Choosing a solar contractor can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re new to the solar energy industry. There are many different companies out there, each offering their own unique services and products. Finding the right solar contractor for your needs is essential to getting the most from your system. Here are some tips on how to choose the correct contractor for your project:
1. Check references
Ask your friends and family if they have any experience with a solar energy contractor. If there’s a company that they had a positive experience with, then ask them who they used and why they liked the company so much. If a potential contractor has been around awhile, they should have references available for you to check out before signing any contracts. Check with these references to see how well their projects went and whether they were satisfied with the results. Watch out for red flags during the interview process. If they seem like they are trying too hard to sell themselves or their products and services that could be an indication that they don’t have much experience doing this kind of work. Also beware of contractors who try to convince you that their product is better than it really is or who overstate how much energy savings you’ll see after installing their system.
2. Ask about warranties and guarantees
Solar panels and inverters carry warranties that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Although they may last longer than the warranty period, it’s still important to ask about the length of these warranties so that you can have confidence in the product you buy. The length of the warranty also varies from company to company. Be sure that you understand what is covered by the warranty before signing any contracts or paying any money. Most solar panels come with 25-year warranties, but some will offer up to 30 years; inverters typically have 10-year warranties. Ask your contractor if he or she offers maintenance contracts for your system — this can help extend its life by catching problems before they become too severe and expensive to fix.
3. Examine the license and experience
Find out if they are licensed and insured. This is important because it assures you that if something goes wrong during the installation of your solar system, there will be someone to help resolve issues with your contractor’s insurance company. Make sure that all subcontractors are also licensed, bonded, and insured. Make sure they have experience installing solar systems in your area. Solar contractors vary in their experience installing systems in different climates across the country — ask questions about how many installations they have installed in your specific region over time. This is especially important if you’re considering a large-scale installation where they may need to coordinate multiple permits or approvals.
4. Check online reviews or ratings of local contractors
Before you choose a solar contractor, check out what others have said about them online. Online reviews and ratings can be helpful in finding a good solar contractor because they give potential customers an idea of how well the company does its job. Reviews from customers can be found on Google, Yelp, and other review sites — but beware of fake reviews! Another good thing about this type of review is that it provides information on more than just the actual installation process; it also tells you about customer service and quality of workmanship. If there are negative reviews, take note of them and see if they apply to your situation.
5. Check out the company’s website and make sure it looks professional and up-to-date
Most contractors will have photos of their work on their websites, so you’ll be able to see examples of projects they’ve completed. If it doesn’t look like it’s been updated in years, that could be indicative of the level of customer service and attention to detail that will come with the installation. You should be able to find information on their services, testimonials, FAQs, and other important information. If they have a blog where they post updates on current projects, that’s even better!
When it comes time to choosing solar energy contractors, you need to consider many different factors. They can be a great resource for finding local contractors that have all of the necessary certifications and licenses you’ll want.
