It’s that time of year again: the weather has warmed up, air conditioning bills are peaking, people are in the midst of their home improvement projects…and it’s prime solar sales season. Homeowners are getting calls, e-mails, radio ads, direct mail and even door-to-door sales pitches.

Most of these pitches are well-intentioned and accurate. Rooftop solar will indeed save you money, while also improving our local and global environment. Solar companies are providing an important service as we transition to this clean energy economy. It’s all a good thing, as long as the solar advice you get is good.

The problem is that solar technology, electric rates and financial savings can be very confusing, and subject to a variety of assumptions. To help sort through some of these facts and fictions, our topic on this week’s Energy Show on Renewable Energy World is: “Straight Answers to your Solar Questions.” Please Listen Up to our perspective on the following solar customer Q&A topics:

• How many solar panels will fit on my roof?

• How can you tell if a solar salesperson is exaggerating?

• Will a big solar company be more likely to be in business in 10 years than a small company?

• What is a realistic energy escalation rate?

• What is better, a microinverter, optimizer or string inverter?

• What solar panels are the best?

• How much money will I save?

• I pay $0.20/kwh for electricity, and a solar company is offering me a PPA for $0.17/kwh. Sounds like a no-brainer?

• I’m confused about these solar financing options. What is best?

• What maintenance is required?

• I have an output guarantee. Are my savings guaranteed?

• Do solar panels increase the value of my house?

• How long will it take to do the installation?

• Do I need to get a building permit or utility interconnection?

• If I move can I take my solar system to my new house?

• If the roof where the panels are located is partially shaded, will they still work?