What's Bringing You Here Today?

• What motivated you to explore solar right now? Options: Rising electric bills, Environmental concerns, Increase home value, Neighbor referral, Roof replacement coming up, Curiosity / learning, Other
• Tell me about your household—who lives here, typical daily schedule, and which appliances or habits you think drive your electricity use?
• Do you have recent electric bills or a monthly kWh figure available? Options: Yes — I can upload now, Yes — I can share later, No — I don't have them
• Approximately, what is your typical monthly bill or average kWh per month?
• If your utility bill rose sharply next year, what would that change for your household budget or plans?

What's the Real Cost of Staying the Same?

• How much longer are you comfortable paying for grid power as rates rise—what's your true tolerance? Options: I want to reduce dependence quickly (<1–3 years), I can wait a few years (3–5), I plan to stay grid-connected long-term, Unsure
• How confident are you that your current electric bill reflects long-term costs including rate increases and new fees? Options: Very confident, Somewhat confident, Not confident, Unsure
• Have you seen unexpected bill spikes or seasonal surprises—tell me about the last time that happened and how it affected you.
• Which of these energy frustrations bother you most? Options: High bills, Unpredictable charges, Frequent outages, Lack of visibility into usage, Environmental impact concerns, None of the above, Other
• When energy issues come up, do they change decisions you’ve made about home improvements, travel, or household spending? Options: Yes — often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never

Let’s Look Up: Your Roof, Honestly

• What would surprise you most if you learned about your roof’s real shade, orientation, or structural condition?
• How old is your roof and when was its last major repair or replacement? Options: < 5 years, 5–10 years, 10–20 years, 20+ years, Unsure
• Have you had leaks, replaced shingles, or known structural issues in the last 5 years? Please describe.
• How would you describe shading across the day and seasons (trees, neighbors, chimneys, vents)? Options: Minimal — mostly sun, Partial — some morning/afternoon shade, Heavy — significant shading, Variable by season, Unsure
• Which areas of the roof do you expect are usable for panels? Options: Most of the roof, One major roof plane, Only small sections, I don't know — need assessment
• If we recommended a roof repair or replacement before installation, would you prefer to coordinate it yourself or have us manage it? Options: I'll coordinate, Please manage through your crew, Depends on cost/timing, Not willing to replace

When Money Gets Real: Financing and Value

• If you financed solar and the payments felt like an extra loan, what would worry you most about that outcome? Options: Regret/overpaying, Payments > savings, Hidden fees or surprises, Impact on home sale, Not worried / confident in ROI
• Which payment or ownership options are you open to exploring? Options: Cash purchase, Bank loan, Solar-specific loan, Lease or PPA, Home equity / HELOC, Unsure
• What monthly payment or payback timeline feels acceptable to you? Options: Monthly payment < current bill, Payback < 5 years, 5–10 years, 10–15 years, Unsure
• How much does equipment brand and warranty influence your choice? Options: Critical — must be top-tier, Important but price matters, Neutral, Prefer lowest cost
• Have you explored incentives (federal tax credit, state/local rebates) or would you like help identifying them? Options: I know them well, I know some and want help, I haven't looked, Unsure
• Would you like a clear comparison of cash vs loan vs lease that shows monthly payments, savings, and 10–25 year outcomes? Options: Yes — show all options, Yes — show my preferred options, No, not needed

Who Really Decides (and Who Needs to Be With Us)?

• If everyone involved had one worry about going solar, whose worry would be the deal‑breaker and what is it?
• Who will sign the contract and who else needs to be consulted before you move forward? Options: Homeowner alone, Both partners / spouses, Other family member, Mortgage holder / lender, HOA / condo board, Financial advisor, Other
• How do you typically make big home decisions — fast after seeing numbers, or through multiple conversations and research? Options: Decide quickly after numbers, A few days of discussion, Weeks of deliberation, Months of research
• Are there external influencers (neighbor experiences, realtor opinions, HOA rules) who will affect your choice? Options: Neighbor referral/testimonial, Realtor/agent advice, HOA constraints, Friends/family, None of these
• What specific assurances would the decision-makers insist on (e.g., roof protection, installer insurance, transferable warranties)?
• Would a one-page decision packet (key financials, equipment summary, warranty highlights) help you align stakeholders? Options: Yes — please prepare one, Maybe — show a sample first, No, not necessary

Timeline: Is This a Sprint or a Gentle Walk?

• If there were only one ideal installation window that matched your life, what would missing it cost you?
• What timeline do you prefer from signed contract to system live? Options: < 4 weeks, 4–8 weeks, 2–3 months, 3–6 months, Flexible / unsure
• Are there fixed dates we must avoid or meet (move, roof work, rental turnover, events)? Options: Yes — I have specific dates, Maybe — possible conflicts, No fixed dates
• How quickly do you expect permits, HOA approvals, and inspections to be handled — are you expecting a fast push or a standard schedule? Options: As fast as possible, Within normal contractor timeline, I need prep time before permits, Unsure
• If we face permit or supply delays, would you accept phased approaches (e.g., partial commissioning, battery later) to meet your timing? Options: Yes — open to phased, Maybe — depends on impact, No — want full scope at once
• What windows can our crew access your property for site visits and installation (select all that apply)? Options: Weekday mornings, Weekday afternoons, Evenings, Weekends, Only specific hours — please specify

After the Switch: What Success Looks Like

• A year from now, what would make you say 'that was the right decision' about going solar?
• Which outcomes matter most to you—monthly savings, environmental impact, increased home value, backup power readiness, or minimal maintenance? Options: Monthly savings, Environmental impact, Resale value, Backup power / EV readiness, Low maintenance, Other
• How will you judge whether the system is performing as promised—bill reductions, production tracking, or simply no service issues? Options: Bill reduction, Production matches model, No service issues / reliability, Positive feedback from neighbors, Other
• How important is ongoing production monitoring and a homeowner dashboard to you? Options: Critical — I want full visibility, Nice to have, Not important, Unsure
• Would you like scheduled performance check-ins after install (30 / 90 / 365 days)? Options: Yes — recommended cadence, Yes — only one check-in, No, not necessary
• Are there any remaining concerns or questions that, if addressed, would make you comfortable moving forward?

• Pre-Modeling Data Alignment
• Site & Shading Validation (Roof Scan Walkthrough)
• Modeled Savings & Performance Review (Scenario Workshop)
• Scenario Finalization & Mutual Validation (Decision Readiness)

• Schedule Site & Shading Validation and Model Review meetings with homeowner and required technical staff.
• Seller runs a preliminary consumption summary from provided bills and flags any data anomalies.
• Welcome & Meeting Objectives
• Objectives Recap
• Confirm physical site inputs and constraints with homeowner validation.
• Quantify shading impact and agree on any mitigation strategies to include in modeling.
• Agree on roof condition risks or required remediation that would affect timeline or cost.
• If needed, schedule an in-person roof inspection or drone capture to resolve any remaining uncertainty.
• Engineer receives finalized site geometry and shading masks to lock model inputs.
• Homeowner confirms any aesthetic or placement preferences (e.g., hide panels from street view, avoid certain roof faces).
• One-line Recap: Current State, Consequence, Future State
• Homeowner validates the modeling assumptions and acknowledges the quantified consequence (costs and savings).
• Demonstrate, with tailored data, that one or more scenarios achieve the defined future state.
• Obtain a clear decision signal or list of outstanding objections needing resolution before commitment.
• Prepare a written scenario summary (production, savings, payback, financing) and share with homeowner within 48 hours.
• If homeowner requests, run an alternate scenario (different system size or inverter choice) and return results.
• If financing selected, send required pre-application documents and consent forms to initiate credit/loan pre-approval.
• Restate Chosen Scenario & How it Meets Future State
• Obtain homeowner confirmation of a single preferred scenario or a clear list of final objections.
• Ensure homeowner understands financial terms, warranties, and responsibilities that follow the decision.
• Schedule and align on the next milestone: Solution Scope and Mutual Commit activities.
• Prepare and send draft proposal/contract reflecting the chosen scenario and financing terms for signature.
• If required, collect deposit or sign pre-authorization to reserve equipment and schedule engineering.
• Schedule Solution Scope meeting with engineering, procurement, and homeowner to finalize equipment and layout details.
• Have a one-sentence current state articulation that all participants agree on.
• Surface and quantify the immediate financial consequence of current energy use.
• Collect or identify all data required to run an accurate, homeowner-specific model.
• Agree on a measurable future-state success metric to judge model outcomes.
• Homeowner uploads missing 12-month bill(s), roof photos, and confirms decision stakeholders and timeframe.
• One-sentence Current State
• Modeling Assumptions Review
• Roof Orientation & Geometry Walkthrough
• Commercial Highlights & Financing Terms
• Performance Guarantees, Warranties, and Monitoring
• Shading Analysis Presentation
• Scenario A — Full-size Purchase (Proof)
• Consequence Quantification
• Data Review & Missing Inputs
• Risks, Responsibilities & Timeline
• Scenario B — Loan / Finance (Proof)
• Structural & Roof Condition Check
• Scenario C — Right-sized / Shaded-optimised (Tradeoff)
• Final Validation & Decision Capture
• Constraints & Tradeoffs Validation
• Define Future State (One Sentence)
• Next Operational Steps
• Resale & Home Value Impact
• Prework & Scheduling
• Finalize Assumptions for Modeling
• Validation Checkpoints (forced confirmation)
• Recommendation & Decision Signals
• Next Steps & Timeline

• Prepare and submit building and electrical permits
• Procure Tier-1 solar panels and certified inverters
• Fabricate and install roof racking and flashing
• Mount solar panels to roof racking
• Install inverters, combiner boxes, and rapid shutdown
• Run DC and AC wiring and conduit to enclosures
• Install AC disconnect and tie-in to main service panel
• Install utility interconnection hardware and meter upgrades
• Commission system and perform production testing
• Activate monitoring portal and remote access for homeowner
• Register manufacturer warranties and documentation
• Perform post-install roof cleanup and seal penetrations
• Provide on-site warranty repairs and component replacements
• Deliver homeowner operations packet and system education

Prepare and submit building and electrical permits

• Which permits will be required for this site? Options: Building, Electrical, Structural/Engineering, Fire/Other Municipal, HOA Approval, Unknown / Need Assessment
• What is the project jurisdiction (city/county/utility territory)?
• Who should submit and track permit applications? Options: Installer (we submit), Customer to submit, Third-party permit expeditor, Undecided - need recommendation
• Are stamped structural calculations or roof framing diagrams required? Options: Yes, No, Unknown - check with AHJ
• What is the target permit approval timeline (weeks)? Options: <1 week, 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 4+ weeks, Unknown

Procure Tier-1 solar panels and certified inverters

• Do you have panel brand or model preferences? Options: Preferred list provided, No preference - recommend Tier 1, Require specific brand (specify below)
• What inverter topology do you require? Options: String inverter, Microinverters, DC optimizers + string inverter, Central inverter, Undecided - need recommendation
• What warranty and performance requirements must be met (panel warranty years / inverter warranty years)? Options: 25y panels / 10-12y inverter, 25y panels / 15-25y inverter, Specify custom below
• What is the desired procurement lead-time tolerance? Options: <2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 4-8 weeks, 8+ weeks
• Approximate system size for procurement (kW DC) or number of modules

Fabricate and install roof racking and flashing

• What is the roof type/material at the installation location? Options: Asphalt shingle, Concrete/Clay tile, Standing seam metal, Flat membrane (TPO/EPDM), Wood shake, Other
• Preferred racking attachment method? Options: Penetrating mounts with flashed boots, Ballasted / non-penetrating (flat roofs), Clamps for standing seam, Undecided - need assessment
• Are there special flashing or tile-cutting requirements (e.g., profile tiles, historic roof)? Options: Yes - special flashing required, No, Unknown - need roof inspection
• Do you require custom fabrication (trim rails, end caps, painted finish)? Options: Yes - specify requirements, No - standard racking, Undecided
• Is roof reinforcement or repairs needed before racking installation? Options: Yes - schedule repair, No, Unknown - inspect roof condition

Mount solar panels to roof racking

• How many modules and what layout orientation are planned (portrait/landscape, roof faces)?
• Are there access or rooftop safety constraints (e.g., low pitch, steep slope, limited staging)? Options: Yes - requires special safety/scaffold, No, Unknown - site visit required
• Do you require module-level power electronics (microinverters or optimizers) for shading or orientation issues? Options: Yes - microinverters, Yes - optimizers, No - standard string
• Will mounting require temporary roof protection, scaffolding, or neighbor property access? Options: Scaffolding, Roof protection mats, Neighbor access required, None
• Are there edge-clearance, setback, or aesthetic requirements for panel placement? Options: Yes - specify below, No, Follow code/minimum setbacks

Install inverters, combiner boxes, and rapid shutdown

• Where should inverters be located (garage exterior wall, attic, equipment pad, other)? Options: Exterior wall - shaded, Garage interior, Attic, Ground-mounted equipment pad, Undecided - need recommendation
• Are rapid shutdown and module-level disconnect requirements specified by local code or utility? Options: Yes - required, No, Unknown - verify with AHJ/utility
• Combiner box and DC overcurrent protection: single or multiple combiner(s)? Options: Single combiner, Multiple combiners, Microinverters (not applicable), Undecided
• Is there a requirement for backup power / critical-load pairing with inverter (AC-coupling, hybrid inverter)? Options: Backup required, Not required, Maybe - want options
• Any environmental or access constraints for equipment (flood zone, temperature extremes, locked enclosures)? Options: Yes - specify, No, Unknown - site assessment

Run DC and AC wiring and conduit to enclosures

• Preferred conduit routing for DC/AC runs? Options: Through attic, Exterior conduit down wall, Roof-to-ground trenching, Hybrid - specify
• Approximate conduit/cable run length from array to inverter and to main service (feet)
• Conduit and cable type preferences (PVC, EMT, flexible, direct bury) or constraints? Options: PVC schedule 40, EMT/Metal, Flexible conduit, Direct-bury rated cable, No preference
• Will routing require rooftop penetrations, soffit entries, or utility pole/trench work? Options: Rooftop penetrations, Soffit/sidewall entry, Trenching/underground, No special routing
• Any labeling, pathway protection, or separation requirements for DC and AC conductors? Options: Yes - specify, No, Follow NEC labeling standards

Install AC disconnect and tie-in to main service panel

• What is the existing main service size and panel bus rating? Options: 100A, 150A, 200A, Over 200A, Unknown - inspect
• Is there available breaker space in the main panel or will an upgrade/subpanel be required? Options: Available space, Panel upgrade required, Subpanel required, Unknown - inspect
• Preferred location for AC disconnect (exterior near meter, at inverter, or at main panel)? Options: Exterior near meter, At inverter, At main panel, Other
• Will the tie-in require a scheduled outage and coordination with homeowner? Options: Yes - outage required, No - hot-tap possible, Unsure - depends on electrician
• Any metering or main-lug limitations that could affect tie-in (fused meter, service lateral issues)? Options: Yes - known limitation, No, Unknown - verify with electrician/utility

Install utility interconnection hardware and meter upgrades

• Which utility serves the property?
• What interconnection type is requested/available? Options: Net metering/Full retail, Net billing/Export credit, Feed-in tariff, Buy-all/sell-all, Unknown - verify with utility
• Will a meter swap or CT meter upgrade be required by the utility? Options: Yes - meter swap, Yes - CT meter, No meter change required, Unknown - utility to confirm
• Who will prepare and submit the utility interconnection application? Options: Installer, Customer, Utility portal handled by third party, Undecided
• Expected utility approval timeline and any known fees or study requirements? Options: <2 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 6+ weeks / may require study, Unknown

Commission system and perform production testing

• What commissioning tests must be performed and documented? Options: String continuity and polarity, Insulation resistance, AC voltage/current checks, Production baseline test, All of the above, Other
• What acceptance criteria define a successful production test (e.g., within X% of model)? Options: Within 5% of modeled output, Within 10% of modeled output, Baseline energy test for 1-7 days, Define custom criteria
• Do you require third-party or utility witnessing of commissioning? Options: Yes - third-party, Yes - utility, No - internal sign-off only
• Who will sign and keep the commissioning checklist and as-built electrical drawings? Options: Installer retains, Customer receives copy, Both installer and customer, Other
• Do you want monitoring baseline data captured and reported as part of commissioning (time period in days)? Options: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 30 days, No baseline capture

Activate monitoring portal and remote access for homeowner

• Which monitoring access should be provided to the homeowner? Options: Viewer-only (read), Full access (settings + alerts), Shared access with installer and homeowner, Other
• What contact details should be used for portal account creation (email, phone)?
• Which alert types should be enabled by default? Options: Production drop (>20%), Inverter faults, Communication loss, Performance below model, All alerts, Custom
• Do you require integration with homeowner energy management or battery systems? Options: Yes - integrate battery/EMS, No, Maybe - future integration
• Preferred delivery method for monitoring onboarding (in-person demo, remote walkthrough, written guide)? Options: In-person demo, Remote walkthrough (video call), Written guide + video, No onboarding required

Register manufacturer warranties and documentation

• Who will register product warranties with manufacturers? Options: Installer registers, Homeowner registers, Manufacturer portal via installer, Undecided
• What documentation is required to complete warranty registration (serial numbers, proof of installation date, commissioning report)? Options: Serial numbers, Proof of installation/commissioning date, Photos of installation, Other
• Do you require the installer to provide a consolidated warranty binder (digital and/or printed)? Options: Digital + printed, Digital only, Printed only, No binder required
• Should warranty registrations be set for transferability if homeowner sells the property? Options: Yes - make transferable, No, Unknown - follow manufacturer defaults
• Who is the primary warranty contact for future claims (installer, homeowner, manufacturer)? Options: Installer (we coordinate), Homeowner directly, Manufacturer, Other

Perform post-install roof cleanup and seal penetrations

• What level of cleanup and verification do you require after installation? Options: Complete debris removal + magnet sweep, Standard cleanup only, Full roof inspection and photos, Other
• What materials should be used to seal roof penetrations and flashings? Options: Manufacturer-approved flashing kits, Roofing cement, Butyl/EPDM seals, Follow roof manufacturer guidance, Specify below
• Do you require photographic documentation of sealed penetrations and completed penetrations as-built? Options: Yes - photos uploaded to portal, No, Yes - photos + drone imagery
• Is removal and disposal of existing rooftop equipment or old solar gear required? Options: Yes - remove and dispose, No, Partial removal required
• Will roof membrane or shingle warranty considerations require special handling or certified roofers? Options: Yes - certified roofer required, No, Unknown - check roof warranty

• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Sales Agreement / Purchase Contract
• Financing Agreement
• Payment Schedule & Deposit Authorization
• Credit Authorization & Identity Verification
• Permit & Utility Interconnection Responsibility
• Access & Installation Authorization
• Roof & Site Condition Acceptance
• Equipment Selection & Warranty Acknowledgement
• HOA / Local Approval Authorization
• Insurance & Liability Confirmation
• Change Order & Scope Amendment
• Cancellation & Termination Terms
• Monitoring, Data Sharing & Account Setup Consent
• Final Acceptance & Closeout Authorization

• Early Production Review (30–60 Day)
• Savings Confirmation & Utility Billing Workshop
• Warranty Registration & Service Plan
• Shared Channel Setup & Issue Escalation Agreement
• Quarterly Performance Review & Upgrade Planning (90–120 Day)

• Ensure homeowner knows how to submit issues and request upgrades through a single workflow.
• All major equipment warranties are registered and homeowner has copies of warranty documents.
• A preventive maintenance cadence is agreed and scheduled in the system.
• Homeowner knows exactly how to raise a service request and expected SLAs.
• Seller: Complete registration for any unregistered equipment and email confirmation to homeowner.
• Seller: Upload warranty PDFs and a one-page FAQ about warranty claims to the shared channel.
• Seller: Schedule the first preventive inspection (6–12 months) and add to calendar.
• Homeowner: Confirm preferred contact details and emergency contact for service visits.
• Participants & Channel Choice
• Create a live shared channel with correct participants and notification settings.
• Set concrete alert thresholds and SLAs so both parties are clear on response expectations.
• Welcome & Objectives
• Seller: Create the shared CustomerNode thread/channel and invite listed participants.
• Seller: Configure monitoring alerts and test notifications with homeowner during the meeting.
• Seller: Document the agreed SLAs and pin to the shared channel.
• Homeowner: Confirm channel preferences and add emergency contact if different.
• Baseline Performance Recap
• Confirm whether system performance meets long-term expectations or triggers investigation.
• Define a clear future-state outcome for any upgrade opportunity in operational terms.
• Decide next steps (feasibility study, quote, financing application) and assign owners.
• Seller: Deliver an upgrade feasibility packet with ROI scenarios and rough costs within 7 business days if homeowner requests.
• Seller: If approved, schedule on-site feasibility assessment and provide preliminary financing options.
• Homeowner: Confirm priorities (backup power, max savings, EV-ready) to guide upgrade design.
• Seller: Add a 6-month and 12-month automated performance check to the shared calendar.
• Ensure homeowner and seller share a crystal-clear view of current production.
• Identify root cause(s) for any >10% variance and decide a corrective path.
• Agree on specific owners and timing for follow-up actions.
• Document the short-term financial consequence of the variance.
• Homeowner: Ensure monitoring portal access and confirm account permissions.
• Seller: Export and share raw production data and the projection model for the reviewed period.
• Seller: If hardware anomaly suspected, schedule site inspection within 7 business days.
• Seller: If no immediate service needed, schedule 90-day follow-up production review.
• Resolve or log any billing anomalies and start escalation if needed.
• Deliver a short-term expected savings timeline and responsibilities.
• Pre-check & Required Docs
• Homeowner understands how production converts to bill savings for their specific tariff.
• Homeowner: Upload the latest 2–3 utility bills to the shared folder.
• Seller: Produce an adjusted savings summary that maps generation to bill line items.
• Seller: If anomaly exists, open a utility support ticket and share reference number with homeowner.
• Seller: Schedule a 60–90 day billing follow-up to confirm normalization of savings.
• Inventory Review
• Current State Summary
• Consequence Framing
• Warranty Coverage Overview
• Monitoring Alerts & Thresholds
• Explain Billing Mechanics
• Data Review — Measured vs Modeled
• Future State Options
• Registration Status & Actions
• SLA & Response Tiers
• Reconcile Production to Charges
• Preventive Maintenance Plan
• Issue Reporting Workflow
• Identify Anomalies & Root Causes
• Variance Diagnosis
• Proof Points & Feasibility
• Upgrades & Referrals Process
• Set Expectations & Timeline
• Service Escalation & Contacts
• Decision & Next Steps