How to get the solar installer you want

Solar is popular right now, but you don't want just any company installing your residential solar system. You want a company with a good reputation, who guarantees their work and is certified by the NABCEP. This is the first part in a series of how to find the right installer, so you can go solar.

Credibility matters

Finding the right solar panel installer takes more than a basic online search. There are variables you need to look out for, such as quality of work, customer service, post-installation service and much more. Simply choosing the cheapest solar installer is not the smartest decision. Although local installers are usually less expensive than national installation companies, we have gathered a basic guide so you know where to start looking, and what questions to ask.

People review companies, and there are plenty of places that post these reviews. Look online for reviews on Google, Yelp, and even places like Angie’s List. This way you know if the company has had problems in the past, and sometimes you learn how they handled them, and whether they learned from their bad reviews and improved their business practices.

Also, word of mouth is the best form of marketing there is. If you see a great solar installation on your neighbor’s roof, then ask them about it. Are they happy? Was the installation done in a timely manner? How well does the system work? If you ask these questions, it will help find a company with a good reputation. People trust their friends and neighbors. It is also a good idea to call the companies themselves and ask them if they outsource their labor. If they do, installation quality might be inconsistent.

Ensure you receive a warranty 

Solar power is a large investment, so it is beyond wise to protect yourself with a warranty. We don’t recommend you purchase a solar panel system unless it is covered by a warranty. Different equipment is covered by different warranties, and many installers also guarantee their work. It is still important to understand what is covered and for how long. It is important to sit down and figure out which warranty works best for you. It might be the decision to choose one power inverter over another.

It is a good idea to talk to your all your installers about the product and service warranties. Really good installers include service warranties for a certain period of time after the installation to make everything goes smoothly.

NABCEP certified is a must 

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is an organization that certifies energy installers, including solar power technicians and installers. To become a NABCEP certified professional, installers have to pass a rigorous certification process.

Everyone on the crew doesn’t need to be certified, but if the people running the installation are not, then there is no guarantee they will do a great job. It is important to make sure the solar project is supervised by a NABCEP-certified member, and ideally, you want a NABCEP-certified crew member installing the solar panels.

To learn more, check out this blog. 

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