Solar Negotiators: 2024 Expert Review

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The Good

Free Solar Consultations
Emphasis on Customer Service
Wide Network of Financiers
In-House Installations
Long-Term Services

Free Solar Consultations

Solar Negotiators offers free, no-obligation consultations for potential clients. During the consultation, one of the company’s qualified team members will listen to and assess the client’s needs, review past energy consumption, and perform a site walk to determine necessary system size, direction, and pitch. The Solar Negotiators team member will also be able to provide system price quotes during the consultation.

Emphasis on Customer Service

Solar Negotiators aims to provide a high level of customer service and support for its clients. Each Solar Negotiators client is connected with a project manager who will work with them from start to finish of the project. The project manager will communicate weekly with the client to understand expectations, inform on next steps, answer questions, and address any concerns that may arise.

Wide Network of Financiers

The company has a network of financing companies that it can connect its clients with in order to find solar options that fit their needs. Using the power of its network, the company can secure competitive pricing, as well as attractive financing rates and terms.

In-House Installations

Solar Negotiators performs all solar installation in-house. The company does not work with subcontractors or other third-parties. In-house installations allows Solar Negotiators to better ensure the quality of its systems. Contractors handle the initial consultation and design, implementation and mounting, and subsequent monitoring and support of every Solar Negotiators solar energy system.

Long-Term Services

Even after the installation is complete, Solar Negotiators provides a variety of professional services at no additional cost, including lifetime annual professional system cleanings, lifetime active monitoring with in-house support, lifetime annual visual system inspections, and a double-protection warranty.

How much will solar cost me?

As your lifetime energy partner, Solar Negotiators is the premier quality-ensured solar contractor. The company also has an online instant estimator to give you a ballpark estimate of how much you will be paying and how much you'll be saving in the long run.

How much does solar save you in California?

The average monthly solar energy cost is $77.70. By switching to residential solar panels, you could save an average of $2,340 each year. This all changes with the new NEM 3.0 laws that will be in effect April 2023.

What is NEM 3.0, and how does it affect me?

The new method is called Net Billing, and it will replace the older system called Net Energy Metering (NEM) for those who sign up to participate after April 13th, 2023. Net Billing provides lower electric bill savings for solar owners than NEM NEM 3.0 reduces the export rate for residential solar electricity by around 75 percent, from an average of 30 cents per kWh to 8 cents per kWh. Lower export prices will increase the payback period for solar owners under NEM 3.0 and decrease the overall savings. Solar Negotiators is dedicated to being your lifetime energy partner. With the new laws in effect April 2023, the company is working tirelessly to ensure its clients get grandfathered rates before the deadline.

How does net metering work?

Your electric meter is “bidirectional.” Your electric meter runs backward as it measures the energy you produce from your solar system, crediting you for production. But, it also will run forward each time you need to pull electricity from the grid. PG&E will take your “net” energy difference, and it will be reflected on your monthly utility bill. You will be credited the same value per watt for energy produced as you’re being charged when you consume.

Can I refer someone and get money?

Yes, if you refer a family or friend, you can both get $500 upon successful installation of solar panels.

Are there benefits of a EV + solar combo?

One of the best things about having the solar and electric car duo is taking advantage of the rate schedule. PG&E currently offers two electric vehicle rate plans for residential customers. According to pge.com, “EV-A combines your vehicle’s electricity costs with those of your residence. EV-B involves the installation of another meter, which separates your vehicle’s electricity costs from those of your home." These EV rate schedules are available to all residents with electric cars, whether or not they have solar. However, solar customers will notice that not only have they built their system to offset their current usage, but that they will now likely be paying much less per kilowatt than before the switch. Consumers have been known to save anywhere from 30% to 50% of their monthly cost in energy when switching, and it has a minimal effect on your daily usage patterns. This is due to a lower rate charged per tier and a small change in peak/off-peak hours.

What happens to my solar if I move?

Many companies will claim that they can help relocate your solar if and when you decide to move. System removal and re-installation should be possible with most companies as long as you are moving within service range. Many companies fail to mention the labor fees associated with this work involved. After comparing costs, if you decided to move forward with this process, there are a few things you will want to consider. Just as you and your consultant did with the original project/site, you will want to perform a thorough inspection of the new site/property: Is there a lot of sun exposure? What type of shape is the roof in currently? How much space does the roof have? In most cases, you’ll find adjustments will have to be made to accommodate your new home. The company that provided you with your system can work with you to downsize, upgrade, or just shift panels around to make it work. This is an important step to maximize output and ensure you produce what you need to offset your usage each month.

Solar Negotiators