Go Solar: How to Choose the Best Residential Solar Provider

The US became home to over two million solar panel systems in 2019. It took the country 40 years to install the first million. By 2023, over four million solar panel systems could get installed.

More people are going solar to save money and help the environment. Before making the switch yourself, it’s important to find the right solar provider. They’ll ensure your solar panel system is properly installed.

Then, you can start reaping the benefits of going solar firsthand!

Not sure who to hire? Use these tips for choosing a solar provider in your area today!

Gather Local Referrals

As popularity surrounding solar power continues to grow, new solar panel installation companies have emerged in the industry, too. In fact, there are over 13,200 solar provider companies across the US. You can narrow down your options by gathering personal recommendations first.

Look around your neighborhood. Talk to friends, family members, and neighbors who already have a system installed. Then, ask who they hired.

They could help point you toward the best solar provider in town. Otherwise, they might help you determine which companies to avoid.

As you begin gathering referrals, make sure to ask questions about each company and the buyer’s experience. For example, how long did it take the company to install the panels? Was the team professional, on time, and friendly?

You can feel confident choosing a company people in town are already raving about. Meanwhile, you can save yourself the hassle of hiring an inexperienced team. 

Read Online Reviews

If you can’t find a residential solar provider through referrals, start searching online instead.

As you begin creating a list of companies to vet further, make sure to read online reviews. Remember, you want to find a team people are already raving about. Finding a solar provider that has a strong reputation can give you peace of mind.

You can find reviews by visiting each company’s website and finding their Testimonials page.

Otherwise, visit their Google Business profile, Yelp page, or Better Business Bureau profile. Read multiple reviews from each site.

Do any complaints repeat between each profile? For example, perhaps the team failed to arrive on time. Maybe they caused damages while on the job. 

Find a team that’s earned the respect of other homeowners before making your choice.

Consider Your Preference

Before choosing a solar provider, it helps to consider your distinct needs and goals. Then, you can find a provider that can meet those needs.

For example, some buyers prefer to choose providers based on the financing options that are available.

Do you want to lease your panels, purchase them outright, or enter a purchasing agreement? Make your decision before hiring a company. Then, spend more time focusing on the companies that offer that financing option.

Before choosing a solar provider, it’s also important to make sure they’re knowledgeable about local needs and goals. For example, do they have knowledge about local rebates? Ask if they can help you learn about county permitting requirements.

Maybe you want to choose a larger, national solar panel company over a smaller, local business. Larger companies might have better financing options and warranties available.

Smaller, local businesses might have more knowledge about local rebates, too. 

Look for Experience

Though you’ll find multiple solar installation companies in the area, some teams have more experience than others. Determine how long the company has run and operated in town. Try to find a long-established business.

Established businesses have worked out operational kinks over time. New businesses still need to get their footing.

Working with an experienced team can ensure they don’t make costly mistakes.

Visit each company’s About Us page to learn about their professional history. Otherwise, ask how many solar panel systems they’ve installed. 

If they’re still new to the industry, remove them from your list.

Check Credentials

If you want to find the best solar provider in town, make sure they have the proper credentials. First, confirm that each company is licensed and insured. Ask if they have both worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.

If someone is hurt while installing your solar panels, they won’t hold you responsible. You won’t have to pay out of pocket if someone damages your property, either.

Learn more about who will install your system, too. Ask if the team employs someone certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). These installers reach the gold standards for installation services.

Determine if they have a PV Installation Professional on the team as well.

Find teams that have extensive training before they start working on your home. 

Consider Long-Term Needs

Make sure to review the services each company offers, too.

For example, you might want to look for companies that offer annual preventative maintenance checks. If there’s a problem with your system, they’ll fix it right away.

Some companies offer routine cleaning services, too. You might also want to ask about:

• Solar battery storage services
• Weatherproofing services
• Roof replacement services

You can feel confident knowing your system is operating properly. You can keep your system within the best possible shape to continue reaping the benefits of going solar. 

Ask about the solar panel system each company offers, too. Make sure they’re offering high-quality products. Compare your options before hiring a company. 

Compare Prices

Before choosing a residential solar provider, ask each company for an itemized list of their services. Gather at least three estimates. Then, compare your options.

If someone’s pricing is extraordinarily high, question why. Don’t choose the cheapest provider, though.

Instead, focus on finding a solar provider who can meet your needs while offering the best possible services. 

Soak Up the Sun: Hire a Residential Solar Provider Today

Going solar can save you money, help you make money, and protect the environment. Use these tips to find a residential solar provider you can trust. Hiring the best in the business will ensure your system is properly installed.

Start soaking up the sun with help from your local provider today.

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