How Do I Find a Reputable Solar Power Company Near Me?
How do I find a reputable solar power company near me? Quite a big question that can have many answers and perspectives. All things to take into account make it seem almost as a full time job where you have to consider many variables and possible tricks that could get you disappointed about spending your money on solar energy for your home.
At Greentumble, we know how much time and effort this decision takes. We offer you our help by providing a few useful tips, as well as informative articles about solar companies in more detail without being sponsored by any of them – this is important to mention, as most content on the internet nowadays is just a part of marketing for some company.
No need to prolong this introduction, let’s get started with our unbiased list of the primary factors you should consider when looking up solar companies for your house improvement project.
How to find certified solar installers near me?
Step 1: Research solar companies near you
Step number one, unless you have already received some local recommendations, is to look on the internet at your local solar companies. We recommend starting with Google Maps. One useful feature is that the results will not only show you solar installers in your immediate vicinity but also their contact information and rating along with detailed reviews. You can learn a lot just by running this brief search.
From our experience, it is often those little details mentioned in the reviews that give you clues about what to expect, in case you find yourself in a similar situation. Be it positive or negative. So, you can actually get a pretty good picture of each company’s reliability and service quality.
Additionally, take some time to check out online reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, SolarReviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for lots of positive feedback, but also keep an eye out for any recurring issues that people mention. Pay attention to specifics like how good the workmanship is, how professional the installers are, and how effective their customer support is. Also, see how companies handle negative feedback. A company that responds quickly and helpfully to complaints shows they care about keeping their customers happy.
Your research doesn’t have to stay only online, you may be lucky and get some great help from the people in your closest circles. Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who have installed solar panels. Their firsthand experience with the solar installation process can give you an advantage in knowing what to expect and what to look for. Plus, they can share any pitfalls they encountered, helping you avoid similar issues.
Step 2: Verify your solar providers
Step number two, after gathering your initial list of potential solar companies, is to check their credentials. This step is key to making sure the installer you pick is qualified and experienced enough.
First, verify that the installer holds all necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your state. Each state has its own licensing requirements for contractors, and you can usually check this information on your state’s contractor licensing board website. For example, if you are in California, you can use the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website to verify a license.
Having the right licenses means the installer meets the legal requirements for electrical and general contracting work, while insurance protects you in case of any accidents or damages during the installation. Don’t be shy about asking the company for copies of their licenses and insurance certificates.
We recommend also looking for the company’s certification. It can be confusing, as there are more types of certifications, so let’s clarify it a bit better in the following overview.
What certification to look for in a selected solar company?
When looking for a reputable solar company near your location, certain certifications and credentials can indicate their expertise in the industry a bit better.
Here are the key certifications to look for:
#1 North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
The NABCEP certification is one of the most respected and widely recognized certifications in the solar industry. It signifies that the installer has undergone rigorous training and testing to meet high industry standards. Look for companies with NABCEP-certified professionals if you can.
How to check? Go to the NABCEP website. Use the NABCEP’s “Find a Professional” tool to search for certified individuals and companies. You can search by name, company, city, or state.
#2 Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
UL provides safety certifications for various solar products, including photovoltaic panels and inverters. To get certified, the products must meet strict safety and performance standards. Installers using UL-certified products demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality.
#3 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation
While not a certification, BBB accreditation can be a useful indicator of a company’s reliability and customer service. Companies with high BBB ratings have a history of good customer service and ethical business practices.
How to check? Enter the company name and location to check their BBB rating and accreditation status on the BBB website. Read any complaints or reviews to gauge customer satisfaction and business practices.
#4 Manufacturer certifications
Some solar panel and inverter manufacturers offer certification programs for installers. These certifications indicate that the installer has been trained to install their products correctly and may offer extended warranties or support. Examples include certifications from manufacturers like SunPower, Tesla, and LG.
How to check: Visit the official websites of solar panel and inverter manufacturers. Many have directories of certified installers. For example, SunPower has a SunPower Dealer Locator tool. If the information isn’t available online, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the installer’s certification status.
#5 EnergyStar certification
EnergyStar certifies products for energy efficiency. While primarily for products, an installer that promotes and uses EnergyStar-certified products shows a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Tip: Use EnergyStar product finder tool to ensure the solar products used by the installer are in the database.
Step 3: Request quotes and compare the offers
After you have verified the credentials of your shortlisted solar companies, it is time to request quotes and compare them. Yes, it is quite an exciting moment, when your solar project starts to get real. Getting quotes will help you in evaluating the cost and services offered by different installers.
Start by reaching out to at least three different installers to request quotes. This will give you a broader perspective on pricing and offerings. Make sure each quote gives a detailed breakdown of costs and specifications. Check for details like the type and brand of solar panels and inverters, warranty terms, and any extra services such as system monitoring and maintenance. Comparing these specifics helps you understand why prices vary and what you are actually paying for.
You can also use our tool powered by EnergySage. We have partnered with them because they are professionals in their field who offer valuable educational resources, calculators and marketplaces to help you learn about and shop for solar with confidence. Their services are totally free and 100% online. You can go through the information at your own pace without being pressured by anyone, which is in accordance with our own philosophy.
What is the information you should look for when working with installer’s quotes? Well, start by confirming that the installer will handle obtaining all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and your utility company. This saves you a lot of hassle of making sure that your installation complies with all regulations.
Installing solar panels on your home is a significant investment, it is important to explore different financing options. Some installers offer flexible payment plans, loans, or even leases. Discuss these options with each installer to find a solution that fits your budget. Do not forget to ask about any federal, state, or local incentives, rebates, or tax credits that can help reduce the overall cost of your solar installation. A knowledgeable installer should guide you through the available options and help you maximize your savings.
Additional action you can take is to request to see a portfolio of the installer’s past projects. A good portfolio should include a variety of installations, showcasing the company’s experience with different types of roofs, system sizes, and configurations. This can give you an idea of their workmanship and ability to handle projects similar to yours.
Step 4: Evaluation of the proposals & decision making
Step number four, after comparing quotes from multiple solar installers, is to thoroughly evaluate the proposals. You will need to look closely at the details, so you know exactly what you are getting into.
Start by comparing the quality of solar panels, inverters, and other components specified in each proposal. Not all solar equipment is created equal, and the efficiency, durability, and warranty of the components can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your solar system. Research the brands and models mentioned in the proposals and read some product reviews – you may immediately rule out some offers based on the information you find.
Next thing to check: the warranty. Review the warranties offered for both the equipment and the installation work. A good warranty typically includes 25 years for solar panels, 10 to 12 years for inverters, and 5 to 10 years for workmanship. Make sure you understand what is covered under each warranty and any conditions that might void them. This can save you from unexpected costs down the road. Solar equipment has very little wear and tear in general, but you still need to make sensible investment.
Lastly, see what is the proposed installation timeline. While some projects may take longer due to permitting and utility approvals, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the expected start and completion dates. Even with this information at hand, you should expect the installation to take a bit longer than given in the first estimate.
Extra useful tips for finding the best solar installer
The steps mentioned above may seem quite laborious but they make sense when it comes to selecting the right company to take care of such an important change to your home. It is worth taking your time and getting through this reviewing and verification process with a clear mind. Take your time, get break to gather more information if needed and slowly work your way towards the big decision.
We would like to share with you a few extra tips to focus along the way on when making your decision. Here you go:
#1 Check for hidden fees: This is quite important. You should carefully review the contract for any hidden fees or clauses that could affect your costs before signing any deal.
Sometimes contracts can include additional charges for items such as permits, inspections, or unexpected labor. Make sure every aspect of the project is outlined clearly in the contract, including who is responsible for any additional expenses. Don’t hesitate to ask the installer to clarify any terms or fees that are not clear.
#2 Post-installation support: Yes, the company’s attitude towards customers still matters even when everything is set and running just fine. Good post-installation support includes monitoring the system’s performance and prompt responses to any issues that arise.
Check if the company provides a maintenance plan and what it covers. Reliable support can help maintain the efficiency and longevity of your solar system. After all, you need your solar panels generating energy for the next 25 years, that’s a long time.
#3 Monitor system performance: Many solar inverters come with built-in monitoring capabilities that allow you to track your system’s performance through a mobile app or online portal. Monitoring your system can help you detect and resolve issues early. Do not hesitate to ask your installer to recommend and set up a monitoring system if it is not included in your package.
Are solar companies dishonest?
In recent years, the solar industry has seen both honest companies and some less honest ones. Unfortunately for the solar industry, some customers have had issues with aggressive sales tactics, misleading claims about savings, promising solar panels for zero cost, and hidden fees in contracts. But as with any bigger investment, you need to be careful and well-informed to protect yourself from unexpected losses and cheap tricks.
Despite these challenges, the solar industry has grown significantly and become a major player in the energy market. Here is the good news: big investments from private companies and government programs have made solar energy more accessible and affordable. Major corporations and utility companies are investing heavily, and advancements in technology, especially in solar panel efficiency and energy storage, are driving this growth even further.
This rapid expansion shows why you need good oversight when finding a truly reputable solar installer in your area. While the industry’s growth brings many benefits, it becomes more important to do thorough research and check credentials when picking a solar company to install solar panels on your home. At Greentumble, we have tried to make this process well structured and easier on you. We hope it will help.
Good luck with your choice.
