In 2021, the number of residential solar installations surpassed 3 million.
This is a figure that’s only increasing as the popularity of solar continues to grow. But to get the best results from going solar, you need a quality solar panel installer. With so many on the market, it can be hard to find the right one.
That’s where we can help! Keep reading for these 5 tips for choosing a solar power company you can rely on.
1. Go Local
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Our first tip for hiring a solar power energy company is to go local. The first reason is local installers will also live nearby and mix with the community. This means they care about their reputation and customers.
The second reason is they’ll have experience with homes like yours. They’ll also know local laws and city guidelines like the back of their hand. This includes all the permits you need and what tests your system needs to pass. You can read more on solar here.
2. Look Up Reviews & Ratings
When hiring a solar power company don’t pick the first one you see and call it quits. Pick between 2-3 local installers and look up their ratings online.
A good place to start is the Better Business Bureau and search engines like Google. This will give you an idea of what past customers thought of the service.
A few bad reviews aren’t the end of the world; you can’t please everyone. Give them a read and see how the company responded to rectify issues.
A red flag though is when there are more bad reviews than good ones. You want to watch out for any issues that seem to be a recurring theme as it shows they don’t learn from past mistakes.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed
Depending on your location, the local licensing requirements will vary. These can include:
- Electrical contractor license: to connect the panels to the grid
- General contractor license: to install the panels and frame on the roof
Contact your city and county authorities to see what requirements to look for. They may even have a list of recommended local installers for you.
4. Make Sure They’re Certified Too
Before you hire anyone make sure the contractor has the right qualifications. A good company will have engineers with national certifications that carry weight.
One to look out for is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). They’re a national industry standard when it comes to certification.
While practitioners don’t need this qualification it shows dedication. The company values its workers and invests in their development. It also shows that the technicians care and are serious about their work.
5. Check They’re Insured
Never hire a solar energy company without making sure they’re insured. This is a huge project for your home and there is a lot of scope for things to go wrong. You want to check for the following insurances:
- General liability: to protect against property damage and harm to people
- Professional liability: to cover paperwork issues that affect rebates and tax incentives
- Workers’ comp: cover wage and medical protection for workers hurt on the job
- An equipment floater: to cover against theft, vandalism, wind, fire, and more
- Optional cover: to cover against mold and water damage as this might not be in the other coverages
On top of this, you want to make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers your solar panels. You don’t want to get caught out or void your current insurance without realizing it.
Hiring a Solar Power Company Made Easy
Hiring a solar power company doesn’t have to be difficult if you take your time and research. Make sure they’re licensed, qualified, and have all the insurances in place. Don’t neglect your insurance either, as you don’t want to void any existing policies.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out our blog for more home and lifestyle tips.
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