Best Solar Panel Companies Near Me: How To Choose a Solar Installer
If you’ve begun investigating solar power, “best solar panel companies near me” has definitely been showing up in your search history. It’s not surprising. As the cost of solar power continues to drop and more people realize it can save them money on their electricity bills, the demand for solar installation is growing.
The problem is that there are so many solar companies out there that it’s hard to pick one. Choosing the right solar installer will leave you with a stylish, efficient power system that can save you money for years. But choosing the wrong solar company can lead to shoddy installations and even financial losses.
So how do you find a great installer? Here are some tips that will help you with your search.
Financing
Choose an installer that offers financing from the solar company itself. Solar panel companies that offer their own financing can offer lower interest rates than banks. Some companies will work with local lenders so you can get the best of both worlds.
Check out what payment options are available to you and how long it takes for your loans to be approved. If you need your loan quickly, find out how fast they will process it and when they expect payments to start coming in. Some financiers require deposits and down payments, so make sure they include these costs in your solar installer fees.
Get an Estimate
It’s important to remember that all estimates are just that—estimates. So don’t be surprised if the final bill is different from what was originally quoted.
To make sure you choose the best solar installer, look for a provider who offers you a written estimate with details about:
- What they’re going to do
- Any taxes
- How long it will take
- Insurance Fees
A great example is, “Installation labor costs $75/hour; however, if there are rodents on your roof, there will be an additional $50 charge.” Also, be sure your estimate is an official interoffice message.
Insurance
The best solar companies will have insurance for the equipment they’re installing, as well as their own personal liability coverage. This shows that they take the safety of their customers seriously and protect themselves.
Find out how much coverage they have. Your property might be very valuable, so it’s important to know if they can repair it.
Portfolio
Every company should have a portfolio to look at. You’ll be able to see how many installations they’ve done and whether they’re in your area. If there are no completed projects nearby, this could be a red flag.
Judge their work. Do the panels look good? Are the wires covered up so that they don’t get damaged by animals or weather?
These are all important details to consider when looking at a contractor’s previous work—and will help you figure out if you really want them working on your roof.
Warranties
Warranties vary by manufacturer, but most warranties cover the parts, labor, and installation of your system. The length of the warranty depends on the risk factor associated with each type of equipment used in your project.
Some manufacturers also offer additional benefits beyond their standard product warranties, including cash-back incentives or system performance guarantees. Consider all costs before deciding whether these programs are worth it for your situation.
Discounts and Specials
The main thing to keep in mind when considering a discount or special is that it might come with some important limitations. For example, this could include things like timeframes or whether you can only use it once per household. You should ask your potential solar company what their conditions are before signing any papers so that there aren’t any surprises later down the line.
Availability
You’ll want to make sure that the solar installer you select will schedule an installation on a date that is convenient for you. You may also want to consider how long it might take between signing the contract and actually starting work on your home. Most solar companies provide quotes within 24 hours of receiving your information requests, and some even offer same-day service!
Customization Options
Maybe you want your solar panels to match the color of your roof, or maybe you’re looking for something that will complement the colors of your home. You might want circular panels. Whatever your desires are, be sure the company has these options available.
Power Options
The number of kilowatts (kWh) your system can produce is important. When comparing different companies, look for varying kWh numbers because they’re telling you how much electricity each system will be able to generate for you daily.
Services
You might want services that extend beyond the solar panel installation itself.
Some companies offer maintenance, repairs, and system replacements. These services can save you money in the long run because they keep your system working efficiently and help it last longer. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, the extra fee is something to consider.
These helpful tips can help you find companies that clean your solar panels if this isn’t a service that the installation company provides.
Best Solar Panel Companies Near Me: Find a Solid Company
If you want to find a solid solar panel company near you, take some time to do your research. You can start by asking friends and family if they have any recommendations. If not, searching “best solar panel companies near me” will have to suffice.
Our real estate articles have more advice on how you can upgrade your property so it’s more efficient and has better curb appeal. Read a few of our articles to learn more.