How to choose a solar company? The installation of solar panels is on the rise because of the enormous benefits they bring with them: savings on your electricity bills, the production of clean energy and above all, the benefit that helps everyone is the care for the environment.
Many people ask the same question, how to start looking. We’ll mention these important points below.
There are many options on the market, and because it is a long-term investment, you should be sure to switch to solar. Choose the best solar company that suits you best, but above all that gives you the attention and good service, in quality and prices.
It is important that you quote several options and choose the one that suits you best, in terms of price, benefits, quality, in short, a good service. Consider these points, since the installation of solar systems is a long-term commitment of the supplier.
Evaluate the formality of the solar panel company, consider its transparency and quality in customer service, quality of installation of solar panels, warranty for your solar panel equipment, that the company manages with the electricity company for the installation of solar panels for your home.
1. Experience
Any Solar Company with more than 5 Years has our respect. Lets face it. You’re not buying a TV or a camera. You’re entering into a 25-year relationship with an installer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 50% of businesses make it past five years in operation. This is critical. In South Texas, we have seen 17 companies close their doors and do terrible damages to the industry.
Everything from installing panels to north, east and west, to just leave installations undone or not knowing the Utility Company policies.
2. Workmanship
Local Installer and number of Engineers behind the project. Who is making the sale? What are his credentials? Is an actual Electrical Engineer Degree visiting your house to see where the panels are going to be installed? 90% of the companies will fail these questions. They want to sell as many panels as possible, pointing to east, west and north (Yes, shame on those who install panels without informing the customer its production).
Scammers are easy to spot. When the company says they will install somewhere between now and six months, you are dealing with a company that is a front and maybe even out of state. Look for a Corporation, not for an LLC. Liability is everything in a company that will offer 25 years of warranty. Ask the Installer to show you his driver license. Where is he from?
3. Customer rating
Reviews and testimonials are one of the best ways to learn how to choose a solar company, such as customer service, response time and quality of installation.
Many of these solar companies keep their social networks active and websites updated, in both social platforms you can find information and get an idea of how is their customer service, if their attention providing information is fast and clear.
On the websites you can get extensive information on all the services they provide, where their offices are located, reviews, testimonials left by their customers stating their experience with that solar company.
4. System Components
Some providers have a wide range of panels and inverters, but we always focus on those companies that offer quality components.
We will talk about solar inverters, as it is a very important element for the installation of solar panels. Its main function is to transform the direct current produced by the solar panels into alternating current.
In studies conducted on the market, in 2020, the main manufacturers of solar inverters for residential use were:
-Fronius
-SolarEdge
-ABB
-SMA
-Enphase
-Sungrow
-Ginlong Solis
-Delta
-Solax Power
-GoodWe
-Growatt
-Ingeteam
5. Guarentees
The standard is a 20 year warranty on solar panels, so we make sure you get product and performance guarantees.
6. How to choose a solar company
Consider the forms of payment and return on investment every certified company offers several options to contract the service.
Regularly, the forms of payment are adjusted to your needs: cash, months without interest or financing.
It is very important that your provider gives you an estimated return on investment, i.e., how long it will take you to pay for your solar system and how long you will enjoy your own free energy.
7. Incentives
This is another option on how to choose a solar company, if you are going to install solar panels on your home or business, you may qualify for certain local and federal rebates or incentives. Here are some of the incentives they offer:
- Business Energy Investment Tax Credit.
- CPS Energy-Solar PV Rebate Program.
- LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program.
- Energy-Efficient Mortgages.
- Mandatory Renewable Energy Educational Materials.
- AEP Texas Central Company-Rebate Program.
- Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption.
- Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC).
- TXU-Commercial Energy Efficiency Program.
- Fannie Mae Green Financing-Loan Program.
- Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit.
- Green Mountain Energy Renewable Rewards Program.
8. Solar production monitoring
Companies should include a monitoring system that allows them to measure the solar energy generated by a photovoltaic system in real time, i.e., it summarizes the productivity of the solar panels, and helps determine if there is a problem in the production of solar energy.
It is very important that you learn everything about how to choose a solar company, with all the points mentioned above, you will have more detailed knowledge. Always look for good service, quality products and prices. Solar energy is the change you need for the welfare of your economy and the environment.
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