed into the utility grid. In the evening and night when the solar system is not producing, the electricity you consume will be pulled from the utility grid. This back-and-forth exchange of power is known as net metering. To track your total energy consumption, you will need to compare your monthly utility bill with your solar monitoring app.

What is my project timeline?

ION Solar aims to complete your project in approximately 60-90 days. There are some factors beyond the company's control that may extend the length of your project. Some of these factors include city and utility authorization timelines, changes in system design, and electrical changes to your home.

How will the weather affect my production?

Poor weather may temporarily decrease energy production. Production can also be affected by snow covering the panels. Cleaning snow or debris from your solar system can be beneficial to your production. On stormy days, remember to consider the system generation as a whole over the course of a year or more. Higher production during summer months and sunny days will counterbalance days with poor weather.

ION Solar