reza More and more people are going solar in Texas and around the world today. According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar energy accounted for about 11{fc5146d3c902efb200e22464d75d0630cbb5ec18638f47f018aad56a29cf9edd} of U.S. renewable energy consumption in 2020. Some residential and commercial buildings use solar heating systems to heat water and the building. Overall, 2020 U.S. solar consumption increased 22{fc5146d3c902efb200e22464d75d0630cbb5ec18638f47f018aad56a29cf9edd} from 2019.
The most challenging part of going solar is the part where you need to choose from the slew of solar power companies in Texas, especially because there are so many solar companies available today. To make the best choice, it is important to take some time to do thorough research on a solar company and to know if they are the best fit for your desired outcome.
A lot of professionals from diverse backgrounds have been drawn to the growing solar power industry. Because of this, it can be a tricky process to find a solar installer with enough experience and steady work history. Choosing the right installer has a lot of advantages.
In this article, we explore the basic guidelines for choosing the right solar company for you.
Compile the Names of Prospective Companies
There are two major sources that can help you in compiling your list:
- Online sources like Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, the company’s website, etc.
- Recommendation from friends and family who have used a solar company before.
While compiling your list, you may want to go for solar companies that have been in the business for a long time. You should give more consideration to companies that have been there for over 10 years.
While making your compilation of prospective companies, give preference to companies in your locality. Hiring a local solar company is likely to save you some cost because moving equipment through a long distance also comes at a cost.
Get Multiple Quotes from Solar Companies
Solar companies have a wide variety of ways they come up with their rates for solar installations. Some are just more competitive than others. While these companies have come up with all kinds of billing structures that you can possibly think of, the most common and straightforward approach is the cost-per-watt.
Based on the size of your system, your solar installation company should charge you a flat rate. Getting multiple quotes will help you to get a good idea of the price range and give you a baseline to compare the top solar companies.
Typically, the solar company will schedule an appointment to inspect your property for them to make an accurate calculation of the cost of installation. If you have unanswered questions, this would be a good time to ask them. Some of the questions you may want to ask are:
- What warranties do you offer?
- Do they have the permits that are required by the state?
- How many panels do I need based on my energy usage?
- Have you installed solar on a property near me?
Try to gather multiple quotes from as many solar companies as possible. This will help you get competitive rates. You could be saving a few thousand dollars on your solar installation by doing this.
Do Not Choose a Solar Company on Price Only
While you can be tempted to go with the cheapest bidder to save cost, it may not always be a wise choice to make. Keep in mind that there are many differences in equipment and the quality of installation.
This is not to say that it is not realistic to get the most inexpensive installer in your locality. With proper research and comparing different proposals, you should be able to know if you are on track. It is usually hard to be assured of getting high quality by simply going for the cheapest solar company.
Check if the Solar Company is Licensed and Insured
It is expected that a professional solar company should have all necessary licenses and insurance policies. The least that is expected of a company is the general electrical contractor’s license (known as the C-10 license).
For solar installers, standard licenses include general contracting, home performance, electrician, or home improvement contracting licenses. It is also important that they are certified by the appropriate bodies and they should also have general liability insurance.
Check Their Track Record and Experience
With the rapid growth in the solar power industry, more companies keep rising and claiming to be professionals in the field. Your prospective installers must be ready to show you solar systems that they have installed for past clients.
You may even need to look beyond just the installation process, to find out what post-solar installation service they have to offer you. Take a thorough check on their track record!
Investigate the Reputation and Credibility
The easiest way to find out about the reputation of a solar company is by checking the past work and what previous customers have to say about them. Some great online sources to have a glimpse into the credibility and reputation of a solar company are Yelp, Google, Better Business Bureau, EnergySage, and Solar Reviews.
Generally, customers’ reviews and ratings can give you insights into the bad practices of the installer. If there seems to be a pattern of consistent complaints from customers, it is a clear indication that you should consider other installation companies for your work.
You should also keep in mind that it is hard to find a company with no negative reviews at all, no matter how great their services are. Therefore, don’t be worried about a few negative reviews from clients.
Solar Warranties and Maintenance Skills
A solar system consists of many different components, and the manufacturer offers a specific warranty on each of these components. It is expected that the solar company should explain each of these warranties in detail. In addition to the warranties on the parts of the system, you should get a workmanship warranty. This should also cover replacement and labor charges of components that are not functioning properly.
You should be careful of new companies that are offering you extended warranties of up to 25 years just to close a sale. Because they are new, you have no guarantee that they will remain in business long enough to honor their warranty.
Hiring a Professional Solar Installer Near You
While there are many other strategies that can be adopted to get the best solar installation company, following the steps that have been highlighted in this article will go a long way in helping you make the right decision.
