There are hundreds of solar panel provider companies in the United States. So how are you supposed to pick a solar business?
It may seem like a challenge because there are so many solar providers fighting for your business. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand!
To learn about what to consider when choosing a solar installation company, keep on reading this article!
Table of Contents
Company Reputation
You want to find the finest of the best for your solar investment. To find out if a firm is the greatest, look into their warranties, years in operation, and online reputation.
The majority of solar installers provide several warranties. You may be worried about safeguarding your investment if you don’t know the specifics of each guarantee.
Your solar panel warranty is divided into two categories: workmanship and equipment. For most businesses, the manufacturer’s warranty is good for 10–12 years. The workmanship guarantee can last up to 25 years.
The majority of solar panels last for decades without any problems. However, it’s crucial to have a strong guarantee. Before choosing a solar installer, get your company’s warranty information in writing.
The company’s tenure in the field is another important factor to take into account. Younger businesses do offer excellent service. However, it’s possible that they won’t be around for the duration of the warranty.
In the event that the company from which you purchased the solar panels goes out of business, this could make life extremely tough for you. As a result, your craftsmanship warranty is rendered useless. You will be responsible for covering the cost of any necessary maintenance.
Customer Reviews
You may find a wonderful company and learn about warning signs to watch out for by reading reviews. After all, they’re written by actual customers who have used the services offered by a firm.
Blue Raven Solar is a solar panel company that has consistently positive customer reviews. Check them out if you’re thinking about going solar in the future!
Type of Solar Panels Available
Before you sign a contract with a solar firm, have a look at their equipment, design concepts, and installation practices.
The most efficient solar panels are monocrystalline, which are black and take up the least amount of space. As a result, they are a fantastic solution for those without a big roof. They are the priciest option for solar panels, though.
People who have lots of space and don’t want to pay the high price that comes with more efficient monocrystalline panels might consider polycrystalline panels. These are distinguished by their blue hue.
Discuss solar panel types with your potential solar providers. Some businesses only work with a specific kind of solar panel.
Additionally, you’ll want to confirm that the solar panels are of the highest caliber and come from reliable suppliers.
The efficiency-degradation rates for panels vary based on durability tests. This suggests that some solar panels are more durable over the long term than others. Therefore comparative efficiency ratings are important to consider.
All solar panels will eventually become less efficient due to current technology.
Having said that, the majority of solar enterprises only use top-notch solar panels.
It’s a good idea to double-check, but other elements, like the mounting gear, which ought to last as long as the solar panels themselves, can be even more important.
Energy Usage
No matter what, switching to solar power has environmental advantages, but financial advantages differ depending on your energy consumption.
Going solar simply isn’t a viable financial option for certain households.
As a result, a solar installation shouldn’t guarantee a certain level of utility savings with solar until they have a complete picture of your year’s energy expenses and usage.
Although there are advantages to getting solar regardless of cost, your present energy usage and bills are very important in making this choice.
There are always environmental advantages to switching to solar energy, but financial advantages vary depending on your energy consumption.
It simply doesn’t make economic sense for some households to switch to solar power.
Therefore, a solar installation should wait to make a promise about how much you will save on utilities with solar until they have a complete record of your energy bills and usage over the course of a year.
Again, there are advantages to going solar regardless of cost, but if cost is a concern, your present energy usage and bills are crucial in making this choice.
Solar energy is merely one aspect of a larger movement toward energy efficiency and environmentally friendly living, even if solar panels are a crucial component.
You’ll use less energy overall if your house is more energy-efficient. Making one change is beneficial, but making lots of adjustments is preferable.
To increase your energy efficiency, behaviors and upgrades (outside of solar) should be encouraged by solar salespeople.
Energy Storage Options
Batteries, or solar energy storage systems, are provided by some businesses but not by others. You’ll need one if using solar power will allow you to live off the grid.
One myth about solar energy is that it gives you total energy independence. The majority of conventional solar panel systems need a grid connection to function. This is something many homeowners are unaware of.
Therefore, even if you have solar power, you will still have power outages. This is until you have batteries installed.
Due to the solar panel system’s connection to the grid via a solar inverter, it is impossible for panels without solar and storage to continue powering the home during a utility power outage.
Solar energy production has the potential to interfere with efforts to restore utility power transmission by feeding back through power lines.
Choose the Best Solar Installation Company
Solar energy is expensive. Additionally, there is a commitment over time. You will remain in contact with your selected solar installation company for the duration of the life of your panels, even after installation.
You may confidently navigate interactions with company representatives and choose the finest solar company for you if you adhere to this guide. For more info on solar, check out our other posts!
