In January 2021, 8% of American homeowners said they had already installed solar panels, and 39% said they had given it some serious thought during the year.
As we deplete the planet of its natural resources and become more cognizant of the waste products they produce, it’s important that we switch to renewable energy. Otherwise, we’re leaving behind an uninhabitable place for future generations.
Have you given some serious thought to solar panels? Then you might want to take the next step and hire someone.
If you want to know how to select a solar installation company that won’t let you down, then keep reading. Here’s a quick guide on what you should do.
Ask Your Family and Friends
Do you know someone who has solar panels? Then they’ll probably have a good recommendation for you. Or on the other hand, they can tell you who to avoid if they had a bad experience.
You can take advantage of both online and offline venues to gather opinions. Post on your social media accounts, call/text your contacts, and speak to friends and family when you see them.
You’ll be able to get a nice list of companies by reaching out to your social networks.
Read Online Reviews
Next, reading online reviews is crucial. While the recommendations from your social networks can be good, you’ll need to follow up. Some time might’ve passed, so an installer that once provided excellent services may be subpar or even out of business now.
Doing some research on Google will help immensely here. Not only can you input the company names and check out reviews, but you can also find other solar installers in your area.
Filter the reviews by best or worse to see the main strengths and weaknesses of these companies. You should also filter by “most recent” to make sure their most recent work is outstanding.
For good measure, look up the companies on the Better Business Bureau’s website. The BBB will tell you if the company’s had formal complaints filed against them.
Look at Their Credentials
Some states require that companies be licensed to install solar panels. Even if you’re located in a state that doesn’t have this requirement, it’s best to choose someone that’s licensed, as it proves that they’ve been through the necessary training and testing to install solar panels correctly.
In addition, you’ll want to pick a company with certifications, such as one from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This particular certification is rigorous and is a gold standard for solar installations. Regardless, any certifications further prove a company’s competency, so they’re always a good sign.
Check Their Solar Installation Experience
New companies probably haven’t ironed out the kinks in their business operations, which means you may experience delays and errors. You won’t want to risk that with something as fragile and expensive as solar panels.
Choosing a solar installer with years of experience raises the chance of things going smoothly. It’s more likely that they’ll show up on time, do the job efficiently, and bill you correctly.
More years in business also prove that an installer has continuously impressed their clients.
Ask About Their Warranties
All solar panels will come with manufacturer’s warranties, but these are only valid if the panels are installed correctly. This makes it even more essential that you hire a trustworthy and experienced company; you don’t want your warranty to be void right off the bat, of course.
On top of that, reputable installers will also have workmanship warranties. They can vary between one and 10 years, and should cover anything that goes wrong within that time span. Avoid companies with no workmanship warranties, as it may be a sign that they’re running a scam and/or have poor work quality.
See What Equipment They Use
Solar panels have become much more accessible in the last decade, as there’s equipment for almost every budget. But not every brand is made equal, so it’s important to see which brands a company uses.
A credible solar installer will be transparent about the equipment they use. Plus, they’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and explain anything you don’t understand.
Steer clear of companies that are vague about their equipment. Chances are, they’ll use the cheapest things available.
Compare Costs
Comparing solar installation costs can reduce your financial burden significantly, so don’t skip this step. It may be tedious to request quotes from various companies, but it’ll give you a good picture of who to trust.
Those who charge too little may have unscrupulous practices, as they’ll tack on hidden fees when they bill you. They might also have poor workmanship and cut corners, including buying cheap equipment.
On the other hand, those who charge too much are trying to price gouge their customers. There’s no need to pay extra, as good companies like this business will fall in the middle of this spectrum.
Select a Solar Installation Company That’s Right for You
It can be tough to select a solar installation company, especially since there are so many out there waiting for you. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, as solar panels aren’t cheap.
But if you give the process due diligence, then you’ll be able to select the right person for the job. And better yet is, you won’t have to spend a fortune to do so either.
So don’t rush it when vetting your options for solar installers. Take the time to do research and ask questions, and you’ll be rewarded.
Check out the rest of our blog page for more on green energy.
