Are you making plans to switch to solar power?
Thumbs up. You’ve finally seen the light! With over 2 million installations in the U.S., solar power is the fastest-growing source of electricity – and it’s easy to see why.
Solar energy is clean and fully renewable. If you’re an environment-conscious person, this is the power you should be using in your home. And although the initial cost of installation can be high, the long-term savings are great.
But before you can start enjoying these benefits, you need to find a solar installer for homes. With so many such installers around, how do you find the right one for your needs?
Read on and we’ll show you how!
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Choose a Local Installer
It can be tempting to settle for a national solar installer. After all, these installers are usually big companies with massive resources to operate nationwide.
However, it’s best to choose a local installer. There are good reasons for this.
Building and solar installation codes vary from county to county and state to state. A local installer will have a good understanding of these codes than a national installer with no local presence.
Plus, it’s easier and faster to consult with a local installer. A team will typically show up in your home on the same day to assess your home and make a quote.
And with local installers, you’ll rest easy knowing you can always count on them to step in immediately when there’s a problem with your solar power system.
Licenses and Certification
Don’t choose an installer just because they’re local. You need to dig further and ensure they’re properly licensed and/or certified.
In all local jurisdictions, solar installation contractors are required to register their companies and secure a license. Ask for the licensing details and ensure they’re valid.
You also want to look at the professional competence of the company’s solar installers. Are they certified by a body like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners? NABCEP offers some certifications for PV installers.
Customer Reviews
The only way to truly know whether a solar installation company offers quality services is to look up its customer reviews on the web. If it does a good job, you’ll find several positive comments and reviews from satisfied clients. If it does a shoddy job, you’ll likely find negative comments and low ratings.
If a contractor doesn’t have any reviews, it could mean that they’re new in the business. Avoid them because it’s advisable to choose an experienced installer.
Cost of Solar Installation
As Blue Raven notes, some factors will affect the cost of solar installation, including your energy usage and local weather patterns. However, you still want the installation cost to fall within your budget.
Before choosing an installer, ensure they have given you a comprehensive quote with no hidden charges. Avoid installers who’re quick to give you an estimated cost before assessing your home.
Choose the Right Solar Installer
Switching to solar power is an important decision. It’s also a big investment. Choosing the right solar installer is key to making the most of your investment. Ensure an installer is local, licensed and certified, and offers the service at a friendly cost.
Stay tuned to our blog for more on the environment and sustainable living.
