The results are in and solar energy is cheaper than gas or coal. This is great news for the environment and your electricity bill.
But it’s difficult to find a solar company that will help you get started. And searching “best solar company near me” will only leave you with more questions.
Will your home qualify for solar panels, and what’s the average cost?
These are important questions, and they deserve answers. If you’re ready to take the next step and install solar panels on your home, here’s how to find a good company to work with.
Get Multiple Quotes
The more quotes you get, the better your chances are of finding a great deal.
While solar panels are generally expensive, there are ways to lower the cost of installation. One way is to find out if your home qualifies for state or federal tax credits, which can offset some of your costs. It will also give you a better understanding of what’s included in your quote so that there are no surprises later on.
Look for Complaints
When you’re looking for a solar company, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great resource when you’re about to hire a solar installer.
Accreditation is not required for a business to receive a BBB rating. If a business has been accredited, it means that the company’s practices have met certain standards set by and monitored by the BBB.
References
You can call your local utility company to find out if they have any information about the company you’re considering. Your county government may be able to help as well!
Google “best solar installer” in your city and see what comes up! Check out their website, social media, and customer reviews for more information on whether the company is trustworthy. Just because they say they’re the best doesn’t mean it’s true.
You can also ask for references from past customers and see what they have to say about their experience with the company.
Insurance and Licenses
Insurance is a must for any company doing work on your home. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to know that they have the funds to pay for repairs.
Let’s say you pay someone to install and clean solar panels, but they accidentally damage your roof. It may be possible to get your solar panels even if you don’t have insurance. However, if you lack that protection, the additional costs will fall on you.
Ask your solar company to add the insurance cost to the solar installer fees on the quote.
Warranties and Guarantees
Warranties can vary in length, but they generally cover parts, labor, and installation. Most warranties cover the panels, inverters, and racking.
A good warranty should also include backup systems in case something goes wrong with your system. This way, you don’t have to worry about contacting someone else if there’s an issue with your solar installation. The longer the warranty period is on your system components, the more expensive the installation will be.
Read Online Reviews
You can also read online reviews from multiple sources and look for patterns. For instance, if a company has only one or two negative reviews and the rest are positive, it may be worth giving them a shot.
Make sure you’re checking out recent reviews. A company may have gotten a bad reputation in the past, but management and staff may have changed.
Roof Inspection
The solar installer should provide a report of any damage, leaks, or other problems found in the roof. They should do this before the installation.
The roof inspection is important for your safety and to ensure that the roof and roofing shingles are in good condition. It will also help them determine if there are any obstructions to their installation, such as trees or electric wires nearby.
Certifications
Certifications are not required by law, and they vary by state. It’s important to do your research on the specific requirements in your area so that you know what types of certifications will be the best for your home.
Compare Solar Panel Options
When shopping around for solar panels, you’ll want to keep an eye on the size and wattage of your chosen solar panels. The more kWh you buy, the more expensive your system will be. But you’ll save more per month!
There are solar panels that cost $250 per panel. But these are one of the cheapest solar panels of 2022.
If you have a small home or small space that doesn’t need much power, then you can get away with purchasing systems with low wattage. But if you have a large home or need to power multiple appliances, high-wattage panels are recommended.
Customer Service
When you buy solar panels, you’re making a long-term investment. You want to be sure that the company you purchase from will still be around when you need them. If they offer great customer service and have been in business for years, then this is a good sign.
Best Solar Company Near Me: Find the Best Solar Installer
Solar installation companies are popping up all over the place these days, but it’s important to choose one wisely.
Searching for the “best solar company near me” may lead you to a new business that just has great SEO. If you want to install solar panels on your home or business, make sure that the company you work with has been around long enough for them to prove their expertise in this industry.
Find more ways to advance your home in the home improvement section of our website.
