In 2023, 33 gigawatts of solar power were installed in the United States, up from 21 gigawatts the previous year. More solar panels are being installed than ever before.
Adding solar power to your home can be an excellent way to reduce your reliance on utility companies and help the environment, but not every installation is done right. To get a great solar installation for a reasonable price, do some digging and choose the right solar installation company for the job.
Here’s how to find quality solar installers in your area.
Evaluate the Company’s Reputation
One of the first things that you’ll want to do when choosing a solar installer is evaluate their reputation. You should find out everything you can about a company and learn what others think about it before you decide to hire it for your own solar installation needs.
It’s a good idea to ask your friends, family members, and neighbors who have solar panel installations what company they used. This can give you some ideas about what companies to research further.
Just like when hiring other contractors, some solar companies will be rated better than others. Some will achieve better results and provide better customer service. Be sure to read online reviews on a solar installer to get a better idea of their level of service and care and to find out what their overall reputation is.
Check Qualifications and Credentials
When choosing a solar installer, also find out about their qualifications and credentials. You’ll want to learn more about the company by reading through its website and learning about the people who run it.
Find out about the company’s level of experience and how long they have been in business to get a better idea of their overall reliability. You should also check whether they have licenses and certifications. These help prove that they’re legitimate and serious about the services they provide.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state. One of the best certifications to look for is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. This shows that the company is reliable and has the knowledge and skills to handle renewable energy projects.
Know the Installation Price
When choosing solar installers, think carefully about the cost of the installation. There are a lot of things that can affect the price you pay for your solar installation, so you’ll want to take all of them into account when making a decision.
Different companies will charge different amounts for solar installations. You’ll want to ask for quotes and compare your options carefully.
You may also want to find out if the company you choose has financing options available. This will allow you to pay the costs of the installation over time.
It’s also important to understand the tax incentives and credits you can use when getting a solar installation as well. After rebates and incentives, a solar installation may not be as expensive as you would expect.
Ask About Solar Installation Warranties
In addition to thinking about the cost of the solar installation, also learn about the warranties that a solar installer provides as well. Manufacturer warranties for the solar panels themselves will typically last from 25 to 30 years.
Some installers will also offer workmanship guarantees. These can help ensure that you’ll be covered in case something goes wrong with your installation later on down the line.
These guarantees tend to range anywhere from a few years to 10 years. You should speak with an installer to find out exactly what their warranty covers and how long it is.
Also, you should verify that the solar installer is reliable and has been in business for a while. A warranty won’t do you much good if the installer goes out of business and isn’t around to honor it.
Look for Local Expertise
Make sure that the solar installer you choose understands the unique needs of a solar installation in your area. The regulations, permits, and grid connection needs will all differ based on where the solar system will be installed.
Your solar installer should understand the unique requirements of your state and should have a good grasp of the local area. Be sure to speak with them beforehand so that they’ll know all about your needs and can meet them fully.
Prioritize Great Customer Service
Remember that you’ll be working with real people when getting a solar panel installation. Ensure that you’re familiar with the team behind the solar energy solutions and understand what they bring to the table.
Read up on a solar panel company’s team and use their website to find out more about them. Learn about their history, mission, and values and try to get an idea of their trustworthiness. Online reviews will help with this as well. Best of all is to speak with the company directly to get an idea of their personalities, communication style, and level of customer service.
A solar panel installation company should be personable and easy to work with. Finding a company that is easy to work with is essential and will make the entire solar installation process go much more smoothly.
Ask Questions
When choosing a solar installer, ask the company plenty of questions. You should ask about any concerns that you have for your installation and any specific things you’re looking for.
You should also learn as much as you can about the process that a solar company follows when installing solar panels for a customer. Ensure that you have a clear idea of the expected timeline and how the process will progress from start to finish.
Asking questions will help you get on the same page with the installer and will make it more likely that you’ll have a great experience.
Hiring the Right Solar Installers
If you’re looking for quality solar installers, be sure to evaluate all of the most important factors. Be sure that the solar company you hire has a great reputation, a high level of experience, and charges reasonable prices.
