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.

In a 2022 poll, 40% of U.S. homeowners said they seriously considered installing solar panels in the past year. In the same survey, 8% said they’ve already done so.

Now that the 30% federal solar tax credit is back, those figures will likely grow further. That should be a good enough incentive for you to consider becoming a green energy user yourself.

With that said, you’re likely asking, “How do I even choose solar installation companies near me?”

Don’t worry, as this guide contains all the answers you need. So, read on to discover the steps in selecting a reputable solar installer.

Search “NABCEP Solar Installation Companies Near Me” Online

NABCEP is the acronym for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It’s a well-established nonprofit organization offering accreditation and certification for renewable energy experts. It’s the gold standard for high-quality installations in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide.

A solar company or installer can only get NABCEP-certified if they pass an exam. This test checks their skills, knowledge, and qualifications to install solar energy systems.

Once certified, NABCEP solar energy professionals must undergo continuing education. Otherwise, they won’t be able to maintain their NABCEP certification and credentials.

As a solar consumer, you can look at NABCEP certification as proof of competency. For the same reason, you should only look for and hire a solar installer with this certification. After all, it’s a sign you’re dealing with a competent professional.

Verify NABCEP Certification Status

After searching for NABCEP-certified solar companies, visit their websites. Check their “About Us” or “Contact Us” page for their NABCEP certification number. So long as they’re genuine NABCEP members, they should publish this info on their sites.

You can then check the company’s certification status using the NABCEP Professional Directory. This has a lookup tool in which you can enter a certification number. Once you hit search, it should display the name of the certificate’s owner and a link to reviews.

If the certification number doesn’t provide any result, it may be either fake or inactive. In this case, take your business elsewhere.

Read Legitimate Reviews

Emphasis on legitimate, as the internet is full of fake and deceptive reviews. Indeed, according to statistics, over 8 in 10 polled consumers said they’d read a fake one.

Fake online reviews are often short and vague, such as “Great service!” or “Awesome staff, I recommend them.”

By contrast, genuine reviews are long and detailed. They also often include the good and the bad. Others may have no complaints, but they may still be honest if they explain each positive point in detail.

Either way, look for specific details, like the sales process, proposals, and permits. Also, pay attention to comments about timeliness, work ethics, and support after installation.

Honest reviews also detail problems that may have occurred. That shouldn’t be a problem, though, as long as the company fixed the issues. However, if the negative reviews outnumber the positive ones, take that as a red flag.

Check Each Solar Company’s License Validity

After reading reviews, you’ve likely trimmed your list to about three companies. The next step is to check their state-required licenses.

Depending on the state, installers and companies must get a solar contractor’s license. An example is Connecticut, with four different solar trade licenses. The CT government site has a license lookup tool for verifying license statuses.

In other states, solar installers must carry a general electrical license. They also need a contractor’s license and a business license.

Verify all licenses since this often signals a company’s insurance status. After all, most states require licensing applicants to present proof of insurance. This includes general and professional liability coverage.

Without insurance, states don’t grant licenses.

If you make the mistake of hiring an uninsured installer, you may face liabilities. For example, if they cause damage to your roof, you may have to pay out of pocket to repair it.

Confirm Your Prospects Offer Free Assessments

Installing home solar panels can result in savings of up to $50,000 over the life of a system. However, this still depends on the type, the quality, and the number of panels installed. Their installation location also affects their output and how much they can save you.

Because of such variables, reputable solar installation companies must conduct an on-site assessment. They do this to determine your eligibility to go solar, such as if your home gets enough sunlight. Fortunately, the best solar installer offers this service for free.

Don’t agree to a paid on-site assessment; instead, take that as a sign you may be dealing with a scam.

On the day of your assessment, gauge each company’s professionalism. For example, even though they don’t charge for it, they must still arrive on time. If they’re late, it signals poor work ethics that may extend to their installation process.

Also, pay attention to the assessors’ equipment. They should wear personal protective gear, for starters. If they go up your roof without safety harnesses, that’s a bad sign.

Throughout the day, the company’s staff should explain the steps. For instance, they’ll tell you they need to inspect your roof to see if it can support the panels. They may also give you to option to get a ground-mounted system if your roof isn’t an ideal location.

Time to Look for Solar Installers Near You

Remember: NABCEP certification is one of the most vital factors to look for in a solar installer. So when you do an online search, use the key phrase “NABCEP solar installation companies near me.” This can help trim your search and point you to competent installers.

From there, check their certification and licensure. Then, read reviews and book assessments only with firms offering them for free. After this, you can decide which company is right for you.

For more informative content like this, please browse the rest of our blog!