With energy prices rising, people are looking to solar to generate at home. This is an excellent option for big bills, such as for water, energy, air conditioning, and heat.
Considering how much money you can save, going green and solar is a great financial decision for your household. However, the solar market is bigger than ever, making it tricky to find the best company that will give you the most results.
How do you choose the right solar company to install solar panels in your area? Read on and we’ll break down common errors with choosing solar companies.
1 Not Comparing Options for Solar Companies
Comparing solar installation costs and finding the best value for your money is extremely important. You don’t want to end up overpaying for your solar energy system.
To avoid making this mistake, create an estimate request with various providers and compare their prices and services. Consider factors such as solar energy installation costs, warranty details, rebates and discounts, solar technology, and energy efficiency.
By doing your due diligence, you’ll be more likely to select the one that best meets your needs. A great solar company will provide you with the highest-quality service for the best price.
2 Going for the Cheapest Installer
Many people make the mistake of automatically going for the cheapest. While this can have its perks if it’s reliable, it’s not always the most prudent strategy. Using a company with the lowest price might mean sacrificing quality service and durable products from a reputable solar energy supplier.
Before signing any contract, it’s important to look into the company’s reputation and make sure they’re accredited by an established industry organization. Make sure any installer you consider is offering sound guidance and advice so that you can make an informed decision.
Be aware of any additional fees or hidden costs that may be associated with the installation process. Quality comes with a price so take a closer look at the installation terms.
3 Not Verifying the Solar Company’s Licenses and Experience
Unlicensed or inexperienced companies can produce inferior results and insufficient warranties. This can lead to future headaches.
To avoid making this error, homeowners should research what type of licenses and solar installer certification the company holds before signing any contracts. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the best national standard certification program currently in existence. All of the best solar installers are certified by them.
Checking third-party reviews and ensuring they are experienced in the local market before making a decision is recommended. Additionally, verifying the contractor’s background and insurance policy can prevent legal issues or financial losses due to the installation.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid this mistake is to take the time to carefully consider all options. In the end, researching the company’s qualifications and solar installation experience will help ensure a successful installation.
4 Not Knowing About Incentives and Tax Credits Available
It can be easy to forget about the many incentives and tax credits available. This is a common mistake, one that can end up costing you a lot of money.
To ensure that you don’t miss out on these great opportunities, research the incentives and credits available in your area for solar energy users. Solar energy is highly state-dependent, meaning that the incentives and credits available vary from state to state.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to look into other types of assistance from the government, such as subsidies or special solar loans. As you shop around for the best solar company, make sure they’re aware of all the incentives and credits available in your area. Be sure to ask how they can assist you in taking advantage of them.
5 Overlooking Reviews
Choosing a company without doing any research may lead to regrets later. Sadly, shoddy installations, incorrect paperwork being filled out, or inadequate customer service are just some of the mistakes you can make when you work with inexperienced installers.
To avoid these headaches, it’s important to do your homework and read reviews of past customers’ experiences. By reading online reviews about the company, you can gain an understanding of its quality of service.
Ask your installer for client references. You can talk to their previous clients to get a better understanding of the work done for them. You should also ask for feedback about their customer service and the quality of materials used.
6 Not Checking for Quality Materials
Skimping on quality materials can lead to having to replace components more often which can be costly. Additionally, if the wrong type of materials is purchased, the lifespan of any solar system can be greatly reduced.
To avoid this error, it’s important to do your research and be certain that the materials being used are of the highest quality. The solar company should be able to list the manufacturers of the panels, inverters, and other parts they use. They ought to choose well-known, respectable manufacturers.
The solar panel installers should also give you the best solar panel type for your needs. There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.
The most effective panels are monocrystalline, but they are also the most expensive. Although marginally less effective, polycrystalline panels are cheaper.
The least priced but least effective panels are thin film ones. A homeowner may not be able to produce as much electricity as they had hoped for if they install the incorrect kind of solar panel.
7 Not Considering Warranty and Maintenance Services
It is critical to be aware of the warranty and maintenance services that the company provides. Residential solar systems come with a variety of warranties, some lasting up to 25 years.
Make sure they cover vital parts like the inverter. Moreover, solar companies may offer their own warranty on labor and installation services.
Poor customer service and long wait times can be avoided by making sure the warranty and maintenance services the company provides are clearly outlined and easily accessible. Having the assurance of a quality warranty and maintenance is invaluable to the success of a solar project. Ignoring this can lead to a costly mistake.
Avoid These Errors With Choosing Solar Companies
Before you decide on your solar company, be sure to research them properly and investigate their team. Also, make sure to read their reviews and ask any pertinent questions before signing up.
This will reduce the chance of errors with choosing solar companies. This ensures you get the best deal and quality of work.
Read more on our guides to learn all you can today.
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