Are you planning to go solar but do not know how to choose the right solar panel company to install solar on your rooftop? Put an end to all your worries and read this blog to find out all your answers.
With the falling prices of solar panels, the rising environmental concerns, and the monetary benefits attached to them, more homeowners are installing panels on their property.
However, with the rising demand for solar, the competition among solar vendors has also increased. Everyone is putting their best foot forward to come into the limelight of customers. It’s hard to decide which company to choose for your residential rooftop solar panel services.
And, switching to solar is a big financial decision. An average solar panel installation costs around between $16,000 to $25,000. You won’t want to waste this hefty money on any installer who comes across your path.
So, how would you decide if this is the right one for me or not?
Don’t fret.
In this blog, we will share the seven crucial factors that will help you decide the right solar panel company for your home.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into them.
Understand the different types of rooftop solar panel companies
On the hunt for the right rooftop solar panel installation company, you would come across a plethora of options. However, not all of them are the same. They vary with the types of services they provide.
Understanding and knowing the difference between these companies would save you from wasting your time, effort, and money on the wrong ones. And, thus, it will push you down the right path of going green.
Let’s have a look at them:
Solar Equipment Manufacturers: These companies manufacture solar parts such as solar panels, solar batteries, solar inverters, and more. They may or may not provide solar panel installation services. Examples are SunPower and Enphase.
Solar Financing Companies: These companies provide solar financing solutions such as loans, leases, or PPAs to make solar affordable for homeowners. Typically, they partner with solar service providers. Examples are SunPower and Dividend.
Solar Lead Generation Companies: These companies generate leads for solar service providers. Examples are SolarReview and EnergySage.
Solar Installers: They are the ones who finally install the rooftop solar panels on your property. A company like Momentum Solar is its prime example.
Know the difference between solar subcontractors and in-house solar installers
Before we head to the deciding factors, it is first imperative to understand the difference between these two: solar subcontractors vs. in-house installers.
The use of subcontractors in the solar panel business is not new. However, homeowners must be aware of the significant dangers that may arise during the pre-and post-pV installation process.
In the case of solar subcontractors, the solar panel company outsources the local contractors to get the installation done on their behalf. On the other hand, an in-house installer who gets the job done is the hired employee of the solar panel company you are taking services from.
Either way, the models are safe. However, there was one instance where the subcontractor model went wrong. A homeowner from Colorado hired a solar panel company that further handled the work for a subcontractor who didn’t finish the project even after two years.
To avoid such situations, you must impose all the criteria (that we will discuss in the coming section for the solar company) on these contractors too.
Having said that, let’s jump onto the elements that will take you to your destination of choosing the right solar company for your home.
Factors to consider when choosing the right rooftop solar panel company
Check their credentials
The very first step in choosing the right residential solar panel installation company is to check their credentials. In the solar industry, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is the gold standard for a qualified solar installer. Only after passing the meticulous training do the companies get this pivotal document. Thus ensuring the utmost safety for installers and homeowners.
Next, you can check whether the company is registered on BBB, local or federal authorities websites and relevant industry organizations. This will eliminate any discrepancies and sloppiness.
Furthermore, as we discussed above, there are two types of solar panel companies. One who gets the work done with their in-house technicians and the other who outsources the work to the contractors. So, while going through the credentials checking of your potential solar panel company, don’t forget to choose the contractor’s credentials too (if there is any).
Look over their past industry work experience
The next step is to ask your future installer or solar panel company how many PV systems they have successfully installed so far. Believe it or not, this is a deal-breaker question.
Being in the solar industry for a longer period of time does not guarantee that their services will also be long-lasting.
For instance, a good rule of thumb states that a company with three good years of work experience is qualified to become your potential solar provider. And this number could go as high as 5, 10, or even higher.
And again, if there is a role for the subcontractor in the process, then you need to go through their work experience too.
Read their testimonials
Another way to choose a reliable residential solar panel company is to go through their customers’ testimonials. A client’s feedback is a window into a company’s brand reputation. Today, there are even more ways and platforms to reach out to these countless reviews. Here is how you can find them:
- First, read the Google reviews.
- Two, check on the authenticated multiple customer reviews websites such as Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, or Yelp.
- Third, go through the company’s registered websites and check if someone has left some words related to their services.
- And last but not least, offline reviews. Ask in your neighborhood, family, friends circle, or colleague: have they ever or in their vicinity opted for their services?
In addition to the above, you can even ask your solar service provider to showcase their prior work.
Solar panel types
While choosing a solar service provider, it is crucial to know what types of solar panels they will be installing on your property. This is because of the following three reasons:
Each home has different power consumption, so there will be different savings needs on electricity bills.
Not all homes are built with the same carpet area. Smaller homes would demand highly efficient but expensive monocrystalline solar panels. Contrary to popular belief, larger homes can work fine with average efficiency and less expensive polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels.
Third, aesthetics is a crucial factor for some homeowners, especially when it comes to installing panels on the front side.
So, all the aforementioned points are important to consider while choosing a solar panel provider for your home.
Additional solar products
Solar panels alone do not make the entire solar energy system. There are other key elements included in it, such as
- microinverters that convert DC into AC and will light up your home.
- Then there is a battery storage solution that stores the additional power produced by the system and can be used in the event of a power outage or on rainy days.
- Additional accessories such as load controllers, cables, connectors, and more.
So, when choosing a solar company for your home, it is imperative to know whether they provide all these components or not. Or would you need to arrange it from some other place?
Moreover, for solar businesses, partnering up with solar part manufacturers is not uncommon. For instance, companies like Q Cells or Enphase have a great reputation as leading manufacturers of solar panels, inverters, and battery solutions. It would be an added advantage for your home if your solar installer has tied up with them.
Quality products
Installing solar panels is a huge financial investment before and after installation. And not to forget the hidden ongoing costs. So it is important to choose a company that can provide you with quality products and long-term, robust warranty plans.
So, look properly in your solar quotation for the brand of panels, inverters, batteries, charging controllers, or every other component the company is using. It would give you assurance of product quality.
Types of warranties
When it comes to solar component warranties, not all companies come up with the same years and the same levels of warranty. For instance, some companies start with 10 years and go up to 25 years of warranty.
Usually, a robust warranty provides the following coverage:
- 25-year warranty on solar panels.
- 15–25 years of warranty on microinverters.
- 10–15 years of warranty on solar batteries.
- 5-year warranty on other solar accessories.
In addition, there is a power production guarantee and a workmanship warranty that vary greatly from company to company. Your right rooftop solar panel company should provide all these warranties for your solar project.
Solar incentives
One of the aspects that will set your solar service provider apart from the others is their ability to avail you of state solar rebates and local incentives that can massively impact your overall solar project cost.
For example, the state of New York provides 25% solar tax credits to its customers. On the other hand, the Idaho government provides 40%.
Likewise, each state has different eligibility criteria and solar programs for their prospective customers. It is the duty of solar service providers to inform you of all these benefits and help you avail yourself of them.
Also, there is a net metering program by the local utility providers where homeowners can sell extra electricity and generate additional income. So, always consider this factor when choosing a solar panel company for your home.
Financial and customer support
Installing solar panels on rooftops demands a hefty investment and can be a big financial decision for you. So, while looking for a solar panel company, always look for one that can provide you with flexible solar financing options.
This includes solar loan, solar lease, and power purchase agreement programs in addition to fully purchasing the system. Always remember that a reliable and right company is the one who understands your constraints and comes up with the best solutions.
Next, excellent customer support is another decision-making factor to consider when choosing a solar contractor. Since solar panels are not a one-time thing, it is a matter of 20–25 years or even longer.
So, it is also obvious that you may encounter some technical problems, or if not, consistent maintenance or servicing for sure. A company that can provide these services around the clock is the one you should go with.
Final Words
Choosing the right rooftop solar panel company for your home is essential for a seamless transition to cleaner energy. By following the aforementioned factors, you would be able to make an informed decision for yourself while ensuring the possibility of minimal problems facing you in the future.
In addition to these, try to look for an installer who can provide the roofing services too. Well, this might not be a must-tick factor; however, it would save you from the additional hassle and cost of roof repair prior to installation.
Having said that, we hope that you now have a crystal clear idea of how to start the process of choosing the right rooftop solar panel company.
