Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry in the US. More and more people turning to this renewable form of energy for their electricity needs. With the many obvious benefits of solar energy, it’s clear to see why this trend is occurring.
However, an important part of the solar panel installation process is choosing the right solar installation company. So, what are the different factors you should be considering when choosing a company? And how can you find the right one for you?
Read on for everything you need to know about hiring the best solar installation company.
1. Check Out Their Reviews
The first thing to consider when looking for a solar installation company is its reputation. By looking into a company’s references and reviews, you can get a better idea of how the company operates. You can also determine the level of service you can expect to receive.
By finding out about other people’s solar installation experience, you can find out if the company is right for you.
However, it’s important not to judge a contractor by one negative review. A trend of negative or positive comments is the best indicator of how well a contractor operates, and if they provide high-quality work.
As well as looking at a company’s website, you should check out independent online forums. This will give you some unbiased feedback from previous customers about whether they are recommended or not.
2. Request a Home Visit
When selecting a solar panel installation company, it is always essential to have the contractor visit your property in-person for an inspection. This will give you an indication of the nature and working style of your contractor. What’s more, this is the best way for your contractor to provide an accurate estimate of duration and costs for the work to be carried out.
You should not feel pressured to sign a contract or make any formal agreements during the home visit. You are within your rights to meet with several providers before choosing a solar installation company.
3. Make a Cost Comparison
The cost that a solar installation company gives as a quote is the next factor to consider when choosing the right contractor. You should always speak to several providers and compare their offers before deciding on a company.
When comparing installation costs, if a particular contractor’s quote seems too good to be true, this is usually the case. A quote that is significantly less than their competitors can be an indication that the solar installation company is not installing good quality panels or that their work is substandard.
Some solar installation companies, including Absolute Environmental Solutions, offer solar financing options. These help make your switch to solar energy as affordable and comfortable as possible.
Lastly, it is worth noting that if you consult a comparison website, they will emphasize the price difference above all else. These websites can be useful for getting an indication of the different providers available in your area. But, the cost of the service is not the only important factor, as we are seeing in this article.
4. Verify Their Accreditation and Licenses
Your solar panel installation company should have all the required accreditation and licenses, which differ from state to state. Talk to your contractor to make sure they have the necessary documentation to carry out solar panel installations for your home.
Check if your contractor is affiliated with your local chamber of commerce. The minimum insurance coverage they should hold is general liability. This protection is necessary in case anything goes wrong during the installation process.
It is also worth asking about the warranty offered on the solar panels themselves. Most come with a warranty of 20 to 25 years, which is a great reassurance that you are investing in a sustainable and profitable energy source.
5. Check the Contractor’s Experience
Next, it’s useful to have an idea of your contractor’s experience and their specific skills in relation to installing solar panels. While this industry has undergone a huge expansion in recent years, it is still relatively young. Many contractors will be general tradesmen rather than specifically solar panel experts.
Find out exactly how much experience your contractor has in solar panel installations. You should be able to discuss their previous customers’ installations and the different installation options they can provide you with.
6. Find Out About Their Customer Support
As well as making sure that the installation team has the necessary expertise, it is also a good idea to find out what kind of customer support the installation company offers. Having a friendly and available customer support team is a good indication that you will get excellent service from the installation company, especially down the road should any problems arise.
For example, at Absolute Environmental Solutions, our support team is available from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM till 6:00 PM, as well as Saturdays from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM.
We have several different service numbers available depending on which area of Michigan you’re located in.
7. Talk to Friends and Family
Our final tip for finding a great solar installation company is to ask friends and family members in your local area for recommendations. Find out if they would recommend the contractor they used, and ask if they have any advice for your own installation process.
This will also allow you to inspect the work carried out by the contractor yourself. You can find out important information like how long the work took, and how satisfied your friend or family member is with the installation.
Now You’re Ready to Find Your Solar Installation Company
We’ve now covered the different considerations to keep in mind when looking for a solar installation company. This is one of the most important parts of the solar panel installation process, so it’s worth taking some time to consider the best option for you.
Get a free quote from Absolute Environmental Solutions for more information about how we can assist you.
