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How to Choose a Solar Installer

Asksolar Guide
•
Aug 07, 2024

How to Choose a Solar Installation Company

You know you want to install solar for your home. The only question is which solar installation company to choose. There are several available installers in most regions. Your goal is to select the one with the best credentials, reputation, quality installations, and appealing installation packages available. You want to ensure you are working with a reputable company, that you fully understand their offerings, and that you are getting the best solar installation deal in your region.

Fortunately, choosing a solar installation company is easier than it sounds. We can help by outlining what you are looking for and how to identify the right solar installation company for your home upgrade.

Talking to a Prospective Solar Company

Your search likely began online, and you have already identified a few solar companies to call. Once you begin making contact, it's important to keep notes and organize your answers to your questions. This will help you get the most useful information and prepare files for comparison.

  • Collect all notes, handouts, flyers, and emails in one dedicated folder per solar company.
  • Compare 3-5 solar installation companies to see their differences in packages, pricing, and service style.
  • When you first call, you can ask some questions of the receptionist. However, the best answers will come from asking an installer during a site visit assessment.

    • What To Look For in a Solar Installer

    Verifying the Company

    The first qualifications to look for when evaluating solar installers will include:

  • License and insurance proof
  • A+ Rating on the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
  • Positive online reviews (Google / Angie)
  • Positive customer testimonials
  • Galleries of completed projects

    • Saying the Right Things

    After the initial verification, you should also listen to how your installer discusses your solar estimate. They will likely want to tell you about kilowatts per hour (kWh) ratings. This relates to the estimated cost per kWh, the panel system's power generation capacity, and your home's rate of power consumption.

    They may offer to help you set up solar "net-metering" or "energy buy-back", which is when the power company pays you for extra energy. The alternative would be power storage in the form of batteries.

    They may also discuss roof angles, generation percentages, and mounting options to catch the most sun during the day.

    Considering Your Needs

    Make sure the solar installer is really considering your needs and preferences. If they are just giving a standard pitch and pushing for a sale, they are not trying to build the best solar solution for your home and energy plans.

    Red Flags: What to Avoid & Why

    Unfortunately, there are a lot of not-so-legitimate solar companies out there looking to sell some panels or even commit scams without considering your needs. Here are a few important red flags to avoid:

  • Missing or shady license and insurance proof - they may not be a legitimate company
  • Pitching without listening - they are selling a one-size-fits-all solar installation
  • Unusually low estimates - may be selling sub-par panels or low-quality installation
  • No on-site and roof inspection - they can't possibly tailor the installation to your home's needs or make safety adjustments
  • Poor responsiveness - noncommunicative contractors pose a universal risk
  • Suspicious HQ address - fake and empty addresses can indicate a scam company

    • Key Questions To Ask A Potential Solar Provider

    When you're ready to interview a solar installer, have a few important questions prepared for asking.

  • What is the best solar configuration for my roof's direction and angle?
  • An experienced solar installer will tell you about optimal angles and directions to catch the most sun and make genuine recommendations to optimize your solar power.
  • How much solar would it take to go ‘off the grid’?
  • Whether you plan to go off the grid or only supplement your grid power, the answer to this question will provide detailed insight into the solar company's understanding of your home's power consumption, solar power generation, and the relation between the two.
  • Is the local net metering offer worthwhile?
  • Not all power companies offer good value for energy buyback through net metering. Your solar provider will have insight into whether you're better off with a battery for power overflow or if the local buyback is a good deal with each local power company.
  • How quickly will this system ROI?
  • ROI stands for Return on Investment. This calculation requires understanding the cost of your power, how much power the solar installation will generate, and how quickly the money saved on energy will equal the cost of installation.
  • How much can I rebate from this project?
  • Federal, state, and local solar incentives combine uniquely in each region. Your solar installer should be able to provide you with a guide to the maximum way to claim these incentives and be safe on your solar installation.

    • The Easy Way to Get Started

    Instead of finding and researching a bunch of different solar companies and reaching out to them individually, let others do the work. Fill out a short single form on AskSolar, and we'll have top solar installers in your area reach out to YOU.

    AskSolar's Energy Advocates are here to answer your solar questions and help determine your unique needs for free. Just contact us to find out more.

    We are NOT a solar installer, so you'll get unbiased information from us. We are just here to ensure you're matched with the best solar installer to meet your needs. Once you've put together a short list of reputable local solar companies, you can schedule a Professional Site Evaluation. The evaluation is needed to get an accurate pricing quote. Stay tuned for tips on navigating evaluations and estimates.

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