I’ve spent a lot of time over the past 15 years talking to homeowners about rooftop solar. More kitchen table chats and walks around the house than I can count. Some of the basic questions I hear again and again. Because they are new to solar, some of the most important questions do not even occur to homeowners.

On this week’s Energy Show we’re going to address some of the more obscure questions that homeowners should ask... and installers should be prepared to answer:

Why do I need a building permit for solar?

What happens if I run my electric meter backwards and don’t tell my utility?

Can I use the power from my solar system during a blackout?

Who covers the warranty on my solar installation and solar equipment?

Is 3% or 4% or 5% a reasonable projection for electric rate escalation?

If I sell my house, how will the new buyer value my solar installation?

Will that tree to the south of my roof shade the system and reduce its output?

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

Is there a catch with a “no money down” deal?

How much will I save with my solar system?

I had a little roof leak last year? Is it OK to put solar panels on my roof?