By: Joshua Finley

Consumers increasingly embrace solar power due to its long-term cost savings, environmental benefits, and energy independence. As concerns about rising electricity costs and climate change grow, solar energy offers many homeowners a sustainable and affordable solution.  

By the end of 2023, the U.S. will have seen over 5 million solar installations, reflecting the growing trend toward renewable energy adoption. The typical cost for a solar installation on an average-sized home in the U.S. is around $20,000 to $25,000, depending on the state and available incentives—a significant investment. 

However, for many consumers, the significant investment in solar can be compounded if a homeowner’s solar installation malfunctions.

Utah-based Dean Chiaravallotti, Chief Revenue Officer of Solar Insure, has disrupted the solar and warranty industries by offering innovative insurance-backed products for residential and commercial solar installations. 

Dean Chiaravallotti’s journey into solar energy began long before the industry’s mainstream growth, fueled by a lifelong commitment to clean energy and a vision for more sustainable power solutions.

“I’ve been interested in solar energy solutions ever since I can remember. I grew up in Southern California around coal and gas power plants and saw firsthand the air pollution they created,” says Dean Chiaravallotti. “To me, solar just makes more sense. Sure, there’s some pollution in manufacturing panels, but when you consider they can produce energy for 30 years, the environmental benefits far outweigh the initial impact. It’s a much simpler, cleaner alternative to digging up rocks and burning them in a furnace for power.” 

The Advantages of Solar Solutions

It’s not only solar’s environmental advantages that attract homeowners to solar. Solar offers the potential for significant cost savings, stabilization of electricity costs, and the desire for energy independence.  

Solar panels, in tandem with energy storage solutions like batteries, not only reduce reliance on the grid but also provide backup power during outages, which is increasingly important due to several factors, including an overstressed energy supply infrastructure and the increasing severity of natural disasters.

Says Chiaravallotti, “I’ve spoken to homeowners who wanted to go solar not just for cost savings, but to ensure energy independence. One man told me his wife relied on life support equipment, and he couldn’t afford to lose power during an outage. Going solar gave him peace of mind. Other homeowners want to stabilize energy costs for their family, especially as they plan for the future on a fixed income.” 

Beyond energy independence, homeowners are increasingly drawn to the financial benefits of solar energy. Many view it as a means to build an asset for their families or reduce utility bills over time. With Solar Insure, Chiaravallotti aims to eliminate uncertainties surrounding solar by providing insurance-backed warranties that assure customers of long-term reliability and protection against system failures and contractor and manufacturer insolvencies.

Solar installations enhance property value and stabilize future energy costs, making them a wise investment. Government incentives and tax credits further increase solar’s affordability, fueling its appeal. With Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs gaining popularity, homeowners are increasingly adopting battery storage for personal energy independence and to participate in these initiatives. As solar and battery technology matures, homeowners across the U.S. are embracing its benefits, with solar installations projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2034.

Selling Solar Peace of Mind

According to Chiaravallotti, business and residential property owners share some common concerns when considering solar, primarily the high upfront costs for purchase and installation. 

In Chiaravallotti’s experience, maintenance and potential repair costs, especially as systems age, are major concerns for homeowners—particularly amid recent industry challenges. Over the past 18 months, the solar industry has seen a surge in contractors and manufacturers declaring bankruptcy, going out of business, leaving consumers worried about who will support their investment long-term. 

“With residential solar installations costing an average of around $13,000 in Utah, and even higher in other parts of the country—investing in solar is a major financial commitment. Property owners want the reassurance that their investment will truly pay off. That’s exactly why I helped pioneer the national adoption of Solar Insure; I saw firsthand the need for greater peace of mind as I encountered these concerns repeatedly,” says Chiaravallotti. 

Dean Chiaravallotti emphasizes the importance of confidence in what you’re selling. He points out that if you don’t genuinely believe in your offering, it becomes difficult to communicate that value effectively to others. “If you don’t see the worth in it yourself,” he says, “convincing someone else becomes a real challenge.” 

Asset Protection

With extensive experience across the solar industry, Dean Chiaravallotti has become a trusted advisor, collaborating closely with financial institutions, software innovators, manufacturers, and contractors to design warranty solutions that meet the needs of solar energy stakeholders. His guidance has helped align key industry players, ensuring that Solar Insure’s warranty offerings deliver unmatched reliability and peace of mind for providers and consumers. He has trained thousands of solar professionals on effectively conveying the value of warranties to home and business owners nationwide. By tackling common concerns, such as who is responsible for repairs and contractor availability, he helps alleviate doubts. He plays a crucial role in the national distribution of the warranty products offered by Solar Insure. 

“Solar Insure benefits both installers and homeowners,” Chiaravallotti explains. Installers can effectively manage warranty needs and claims processing and get paid for it, while homeowners enjoy long-term protection with an insurance-backed warranty with zero deductibles. This coverage includes parts, labor, roof penetrations and a battery replacement, eliminating hidden fees. The warranty is transferable, adding value for property owners when it’s time to sell.”

Solar Insure has disrupted the niche solar warranty protection sector by providing home and business owners with an insurance-backed warranty that ensures ongoing protection for their solar systems. Its unique advantages include coverage if a manufacturer or contractor leaves the business. Solar Insure will handle claims and send a replacement service provider in cases like this. This warranty, included in the overall solar installation cost, covers solar panels, inverters, roof penetrations and a battery replacement for up to 30 years.

Chiaravallotti notes, “Solar Insure’s warranty is a first in the industry, giving homeowners and businesses peace of mind.”

With over 11 years in the solar industry, Chiaravallotti has helped more than 700 homeowners and businesses transition to solar energy. His commitment to excellence has seen him receive multiple accolades, including five Company Top Sales Awards and the D2D Golden Door award for two consecutive years. 

Dean Chiaravallotti, advisor and thought leader on the future of solar, is reshaping the warranty landscape within the solar and battery storage sector by empowering thousands of sales professionals, contractors, and lenders nationwide. His innovative approach to protecting consumer investments with advanced monitoring and warranty products has revolutionized the industry. 

For more information, visit his LinkedIn page and the SolarInsure website.

Published by: Nelly Chavez