Congratulations! You’ve decided to join the 2 million+ American families and businesses who’ve gone solar.
Whether your reasons are environmental or economical, you’ve already taken your first step towards owning your power.
But, if you don’t know a thing about the solar industry, selecting something as important as your solar installer can feel absolutely overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to be the latest victim of the dreaded upsell…
Don’t stress! Solar shopping like a pro is easier than you think when you know exactly what to look for.
Arm yourself with these 5 quick tips for finding the perfect solar installer for your home or business so you can consult with confidence.
Pro Tip: Solar Installers vs. Solar Sales Organizations
In this article, Latest.com covers the top tips for selecting the best solar installer, which is different from a solar sales organization.
Most solar sales organizations educate and sell solar, but aren’t the ones actually installing your panels. Instead, they contract with EPCs (meaning engineering, procurement, and construction) to complete their projects and care for their customers.
Some solar sales organizations also offer installation, but often aren’t as equipped to devote the time and attention to detail your project deserves.
That’s why we recommend only working with sales organizations who have great relationships with competent, trustworthy solar installers.
1. Shop Around for a Quote
Like any other big-ticket item, shopping around for multiple quotes on your solar installation is a no-brainer. And when you shop around, you can secure some seriously big savings.
According to solar shopping resource EnergySage, comparing multiple quotes can cut the cost of your solar installation by up to 10-25% compared to your state averages.
Depending on the size of your installation, that difference could translate to thousands of dollars, but a decision that will last you decades definitely isn’t something you want to skimp on. The best solar installer choice for you should be a balance of cost and quality.
When comparing quotes, make sure you consider what services are included, which panels and inverters they use, and what financing options are available to you.
2. Look for a Long Warranty
You want your solar system to last, and if it doesn’t, you want a solar installer that’s going to fix it. That’s why a long warranty and maintenance should be at the top of your priority list.
When selecting a solar installer, look for at least a 20-year warranty—the longer, the better, as you can expect your solar system to last over 30 years. And while solar panel maintenance is not usually required, it can get very expensive, very fast.
One of the most common problems with solar panel installations are leaks in your roof. Holes and gaps in your roof can quickly lead to drainage problems and leaks, so you want to make sure that your solar installer’s warranty covers these.
If your solar panels are not working properly or producing enough energy, you should ask someone to fix it, whether that means installing new panels and equipment, or simply having an expert do a double-check.
3. Choose a Solar Installer with Experience
The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars only to have a useless solar system poorly installed on your roof.
Even worse, a solar installer that is not qualified or properly trained can damage your property and even put your safety at risk.
For a project of this scale and importance, you want an expert with experience on your side.
4. Read Relevant Reviews
When researching solar installers, reading reviews can be a great resource. However, when reading online reviews of any kind, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt.
Online reviews are inherently biased according to a recent study published by the Harvard Business Review, which revealed “they tend to over-represent the most extreme views.”
Here’s why: usually only people with extremely positive or negative experiences take the time to post reviews—this results in “a distorted view of products, services, and companies.”
Additionally, if you plan to work with a solar installer with multiple locations, it’s best to read reviews relevant to your area to get a better idea of the service you will receive.
In the end, online reviews are certainly something to consider when choosing a solar installer, but shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Of course, any concerns you have should be easily addressed by your solar installer.
5. Connect with Your Company
Scoping out your solar installer’s website can tell you a lot about their company. A quality solar installer will list their qualifications, awards, and more details about their services.
By reading their “About” page and mission statement, you can uncover their values and see if they align with yours. Forming a personal connection with your potential solar installer can help to set them apart.
Additionally, analyzing your interactions with the company can give you insights into how you will be treated as a customer.
When you speak to your company representative, are they respectful? Do they answer your questions and address your concerns, or are they more focused on closing the sale?
Make sure to always trust your instincts and keep an eye out for any red flags like poor customer service and evasive behavior.
Let’s Review
Selecting a solar installer doesn’t have to be a headache. In this post, we covered 5 quick tips for finding the best solar installer for your needs. Let’s recap:
- When shopping around for quotes, compare what services are included, the quality of their materials, and their financing options
- Look for warranties over 20 years that cover common issues like roof leaks and include maintenance of your system
- Make sure your solar installer is experienced so that your panels will be installed properly and you can avoid potential property damage and safety issues
- Reading online reviews can be helpful, but shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision as they are inherently biased
- While connecting with a company’s core values and mission statement can set them apart, it’s important not to ignore your gut feelings about their intentions