How to Pick Your Solar Service Company in California
The transition to solar energy might be difficult to plan. There are literally hundreds of service providers, giving customers tens of thousands of alternatives. Still, before putting your money down, you should investigate every angle of the investment opportunity.
Put up a listing of rooftop solar providers
The most time-efficient method for comparing various providers is to compile a paper with the specifics of each solar firm written on a single page. You may use a word processor, a spreadsheet tool like Excel, or simply pen and paper to compile data about area solar companies. Don’t ignore the national chains that have a foothold in your state in favor of the mom-and-pop shops.
To begin, type “solar provider” with your state and city into Google and see what comes up. Be sure to mention local solar providers that have earned a good reputation if you know of any. Once you have a dependable list of companies, you can fill up the remainder of the paper using the information gathered in the next steps.
Employing a local installer as opposed to a national chain
When assessing your options, it’s important to have a firm grasp on the differences between working with a regional solar company and one on a national scale. Larger companies have been operating longer and can afford to provide longer warranties on their goods. In addition, they may provide supplementary payment options and maintenance services, such as panel cleaning.
If you want to take advantage of tax credits and county permissions specific to your state, though, it’s best to work with a company that’s based there. You may be able to acquire quotes and set up installations considerably more rapidly if you go via them since they handle fewer customers and locations. The question you should be asking yourself is whether a smaller or bigger company is better suited to your needs, since there is no clear cut answer to this one. Write down the companies you think belong in which groups.
Check the company’s credibility
Organizational scale is less important than the expertise of its workers. Go to their online archives to find out more about them. Prior to picking a solar panel installation company, you should find out what sorts of roofs they’ve worked with. In order to make an informed comparison, you must incorporate each firm’s credentials and history. Even if a company’s website is silent on the subject of certifications, you may always give them a call and ask.
Find a company that has been credentialed in addition to having the mandatory state licenses. It is generally agreed that NABCEP is the gold standard for sales and installation certification. The NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification indicates that the installers working for the company have met rigorous standards and received extensive training.
Look into feedback
There is no amount of experience or credibility that can salvage a business with terrible customer service. Going solar can be challenging because of all the procedures that must be completed in order to reap the benefits of switching to solar energy. Those who wish to conduct business in the solar panels companies sector should seek organizations with helpful and pleasant personnel.
You may read consumer reviews on sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. If you are unable to provide references or can only provide a handful, you should contact the employer and ask for them. If you ask, almost everyone will give you the names of at least three individuals who can vouch for their character. After reading the reviews you find, jot down some general ideas in your document; doing so will assist you remember the particular points you want to bring up with the company in question when you follow up with them.
