How Do I Choose a Solar Company? A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Company

Solar energy is one of the most reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly sources of power in the world. In the United States, the market for solar energy is rapidly growing. This has led to an increase in the number of solar companies.

With many solar companies offering competitive prices, choosing a solar company can be a very intimidating process. This begs the question, how do I choose a solar company? In as much as you may not know about the construction process, you have a rough idea of what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend.

To help you know what to look for in a solar installer and also choose a system that will provide enough energy for your home, here are a few tips and factors that you should consider when selecting a solar company.

Identify Several Companies

The best way to start the search for the best solar installer is by choosing and evaluating a few. Have a list of the solar installers that you know whether local or national that work in your area. You can also search online for solar companies near you.

This step is all about identifying the installers that can offer their services to you. Once you have written down some of the installers, it will be easier for you to narrow it down as you look at each company deeply so that you can choose the right one for you.

Read Reviews

Regardless of how big or small a company is, service delivery is the most important thing that customers look at. If the company does not treat its customers well or delivers poor quality, you should not consider working with them.

Search for customers reviews online from social media pages, Yelp, and BBB. You can also contact the company and ask for references. Such reviews will help you determine if you can trust a company or not.

Remember, the right installer is going to help you choose the right solar panels and system for your home. You should be able to trust them to help you make the best decisions fully. You can only do this if you have read or seen what they have done before.

Check the Credentials

All solar companies and installers are required to have a license. In America, the licenses required vary according to the state. Check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council website to know what type of license the company should have. Note that solar photovoltaic and solar thermal also have different licensing requirements.

You might want to ask the installer for their license number so that you can look it up on the website. This will make the search easier and faster. Apart from this mandatory license, check if they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Though this certification is optional, most reputable companies have it.

PV Installation professional credentials from NABCEP mean that the installers have undergone thorough training and met the set standards of professionalism. Y

While looking into the licenses and certification, take a look at the company’s experience. Find out how long they have been in business and how many solar panel systems they have successfully installed. Do not forget to check the types of roofing they have worked with.

Ask About Warranties

Different solar panel systems manufacturers and installers offer different warranties. It is crucial that the installer explains the kind of warranty that you will get with each system. Photovoltaic panels, for example, have their own warranty. One of the warranties covers the materials and installation, and the other covers their power output.

Solar panels degrade with time; the warranty should certify that the system will continue to provide you with a certain percentage of the original power output for a specific number of years. The warranty period should be at least 10 to 25 years.

The critical inverter system also has its own warranty that can last up to 25 years, and the racking system should be able to stay strong for at least 20 years. Do not forget the batteries, which should also come with a ten-year guarantee. Ensure that the installer can offer you such warranties.

Ask for a Quote

Never rely on online price comparison sites when it comes to knowing how much solar panel installation will cost you. Go straight to the company and request a quote. Most installers offer free quotes or site visits and will provide you with an accurate cost after taking into account your roofing, area, monthly energy consumption, and more.

Get more than one quote. This might be the factor to consider.

A solar panel system is an investment that will also increase the value of your home. Therefore, do not just go for the cheapest quote if it means compromising on quality. Emphasize more on quality than how much you can afford at the moment.

If the right installer is a little bit off your budget, this next step should be to look for an installer offering good quality but still affordable.

Consider Financing

To help customers have good and reliable solar systems, solar companies have various solar financing programs for their customers. Find out the financing options that different companies offer and if they are accommodative. If you have a way to finance your panels, make sure that the installer can work with that option.

How Do I Choose A Solar Company? Look at What Distinguishes Them

To answer the question, how do I choose a solar company? You have to take your time and do your homework. Once you have narrowed down your list to the top three companies, have a face to face interaction with them, use the opportunity to ask questions. This will help you make that final choice.

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