Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing a Solar Installer
Choosing the right residential solar system installer is essential to ensure your solar panel installation project runs smoothly, safely, and effectively. A well-installed solar system can provide clean, renewable energy, reduce your electricity bills and increase the value of your property. However, with so many solar installation companies to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start.
We've gathered some tips to help you choose the right solar installer for your home and answered some common questions about what to expect from your solar installer.
7 Tips on Choosing a Solar Installer
1. Check for Credentials and Certifications
You don't have to be certified to be a solar panel installer, but checking their credentials, affiliations, and any certifications they opted for is still a good idea. This includes verifying that the company is licensed, insured, and registered with the relevant authorities.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is an education, testing, and certification body for those who choose to expand their knowledge in the industry. Certifications are not easily obtained and cover things such as solar electrical engineering processes and calculations, battery sizing, and financial calculations.
Installers who are affiliated with NABCEP or the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have gone the extra mile to learn and be educated in the industry. This doesn’t mean they are necessarily better than others, but it is a way for installers and solar companies to showcase their knowledge and expertise.
Since these certifications are not mandatory and can be expensive, it’s more common to see them with larger solar companies.
2. Look for local experience and references
Choosing a solar installer with experience working in your local area will be beneficial. Local installers are more likely to be familiar with local building codes, regulations, and conditions that may affect your solar system installation. Ask for references from the company, and be sure to contact those references to ask about their experience working with the company.
3. Check for a warranty and maintenance plan
A reputable solar installer should offer a warranty for their work and be well-versed with the warranty of the installed solar system. Larger solar companies may offer a maintenance plan along with the solar system, but the reality is your system should need very little maintenance.
Simply cleaning your solar panels as needed and having an electrician check your system periodically should be sufficient maintenance. You should, however, understand what post-installation troubleshooting and support your installer will provide if you have any issues with your system.
4. Get multiple quotes
Get quotes from several different solar installers, and compare them to see who offers the best value for your investment. Remember that the cheapest quote may not always be the best choice. Quality and experience are often more important than price when it comes to solar installations.
5. Ask about their experience with your roof-type
Different roof types have different requirements for solar power systems, so it’s important to choose a company that has experience working with your type of roof. For example, installing solar panels on a flat roof differs from installing them on a sloped roof.
6. Consider the quality of their equipment
Solar energy systems vary greatly in terms of quality and efficiency. Choose a solar installer who uses high-quality panels and equipment, as this will ensure your system performs well for years to come. Ask for information about the solar panels and solar systems they use, and check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the panels and equipment are of good quality.
7. Get everything in writing
Finally, ensure that you have a written contract from the solar company outlining the details of your solar panel installation project. This should include the price, payment schedule, warranty and maintenance plan, the estimated annual power production of the system, and other relevant details. This will protect you in the event of any misunderstandings or problems down the road.
What to Expect From a Solar Installer
Don't be offended if you are asked if any energy efficiency improvements can be made, such as additional insulation, upgraded appliances, etc. This will help determine the size of the system needed.
You will be asked to provide a copy of a recent electric bill to review the previous years’ energy consumption. This is very important, and any solar installer providing a "boilerplate" proposal or quote, not considering your unique historical energy usage, should not be accepted.
A solar installer should ask if you would like an additional quote for a backup battery or electric vehicle charger. Do note that not every installer or solar company has the capability to install an EV charger, so this should be mentioned upfront when you first reach out to the installer for a quote.
There may or may not need to be a site visit to prepare your proposal. If there is a clear satellite view of your roof, and the roof is not complex, a proposal can be prepared based on your energy usage history and overhead view.
The installer should use a software program to determine the solar generation potential for your roof space. This report is based on 25 years of historical weather data in your region, the pitch and orientation of the roof sections, and solar module wattage.
What Should My Solar Installer Provide?
Once you've gone through the initial vetting process and received quotes for your solar system installation, the best solar installers should also be able to provide the following:
A dedicated salesperson or project manager for your installation.
Review and discuss all options for solar brands and system size.
Coordinate with the local utility company for an interconnection agreement and a Net Energy Metering (NEM) agreement, if applicable.
A clear explanation of how the NEM program in your area works.
Coordinate with the local building department for permitting and inspections.
Provide a complete cost proposal and any solar financing, lease, or PACE options.
Provide a clear payment and installation schedule. Most solar installation contracts will require a down payment, with the balance due upon final inspection of the installed system.
Provide a copy of their installation/workmanship warranty and any product warranties from the solar system equipment used.
Explain their customer service policies and how to obtain troubleshooting help after the installation is complete.
If these items aren't provided, that could be a red flag, and they may not be the right solar company for you.
Will I Qualify for Net Metering or Other Solar Financial Incentives?
Going solar has many financial benefits, and your installer should include any incentives available to you in their proposal.
NEM policies vary widely in different utility company territories. Your installer should be able to explain exactly how the local NEM program will work in your case.
In addition to the 30% Federal Tax Credit implemented recently, other incentives or rebates may be available from your local or state government or the utility company.
Check Out Array's Vast Network of Partnered Solar Installers
Array's solar modules come with a 25-year workmanship warranty and a power production warranty of 90% until year 10 and 80% until year 25. We want your solar energy system installation process to be perfect, so we have a network of qualified installers across the country ready to support you with your solar equipment installation.
We take our partnerships seriously and provide training, resources, and support to every solar contractor that joins our network.
Now Go Get Those Quotes!
Choosing the right residential solar system installer is essential to ensuring your solar panel installation project is successful. Take the time to research and compare different solar companies, and be sure to ask the right questions before making your final decision. With the right installer, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy for years to come.
