Signing a commercial solar agreement creates a long-term operational relationship. Before executing a contract, business owners should ask targeted questions to ensure project expectations, scope boundaries, and warranty terms are clearly defined in writing.
1. What specific scope items are excluded from the contract price?
Ask the contractor to detail all potential exclusions—such as structural roof modifications, utility meter upgrade fees, electrical main panel work, or municipal plan check fees.
2. How are project schedule delays managed?
Understand the timeline milestones for equipment procurement, engineering submittals, permitting approvals, physical construction, and final utility permission to operate (PTO).
3. What is the process for roof warranty preservation?
If your building has an existing roof warranty, confirm whether the solar racking attachment method complies with the roof manufacturer's warranty specifications.
4. Who handles post-installation maintenance and monitoring?
Clarify whether the installer provides ongoing system monitoring, component replacement labor under warranty, and response time commitments for system alerts.