Finding the right people to install solar panels for your home requires knowing your options. Here is a guide on how to choose a solar installation service.
Solar panels are more popular than ever. Now that people know more about the climate crisis and have options to invest in green energy, solar panels are becoming an excellent choice for people who want to do more.
On top of that, they’re among the most popular forms of green energy. Reports show there are now two million solar systems in the United States.
That means plenty of options are available if you want to install solar panels on your home.
Finding the right solar power company is critical to getting the installation right. Keep reading to learn how to choose a solar installation service that does the job right.
Look for Experience
Hiring an experienced installer is necessary if you want a great solar installation experience. You aren’t only dealing with roofing work when you install solar panels. You also need the electrical experience to hook it up to a home and connect it to the grid.
That’s why installers need extensive experience handling solar installs. See how long a company has been in business and how many people they have served.
The people they hire should also have certification for installing solar energy panels. Learn about the solar energy certifications available and ask a solar installer which ones their employees have.
Check for Transparency
Transparency is a crucial quality to look for when you look for home contractors. You want to know exactly what you’re buying when you pay someone for services.
Unfortunately, some companies hide fine print in contracts that prevent you from getting the service you expect. It can be a lack of features or add-on costs from services you thought came included in the base price.
Be sure the company you work with is transparent about what they offer. There should be zero questions about everything you get when signing a work contract.
Stay Local
Working with a local installer is essential to find a reputable company. Yes, there are trustworthy solar providers everywhere in the country. The problem is that they won’t all know your local rules.
Every contractor has building regulations to follow. These regulations change based on location, which means someone not in your area won’t be familiar with your local rules.
That’s why it’s important to stay local with your search. You want to hire a company certified to work in your area and can meet the local building codes.
Get Accurate Quotes
Getting quotes is an essential part of the process. However, some solar companies don’t do enough work when generating quotes. That doesn’t work well when you’re comparing solar installation costs.
Some will give you ballpark numbers instead of visiting your home to get more information about your needs. A reputable installer will talk to you about your solar goals and decide what it will take to meet them.
Find several companies that go through the proper steps to generate a quote for your installation. From there, you can look at the services offered in that quote and pick the company that provides the most value.
Determine the Installation Timeline
Unfortunately, labor is in short supply in the home improvement market. There are fewer workers and more demand for quality work.
That means some solar installers may have a backlog of work to complete. If you want your solar panel system completed soon, you may not be able to get what you want if you pick the wrong company.
Learn when a company can get to your home to complete the job before you hire them. You should be able to get an estimated timeline and get it in writing when you sign a contract.
Learn About Warranties
A solar installation is a significant investment. The last thing you want is to spend a ton of money on the installation process and end up with a system that doesn’t work.
Unfortunately, this does happen at times. It can be because of an installation mistake or faulty hardware. In either scenario, you don’t want to pay for work again when it should have been completed the first time correctly.
There are standard warranties in the solar industry for labor and products. Compare the warranty offered by a company to the standard warranties to ensure you’re covered in case of problems.
Verify Insurance Coverage
You’re taking a risk whenever you go on a roof. Even if you take the proper safety precautions, there’s always the chance of an accident happening that causes injury or damage to property.
You don’t want to take the chance of working with a solar installer who doesn’t have coverage for this situation. If you do, it puts you at risk of paying for damages.
Any professional home contracting company will have zero problems with providing proof of insurance coverage. Ask every contractor you speak with for this proof.
Get Feedback
One of the most important parts of choosing a solar installer is getting feedback from previous customers. It’s not uncommon for home improvement companies to overpromise and underdeliver. If you aren’t aware of the companies that do this, it’s easy to make the wrong choice.
Start this process by looking on Google for local solar installers. You can see a list of your options on Google Maps and reviews from customers.
You can check local directory listings and the BBB if you want more information.
Choose a Solar Installation Service Carefully
Solar installations are a big investment. You have the cost of solar panels themselves and the cost of labor required to handle the installation. That adds up to a hefty bill.
That’s why you can’t take things easy when you choose a solar installation service. Use the guide above to research your options for solar installers and find a great local company to handle the job.
Did you find the solar installation guide above helpful and want to read more home improvement tips? Check out the blog to learn more.
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