If you decide to buy a solar power system to reduce your electric bill and decrease your environmental footprint, so you need to make sure that you choose the right installer for you. As solar energy is gaining popularity in homes and businesses, the prevalence of installation companies is increasing to meet the demand. But not all solar installers can provide the expertise, high-quality workmanship, and reliable customer service to ensure your system performs efficiently to provide the highest return on investment. Be sure to focus on the important aspects of your selection of solar power and installers as it’s is a solid investment and one you’ll be living with for a long time.
Find the Right Solar Panel Supplier for Your Home
Buying solar panels is a solid investment, so you need to make sure that you choose the right one for you. The market has flooded with installers who claim that they are the best. If you don’t know what to look for, you may get overwhelmed by all the information. Here are some tips to understand how to choose a solar power or installer.
1st Tip: MCS Certified
It is of utmost importance that the installer you decide on is MCS accredited. A good solar panel installer would typically be a member of the Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL) or the solar Trade Association (STA). You should even be aware of who can carry out the actual system installation. If it is a subcontracting company, you have to make sure that they are MCS accredited as well.
2nd Tip: Home Visit
The installer should be willing to visit your home and take the time to give you information about the suitability of solar panels for your home. You can also expect suggestions about how to save energy and how energy efficient your home is. If the installer is not willing to take the time and evaluate your specific requirements, you will most probably not get the best installation, either.
3rd Tip: Reputation in the market
You should ask the installer to provide you with references and testimonials from previous clients. If they have been in business for a while, they should not have a problem with giving you references. You should also do some research on the installer. Neighbors and friends could also be a great source for recommending an installer. Talking to previous customers is a great way to find out how their installation process was handled.
4th Tip: Warranty
You should be aware of what kind of warranty the equipment comes with. The average warranty offered for solar panels is around 20 years. If the warranty is for a shorter period of time you can safely assume that the quality of the panels is lower. Storage batteries and solar inverters have limited guarantees and it is around 5-10 years. Most installers also provide a workmanship warranty, which should be at least 1 year.
5th Tip: Understand the Quotations
First, you should get quotes from at least 3 installers. The quotations should be tailored to your specific needs. Then you have to compare quotes and consider what is included in the price. Some installations want scaffolding or further work on your roof, so make sure that those are included. Otherwise, you may end up paying way more than what you see in the quote. The cost of solar panels has reduced loads over the past few years, and depending on the size of your system you will get a tailored offer.
6th Tip: Beware of Sales Tactics
Installers who provide quality products and services don’t need high-pressure tactics to make you purchase their products. It is common for some installers to give you some sort of discount or limited time offer in order to make you take a quick decision on the spot. Usually, decisions like these tend to cost you a lot in the long run. If the company providing you with the quotes is putting you under any pressure to make a sale, it is probably a good idea to just walk away.
There are several factors to consider when you wish to find an installer for solar panels. It is crucial to move at your own speed, as well as investing time into analysis beforehand, therefore you’ll talk to the installer on more equal terms. Following this, you will be able to make an educated decision about the product you really need.