When you’re looking for the best way to go solar, one of the first things you’ll need to do is pick home solar installers. But as of 2022, there are over 20,000 solar panel installation businesses in the United States.
It’s simple for any business to market itself as the best solar installer. However, not all of these businesses have the same capabilities and years of experience.
Some are fly-by-night operations that won’t be around in a year or two. So, how do you pick home solar installers that will be there for the long haul?
Here are four things you need to consider when choosing a solar installer:
Experience
When looking for solar installers, it’s important to find a business with plenty of solar installation experience. Solar installation is a complex process that takes expertise and know-how. You don’t want someone who is learning on your roof.
Look for solar companies that have been in business for several years. They’ll have the experience you need to ensure a successful solar installation.
Solar companies usually list their years of experience on their website or in their marketing materials. If they don’t, give them a call and ask about their experience installing solar panels.
Reputation
You can get a sense of a company’s reputation by reading online customer reviews.
Online customer reviews are one of the best ways to gauge how satisfied customers are with a business. They’re also a good way to find out about the positive and negative experiences people have had with a solar installer.
You can read online customer reviews for free on websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Facebook Reviews.
When reading online customer reviews, look for:
- The number of reviews a company has
- The average rating a company has received
- The kind of complaints or praise that have been given
If you see a lot of negative comments or low ratings, it’s best to avoid that company. However, if you see a lot of positive comments and high ratings, it’s likely a good company to work with.
You can also check out independent review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Angie’s List for more in-depth information on a solar installer’s reputation.
Licensing and Insurance
All states have different licensing requirements for solar installers. You can check your state’s licensing website to see if a company is licensed. If they’re not, move on to the next company.
Solar companies should also have liability insurance. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
You can ask a company for their license number and insurance certificate. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List to see if a company has any complaints about their licensing or insurance.
Solar System Budget
It’s important to find solar installers that fit your solar system budget.
When you’re interviewing solar installers, ask them for a quote. This will give you an idea of how much each company charges for its services.
Keep in mind that the cost of a solar installation varies depending on the size and type of residential solar system you choose. So, it’s important to get quotes from multiple solar companies to find the best deal.
Click here to learn about solar installation in homes around Columbia, SC.
Pick Home Solar Installers That Fit Your Needs
Now that you know how to pick home solar installers, go out and interview some businesses. You’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar panels, be sure to read our other articles on the topic.
