Installing a solar panel system on your home is a big investment and it’s important that you choose the right solar installer to work with. But, how do you know which is the best? Here are a few tips you can use when making your decision.
What To Look For
Installing a solar panel system on your home is a complex process that requires proper evaluation, permitting, and electrical engineering. For safety reasons and to ensure your system is installed properly, most homeowners hire professionals to do the work. Faulty installation can cause roof leaks and could pose a safety hazard if the electrical is not installed properly. Before you make a decision on who to hire, consider these five questions.
Are They Local?
Besides supporting your local community, there are some very good reasons the solar panel installer you choose should be local. First, local and regional solar installers usually charge less than bigger companies that have a national footprint. According to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, these larger companies charge on average 10% more for the same product and service that local installers offer.
Second, local installers have a stake in their community and value their reputation. They work hard to ensure the quality of their work because they’re doing it for their friends and neighbors. They rely on these referrals for a big part of their business.
Finally, local solar panel installers know the climate of the area they serve. This is important because home solar panel systems are not one size fits all. They are customized to fit the environment and energy needs of the homes where they are installed. A local solar installer knows this information better than out-of-own subcontractors many national companies use.
Is Solar Panel Installation Their Core Business?
Solar energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. This has attracted the attention of many business owners who have added solar installation as an extension of their core business. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it could mean that some of these companies won’t offer the same service or have the same quality of work as a company whose core business is solar.
To find out for sure, ask the installer if they handle all the required permitting or they leave that up to you. Do they conduct an onsite survey and provide a custom installation plan for your home? Do they take the time to explain every step of the installation process and what you can expect? Will they continue providing service for your system after installation? Do they provide financing options? If the answer to any of these questions is no, find another installer.
Is The Company Licensed And Insured?
When working with any business, it is a good practice to make sure they are properly licensed and insured. To find out what licenses are necessary for solar installation (sometimes referred to as PV) in your state, you can visit the National Solar Licensing Database online. Once you know what’s required, you can ask the company to provide a copy of the appropriate license(s) as well as a copy of their insurance. At minimum, the installer should have adequate liability coverage for the work they perform.
Do They Guarantee Their Work?
Any solar panel installer worth their salt will guarantee their workmanship in writing. Solar panels last 25 years or more, so the guarantee should cover at least the first 5-10 years of ownership. Also, be sure all the parts used in the installation (panels, inverters, racks, etc.) have solid manufacturer warranties.
What Is Their Reputation?
Be sure to check customer reviews on any solar installer you may be considering working with. You can do this online by visiting the Better Business Bureau website and by looking at Google Reviews. Keep in mind every business has customers who’ve had a negative experience for whatever reason. Also, make sure the reviews are thoughtful and provide good information about what it’s like to do business with the company. Avoid solar installers who appear to have a high overall rating, but whose reviews are more often than not only one or two lines long. This may indicate suspicious activity and doesn't provide you with any solid information on which to make a decision.
The Shine Promise
At Shine, we work hard to provide the highest quality of service and workmanship possible. We guarantee that within the first 12 years of your solar installation, if you experience maintenance issues due to a faulty installation, we will return and make any necessary repairs, free of charge. We also provide free monitoring for the lifetime of your system through our online app and offer a minimum power output guarantee for every home solar panel system we install.
Solar installation is our core business and we are fully licensed and insured. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have a 4.7 star rating on Google with over 500 customer reviews. Best of all we are a community-based solar installer that’s headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas, and operating throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Tennessee.
If you are looking for a solar panel installer for your home that is professional, reputable and will provide service long after your installation, call us today at 844-80-SHINE and let us show you how easy it is to virtually eliminate your electric bill and become energy independent with clean solar power.
Get A Free Online Solar Panel Estimate From Shine
Wondering how much a solar panel system for your home will cost? Let us provide you with a free estimate. Simply go to Shine Solar Estimate and enter your information and in just minutes you will have a ballpark price customized for your home.
DISCLAIMER: This estimate is provided to you using satellites that examine your home’s roof space and in cooperation with Google’s Project Sunroof. This is an estimate only and based on actual Shine Solar retail prices, not national averages. A final price quote will be provided to you after an onsite inspection has been conducted and any necessary changes have been made.
