Questions about solar, batteries and HomeBackupPros
Can I require the contractor to be bonded?
Yes. Put it in the written contract before you sign: the contractor must provide a performance bond, a payment bond, or both, with you named as the party protected, for an amount you set (often the full contract price). The contractor applies with the signed contract and pays the premium, usually 3 to 5 percent of the bond amount. If the work is abandoned or subcontractors and suppliers go unpaid, you make a written claim on the bond. Most sureties want a contract of at least $10,000, which nearly every solar or battery job clears. Read about the homeowner protection bond
What does a home energy evaluation cost and what do I get?
The standard evaluation is $349. A licensed contractor comes out, looks at your electric panel, roof, yard and big loads, reviews your usage, and gives you a written quote for a system. If you buy that system from the same contractor, the $349 is credited toward the price.
Why pay for a visit when some companies quote for free?
Free quotes are fine when you can get one. Around here many homeowners call three or four companies and wait weeks for anyone to show up. A paid evaluation gets a contractor on your calendar, and the fee comes back to you if you hire them. Contractors on HomeBackupPros can also offer a free visit or an estimate instead, and you choose.
Is posting a request free?
Yes. Posting your usage and goals and comparing responses costs nothing. You only pay if you book a paid evaluation or hire a contractor, and you pay the contractor directly.
Where do I find my kWh usage?
Look on your electric bill for kWh used or energy used. Most bills from Duke, the co-ops and town systems include a bar chart of the last 12 months. Your online account usually has a download too. Enter any months you have. Even one or two helps.
Will solar keep my power on in an outage?
Not by itself. Grid-tied panels shut off when the grid goes down so line crews stay safe. To keep a well pump, fridge or furnace running you need a battery, a generator, or both. Tell us what has to stay on and for how long, and contractors will size for it.
Are the contractors checked?
Every contractor is reviewed and approved by our team before they can respond, and we check their NC electrical contractor license number. They are independent businesses, not employees of HomeBackupPros. Ask any contractor for proof of insurance before work starts.
Does HomeBackupPros endorse or rank the contractors?
No. A listing means the contractor passed our review and license check, nothing more. Responses are sorted by real customer ratings when a contractor has them, and some listings may be sponsored. You decide who to hire.
Who sees my address and phone number?
Your name, phone and email go only to the contractor you choose. You can also choose to share your street address with the contractors who respond so they can look at your roof from satellite photos before pricing. That is up to you.
Who makes sure the job follows local rules?
The homeowner and the contractor do. Permits, inspections, utility interconnection, HOA rules and setbacks for ground mounts all apply. HomeBackupPros does not check or enforce them. Your contractor should pull the permits and handle the utility paperwork.
Does HomeBackupPros install anything?
No. We are a directory and request service. Contractors are independent businesses that set their own prices and do their own work.
For contractors
What do I need to join?
An NC electrical contractor license, general liability insurance, and a service area. We review every new contractor and check the license number before you can respond to requests.
What can I send a homeowner?
Three kinds of responses: the standard paid evaluation at the site price, your own site visit (free or with a fee you set, credited or not), or an estimate based on the usage and goals the homeowner entered.
How does the paid evaluation work for me?
You visit, review the homeowner's panel, roof and usage, and leave a written quote. You collect the $349 as the site settings say, and if the homeowner hires you for the system, you credit it toward the price.
What does it cost to be listed?
Nothing right now. If that changes we will tell you first, and you will see any fee before you send a response.
How much detail do homeowners give?
Monthly kWh when they have it, how they heat and cook, well pump, EV plans, roof and shade, and their goals, including backup days and generator plans. Many choose to share their street address so you can check the roof before quoting.
Can generator-only companies join?
Yes. Pick generators as what you install and you will see requests where the homeowner wants or already has a generator.
Still stuck? Contact us.