Things to Consider when Going Solar

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Thinking about going solar? It’s a very exciting journey! Before you get swept away by the promise of lower monthly bills or harnessing your own solar power, you might want to spend some time considering why and how. What’s your motivation?

Motivation

‍We recommend asking yourself questions such as these to better understand why you want to go solar, so that you can ensure your goals align with actions taken down the line.

• What are your long term goals? 

• Do you want to own your system outright? 

• Do you plan on selling your home within a few years of getting your solar system?

• Do you want to pay cash or finance the project?

• Are you interested in paying the system off early if you do choose financing? 

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Installation‍

Once you’ve determined your reason for going solar, you can begin to research the solar installers in your area.

Hint: Atmos has a list of all of our vetted and approved Installation partners by state on our website.

As you begin to speak to installers, it’s important that you ask questions to get a sense of their qualifications, and if they’re the right fit for your solar installation. 

You might want to ask potential installers questions like:

• What are your certifications?

• What licenses do you have?

• Will you be using subcontractors, or do you do all the work in house?

• How much experience do you have installing solar and how many jobs have you completed? 

• What is the scope of work for the project and how long will it take from start to finish? 

• Could you show me an example of some solar projects that you have completed?

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Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s always good to receive multiple project bids to compare against one another. It isn’t uncommon to see slightly different project designs or costs from one installation company to another.

When you receive a project proposal from an installation company, be sure to look for the total cost of the project – including equipment and labor. You’ll want to pay attention to the solar array system specifications inducing the total system size (in KW hours), and the total energy output. Ask your installer about the equipment they use, and if there are warranties on the equipment or workmanship warranties on the labor itself.

If your installer is showing you a proposal based on a cash deal, ask them what their finance price is, and make note of the difference between the two!

Hint: Atmos offers lower cost loans in comparison to other financing options by offering an upfront low cost fee paired with a low market APR rate instead of a high dealer fee that drives up the total loan cost. 

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Paying Cash vs. Financing Options‍

If you are considering foregoing a cash sale, and selecting a financing option for more flexibility, know that not all solar finance companies are structured the same, and do not have the same underwriting policies or interests.

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Things to Consider with Financing

• How is the loan structured?

• Is the APR rate fixed, or does it change over time?

• Are there penalties to pay off the loan early?

• How does the loan factor in the 30% ITC?

• Are you able to re-amortize the loan when you would like?

• Is your home considered collateral for the loan?

• Is it a secured loan or unsecured loan?

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Regardless of which term you pick, all Atmos Solar Loans get the benefit of no payments for 6 months. This initial no-payment period is intended to give you and your installation company time to install your new residential energy system and start generating cheap, renewable energy before your loan bills kick in. 

Atmos calculate the 30% ITC on your project, and defer this portion of the loan for 18 months, held at zero interest. Following the introductory 18-month period, we’ll re-amortize your loan over the remaining term with any prepayment amount of $500 or more. This enables you to reduce your monthly loan payments as you have disposable income to pay down your loan.

Even better? There are no fees or penalties for prepaying your loan and no limitations on the number of times you can prepay or re-amortize your loan. 

‍When embarking on your solar journey, thoughtful consideration of your motivations and careful selection of an installer are key to achieving your goals effectively.

Researching certified installers and comparing project bids can ensure you find the right fit for your needs and budget. Whether you opt for cash purchase or financing, understanding the terms, rates, and potential penalties associated with each option will help align your solar investment with your long-term objectives.

By taking these steps, you can confidently move forward towards harnessing the power of solar energy for your home or business.

If you have questions about securing a solar loan with Atmos Financial and an Atmos approved installer, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can email us at solarloans@joinatmos.com.