Making the choice to install solar panels is an important step toward sustainable living. Still, for you, choosing the right solar installation service can be just as important.
If you don’t know what to look for in a solar company, you might end up with cut-rate work at an inflated price. In fact, the work they do on your home might not even be legal.
Fortunately, we’re going to help you avoid these problems and make the right choice. The following guide lists the 7 most important factors to consider when choosing a solar installation service.
You’ll learn about checking references and reviews, comparing solar installation costs, and more. Read this guide to make an informed choice.
Check Their Certifications
Before you even begin to compare solar companies, you need to find out which companies are properly licensed to do the job. The legal certifications required for installing solar panels vary from state to state, even from city to city. Thus, a solar company 20 miles away from you still might not have the proper credentials to work on your home.
So, the first thing you must do is find out what certifications and licenses are required to install solar panels in your local area. Then, when comparing solar companies, make sure they can produce these certifications on demand.
Check Their Reviews
When you do an online search for “home solar companies near me,” you’ll automatically see several companies listed next to their user rating. In this way, you can see which companies are the most highly-rated by customers who have used them in the past.
You should even click the ratings for more detailed user reviews. Not only that, but you can also check the Better Business Bureau and other business rating services.
When you decide to go the solar way, you should ensure that you engage the right technician to install your project. Many fake technicians exist on the market, whose work can result in expensive damages loss of funds. Therefore, one of the things to check before you engage a technician is the ability to handle your project. Choosing the right person to do the job can save you money in the end.
Certified electricians must undergo intensive training in a recognized institution before they can practice. Only certified training centers such as the Electrical School can produce the best electricians who are confident in their ability to handle various aspects of the trade.
And ask each solar installation service for references. They should be able to produce testimonies of satisfied customers they’ve helped out before. If they can’t, that’s not a good sign.
Check Their Solar Installation Experience
How long has the company you’re considering provided solar installation services? Well, companies like Metro Express Solar, with years of experience, are professionals in this field. Choosing them will be highly beneficial. On the other hand, those who don’t have as much experience as companies who have should not be chosen.
For one thing, you know they don’t have as much experience as companies who have been around long enough to become experts in the field. For another, it means their solar installation projects have all been completed only recently. There’s no way to tell how long their solar panels will last and continue functioning properly.
Also, a lot of so-called “solar” companies are actually general contractors, not solar installation specialists. They simply learned the basics of solar installation to offer one more profitable service. It’s best to choose a company with years of experience and that exclusively offers solar services.
Pet Water FountainCheck Their Pricing
Now that you’ve narrowed it down a little, start comparing price quotes. Pricing is pretty competitive now that solar panel installation has been around for several years.
And, if you followed the previous steps on this list, you now have your own list of qualified solar panel companies to choose from. It shouldn’t be too hard to find one that’s willing to give you a better deal than their competitors.
So now, contact at least 3 of them to obtain and compare price quotes. Also, find out exactly how their pricing is calculated and what the price includes.
Most importantly, find out if this estimate can change. If so, ask what could cause the price to increase and how big the increase might be.
Make Sure They Visit the House
If the company quotes you without even seeing your house, throw the quote away. The truth is, they can’t possibly know all that the job entails without a firsthand viewing of the property.
This is the only way that the price can include certain aspects of the job, like the need for scaffolding and other specialized measures. They’ll also need to measure the area where solar panels are to be installed as it’s unlikely that you know the measurements of your roof.
Furthermore, they can’t be aware of any obstacles that might prevent a successful solar installation. Chimney placement, holes in the roof, and trees blocking the sunlight can all determine if and how the job is to be done.
Smart Keypad LockCheck Their Warranty
Just like pricing, warranties also vary among solar installation companies. The length and coverage of the warranty is also a clue as to how long the panels will last.
Since installation can be quite expensive, you want to make sure your investment is protected. Don’t settle for a 5-year warranty when another company offers coverage for 20 years.
Check How Long the Installation Will Take
In addition to getting a price quote, get a quote for the estimated project timeline as well. Some solar companies try to fit you into their schedule rather than fitting into yours. Make sure you know how long the project will take and that you have time in your schedule to allow it.
Additionally, find out if and how this project will impact your living situation. That is, are you fine to stay in the house during installation? Or will you have to relocate until it’s finished?
Choose Your Solar Installation Service Wisely With This Guide
Don’t let yourself get bamboozled. Use this guide to choose an experienced and trustworthy solar installation service. Keep this guide for reference and share it with those who can benefit from it.
Looking for more ways to improve your home? That’s what we’re here for! Check our Lifestyle and Garden + House blogs for all the tips you need to create the home and life you love.
