If you are ready to install solar panels in your home, first off, congratulations! This is an excellent decision you have made.
There are many benefits of solar energy, like eliminating or reducing your electricity bills, giving you control over the increasing energy costs. It also reduces carbon emissions and improves the value of your home.
If you are ready to reap the benefits of solar energy, then you’ll be choosing a solar company to help you with the installation. There is an abundance of installers these days and comparing installation fees alone is not the best way to go. In this article, we have a few tips on how to help you in choosing a solar company.
1. Home Visit
When vetting installers and discovering their solar installation experience, the installer should be okay with a visit to your home before presenting anything. They should take some time to explain to you the solar panel designs they would recommend.
The potential installer should have suggestions on saving energy. They should be able to explain how efficient your home can be. If they won’t take the time for a home visit, you shouldn’t expect the best installation as an outcome (should you decide to work with them).
2. Talk to the System Designer
Houses are all built differently with a variety of roof lines, shading and electrical panels. Good solar panel designs result from understanding your needs and considering your home’s current design.
For this tip, you want to make sure that you are not discussing the design with the sales representative. You want to speak with the designer.
If you are talking to the sales representative, you can challenge him or her with specific technical questions that they will probably need to pass along to a team member with solar installation experience.
3. Check the Equipment
The choice of equipment is critical for your success in choosing a solar company that is right for you. Like most things, this industry is dynamic and evolving. What was good a few years ago isn’t necessarily the best solution for your home today.
When finding someone with solar installation experience, they should have vast knowledge on the subject. They should be able to explain the various equipment options out there. Don’t sign a contract until you know exactly what you are getting and why this option is the best one for you.
4. Online Customer Reviews
You should ask the installer for references before making your final decision. However, before you schedule a meeting, look at the online customer reviews that are out there.
Get a sense of what people are saying. Are they happy or unhappy with the work they did?
Friends and neighbors can help you too with choosing a solar company. If you know someone who had a solar panel installation recently, it doesn’t hurt to ask. You can ask Blue Raven Solar, too.
5. Previous Work Examples
More than references, you want to find some installed examples of their work. The best route is to find a customer who has had their system installed for a few years. While you want to hear about recent customer experience, it is good to see some older examples too.
You want to know if their work will go the distance. Are their customers happy five years later after they worked with the installer?
6. Warranty
The warranty is a critical piece of information that you should ask before choosing your solar panel designs. Typically, the warranty for solar panels is about 20 years. For anything less than a 20 years warranty, you can assume it will also provide you with lesser quality panels.
Choosing a Solar Company
It’s no small undertaking when choosing a solar company, but if you can find the right one to work with, the benefits of solar energy are superb. You’ll be happy you did it and vetted the company out so well!
We hope you take the tips we gave you in this article and put it to practical use. We love helping our readers! Keep checking out our site for new content and more helpful tips!