Once you have decided to install solar panels to your residence or commercial property it’ll be time to seek out the best company to perform the work. Chances are you’ll notice that there are a lot of solar companies to choose between, and as with any other industry there are some who are plenty better than others.
Making sure your panels and equipment are professionally installed and configured for optimum performance is essential. Percentages do matter when it comes to solar energy, and a well-performed project can shave years from your break-even threshold. Here are five of the most important features to look for when comparing those estimates and choosing the best solar company for you.
1) Licenses & Accreditation
During the early phases of the solar energy boom, there were plenty of contractors happy to take on work that they simply were not professionally qualified to perform. Thankfully, regulations are much tighter nowadays but you’ll still need to check that all of the companies you consider are properly licensed – and these do vary between states. Make sure they also include liability insurance that covers work performed on your property. Any company with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ (NABCEP’s) accreditation is going to be comprehensively licensed across the board.
Most independent solar companies take their accreditation very seriously and it is worth remembering that smaller companies usually offer better rates compared to nationwide chains. They are also not tied or obliged to recommend specific brands so you should get the most suitable equipment that best matches the demands of your project.
2) Recent Experience
The solar industry has made huge advances in recent years and you need to make sure that your contractor understands the most recent techniques for maximizing solar power generation. Look for those who have successfully undertaken similar projects and are happy to discuss the performance standards of the panels they have installed. Good solar energy companies often make them a key point in their literature so be wary of those who are less than forthcoming. Remember there is no such thing as ‘standard’ solar installation projects and the best companies will always approach every project uniquely.
3) Read Reviews
Reviews provide an indication of what to expect although bear in mind that these are easily corrupted by fake appraisals. There is stiff competition within the solar energy sector at the moment and it is sadly common for less scrupulous companies to manipulate reviews in their favor. That being said, common good (or negative) reviews that go into some detail are usually good indicators of the level of service you can anticipate. Of course, nothing beats personal recommendations but online reviews still offer a degree of value – just take them with a pinch of salt.
4) Workmanship Warranty
This is a big one and those who promote these warranties are often among the most reliable companies on the market. Workmanship warranties specifically relate to the quality of the installation (from design through to the nuts and bolts) and oblige them to make good and/or repair faulty or inadequate installations within a specified timeframe. These can be anywhere from just one year through to ten or even longer.
It takes a little time to establish what level of solar energy production you can expect. After two years you should have enough data to notice significant dips in performance that could be caused by faulty equipment or poorly installed parts. We recommend looking for solar companies that offer a good workmanship warranty as part of their invoice, even if it costs a little extra.
5) Professional Surveys
Any reputable solar energy company will perform a thorough evaluation of your property before they even start recommending specific products or designs. You’ll often notice that the big-name companies perform these like a checklist and pay little interest to the specifics of your property that could effect energy generation (or be used to increase yield performance). Companies who perform this thoroughly will pretty much always deliver the best appraisal for your property and offer at least a couple of options to choose between. They’re the ones you should look to deal with ahead of any others!
