Installing solar panels in your home is a great idea. Solar panels are great for the environment, reduce your energy bills, and are easy to maintain. Really the only challenge is finding the right contractor to do the installation. To ensure your installation runs smoothly and your home and family benefit from solar energy, follow our guide to finding the right solar energy contractor.
What to Look for in a Solar Energy Contractor
Any solar energy contractor you are considering will need to meet a few essential criteria. First and most importantly is expertise. Your contractor will need expertise in installing solar energy systems.
The best way to spot expert contractors is to look for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ Solar PV Installation Professional Certification. Sticking to contractors with this certification provides you with quality assurance and simplifies your search.
Make sure your prospective solar energy contractor has the necessary business licenses and insurance policies. Look out for general contracting, home improvement, and electrical licenses along with general liability insurance.
As a growing industry, many businesses are expanding into solar installation. Check potential contractors for a solid track record in solar installation. Your contractor will need to be able to show you the other systems they have installed.
Finally, you will want to check reviews from past customers. However, take these with a grain of salt. Not all customer reviews will be a reflection of the job the contractor can do for you. But do keep an eye out for patterns of bad behavior.
Finding the Right Solar Energy Contractor
If you find several contractors who meet the standards above, you will want to know how to distinguish the best for your project. Finding a contractor that offers workmanship warranties will save you a lot of stress. These warranties generally range from 1 to 10 years. Finding a contractor who offers a solid workmanship warranty is a much better option than purchasing a separate contract for the operation and maintenance of your solar panels.
Avoid a contractor who is not open and transparent about their use of sub-contractors. It is normal for solar installers to rely on sub-contractors. Sub-contractors can bring necessary and beneficial expertise to your project. But you will want to ensure your installer clearly outlines what tasks the sub-contractor will undertake, and they use effective oversight.
The top solar company will not sub-contract all of its work. If you cannot clearly identify who will be responsible for the installation, this is a sign to choose a different installer.
Solar energy will offer you many benefits, but it is a significant investment in your home. The best installers can design energy systems that meet your home’s needs. Your installer should be working with you to understand how their work will fit with your existing energy system.
Enjoy Your New Solar Energy System
You will love the benefits of installing a solar energy system in your home. But to make sure you get the right system for your home, you need to find the right solar energy contractor. If you follow our guide, you will find the right contractor and enjoy a stress-free installation.
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