Choosing the company to install your home or commercial solar power system is not an easy process. The last thing you want is to choose incorrectly and end up working with a fly-by-night contractor. You need an experienced company able to back up their products and services with proper installation, guidance and support. Below are suggestions of what to look for when choosing a solar company.
Technical Expertise
The installation of solar energy systems requires a significant amount of solar power, electrical and construction knowledge. One credential to look for as proof of this experience in a contractor is the Solar PV Installation Professional Certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). These certified pros provide the supervision of solar company installation work. Otherwise, uncertified pros must prove they have the same expertise as the certification requires.
Required Licenses and Insurance
Anyone working on the construction or electrical wiring of your home should hold licenses and insurance. Otherwise, the project is a disaster waiting to happen. These requirements vary from region to region. But the minimum insurance for a solar power company working on your home is a liability insurance policy.
Adequate Background and Experience
The solar industry is growing rapidly, which means more people seek to gain employment in this arena, with those people coming from many different work backgrounds. For example, it is not uncommon for general electrical contractors or those with construction backgrounds to expand into solar power system installation.
When choosing from solar installation companies, ensure the installer for your project has substantial experience in the field. You will rely on them for equipment guidance, the actual installation and ongoing service, which makes it critical that the company can serve as your consultant and not just an installer. It is helpful to ask for customer references if needed.
Solid Reputation in the Market
A solar energy company with an established history of work in your market will generally have reviews from past customers. These prove helpful in evaluating your options but watch out for misleading content. Positive reviews may not reflect a real experience or can relate to service not relevant to your project. But bad reviews often uncover patterns of customer problems. If you see these unresolved patterns, choose another installation and service company.
Other Distinguishing Signs of the Best Company
Besides checking for the above standards, you need different ways to narrow your field of choices for solar energy companies. Look for these three qualities to differentiate good companies from the best:
Warranties on Service
Service and installation warranties exist to protect consumers from problems after the design and construction of their solar energy system. These warranties typically range from one year in duration to as long as a decade in length. You can often extend the existing warranty included in the installation by purchasing additional coverage. But to start, look for a good craft warranty inherent in their service.
Effective Project Oversight and Selective Sub-Contractor Use
Anytime you hire a company in the construction field, you risk that work being sub-contracted to another group or individual, which makes it challenging to know in advance who will be working at your property. Look for transparency in the use of sub-contractors. Ask when, how and why the specific company uses these workers and the nature of their supervision. If sub-contractors do some of the work, ensure the company provides quality assurance in a manner that you can trust.
Remember, sub-contracting relationships can actually work to your benefit. This is true if the sub-contractor holds specific expertise or has worked with the company for a long time. But watch out for companies that sell services they do not oversee or warranty.
Trusted Consultation on System Design
Solar energy systems are big investments. Because of the expense and ongoing reliance on your service company, you must have trust in the installer and their service guarantees. You must feel they are guides you can rely on for everything, from which equipment you need to the permits and installation itself.
When you do find the right company for your solar project, making the switch to renewable energy is one of the best decisions you can make for the future of your home or commercial property. You will find yourself on the leading edge of changes expected to affect all electric consumers by the year 2050.
