How to Hire the Best Solar Panel Installer in Your Area

More than 3 million homes in the United States have installed solar panels. Excitingly, experts expect this number to reach 9 million by 2030. Switching to solar energy is an excellent investment for your property. Not only does it save you money on your electric bill, but it also increases your home's value. Including a solar panel system on your property listing can attract more buyers when you're ready to sell your house. But choosing the right solar panel installer is crucial for a job well done.

How to Hire the Best Solar Panel Installer in Your Area

If you're a homeowner wanting to move to solar, keep reading. Here's how to hire the best solar panel installation company.

1. Ask for Referrals

Because solar panels can increase your home value, you want to hire the right company. The first thing to do is to ask the people you know for recommendations. Anyone satisfied with the service they've received during their installation will be more than happy to pass along the information.

In the same way, anyone who's had a bad experience is also worthwhile talking to. They can let you know which companies you should avoid. If you get more than one referral, note both, and you can compare them to see which is the best option.

2. Read Online Reviews

Another way to find the right solar installer is to check online reviews. Most companies are listed on Google, which means customers have a quick and easy way to rate their experience with the company. They say bad news travels faster than good, so you're sure to find honest opinions online.

These honest reviews can tell you which companies to avoid and which to shortlist. Reading online reviews for several companies and comparing them to narrow your choices is recommended.

3. Ask for Quotes

Once you have a few solar panel installation companies shortlisted, it's time to start considering the cost implications for your project. Contact each company you're considering hiring and check if they offer free quotes or estimates. Experienced companies will send a solar contractor to your home to assess the job ahead.

By doing this, they can give you an accurate quote. This quote will vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Size of the Home

• Energy Consumption

• Type of Installation

• Type of Solar Panel Equipment

• Roof Type

• Interconnection Cost

You want to ensure the quote includes the interconnection cost because this can differ for each installation. Several factors affect the price, but this process needs to be done to connect your solar panel system to the city's power grid.

Finally, the distance to the interconnection point will make a difference in the cost. The further away the panels are from the interconnection point, the higher the quote.

4. Check Their Certifications

Next, you'll want to check that they're qualified to do the job you're hiring them for. You want to avoid falling prey to scam solar installers, so check the company's certifications before making any decisions.

To help you with this step, ask the company you're considering to send you the certificate they received from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP is the national standard certification program and indicates the company is serious about its work.

5. Location, Location, Location

Another factor in finding the best solar panel installers is checking their location. For best results, try to hire someone local. Hiring a local solar panel company over another in the next town is beneficial for several reasons.

Firstly, if they live and work in the same area, they'll be concerned with keeping up their brand image and will know all the laws and city rules regarding solar panel installations. Furthermore, local quotes should be cheaper due to less traveling time for the solar panel installer.

6. Check Their Experience

Before signing on the dotted line, check the experience of the solar company you're considering.

If they've only been in business a year, they may have a different experience level than a company whose been in business for 20 years. A company that's been in business for a long time will know the ins and outs of the solar panel installation process, so they can avoid pitfalls a less experienced contractor may not see.

Typically, the less time the company has been in business, the fewer solar panel installations they will have completed. You can also ask the company for contactable references to view the work done. This way, you can be satisfied knowing your chosen solar installation company does a good job.

7. Check Their Licences

Similar to asking for your solar panel company's certification, you want to check they're fully licensed to be doing the work they're offering. Each state can have different laws regarding electrical component installations and building and plumbing guidelines.

Many counties and cities require solar panel installers to be appropriately licensed and registered. This way, you know you're hiring a company that will provide good quality work. If they refuse to provide licenses or registrations, skip them and move to the next company on your list.

8. Review Their Warranty Policy

The final factor we're giving you when choosing the best solar panel installer is to review their warranty policy. Solar panels can be expensive, so you want to ensure the products you buy and the installation are protected by a solid warranty policy.

This warranty means should anything go wrong with your panels within the warranty period, the solar panel contractor will replace or repair them free of charge. The warranty excludes any damage done by the homeowner, someone else, or by acts of God (lightning, etc.).

Find the Best Solar Panel Installer Now

Waste no more time trying to decide between solar panel installation companies aimlessly. To ensure you're hiring the best solar panel installer, you can ask for recommendations, check online reviews, request quotes, and ensure they're appropriately licensed and registered with the relevant associations. 

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