Choosing a solar installer can be intimidating. There are so many companies to choose from, each with different services and offers. It is important to take the time to evaluate your options before making a decision.
This blog post will provide you with questions that you should ask any solar company before hiring them for your project.
Questions to Ask a Solar Installer Before Considering Hiring Them to Install Your Solar Panels
How long have you been installing solar?
You want to make sure that the installer you hire has a long history of successful solar installations, so that you can be confident in their abilities.
Do I have the option to purchase power from you?
Some companies will offer monthly or yearly subscriptions for your home's solar panels and produce electricity at rates lower than those offered by utility providers. This is an attractive option if it does not increase your monthly costs.
What is the warranty for your solar panel installation?
The length of time that a company offers on their workmanship can give you an idea of how confident they are in their installation process and the quality of materials & each solar panel they use. The longer the warranty, generally speaking, reflects better quality products from more reputable companies.
IntegrateSun provides a 25 year workmanship warranty to back up our work, so you can rest assured that your installation is done by a professional team.
Do you offer free estimates for installation of new solar systems?
You definitely want to get a free estimate before committing to spending any money towards installing solar panels. The solar installer should be able to give you a free estimate relatively quickly for your property. You can get a quick free estimate with us right away.
What are the costs of solar panels and installation?
You should ask for a detailed breakdown of what you will be paying, including all fees that may apply.
Do I receive any rebates or discounts when hiring them?
Some companies offer incentives to new clients, so it is worth inquiring if they can provide these for you.
What is their average customer review?
You can trust a company more when they have many positive reviews online on previous jobs, and less so if most of the feedback about them are negative. Be sure to do your research on the solar installer before hiring them for your project.
How many solar installations have you done in the last year?
This is important to know because it can tell you how busy they are and how long they've been installing solar. If a company has not done many solar installations in the last year, this could be an indication of inexperience and lack of commitment to the installer's work.
Can I have someone visit my home before installation?
Some companies will offer free site visits from one of their employees to make sure that the solar panels will work well on your home's roof. This is a helpful service because it ensures you are making an informed decision.
Are there any additional fees?
Some companies may charge extra for using certain materials or equipment, so make sure to ask about these beforehand. You want to know what you are paying upfront and avoid
surprises.
How long will the installation take?
You want to make sure that they are committed enough to their work to finish within a reasonable time period, so ask them how many days and hours it should take for your project.
Do you offer financing options?
Financing solar photovoltaic panels can be an attractive option for homeowners because it allows them to pay for the installation over time, rather than in one lump sum. The rates are now lower than ever and can go for as long as 25 years!
Do you have any solar panel ratings?
Some companies will provide the SEPA (Solar Energy Production Alliance) rating for each of their installations, which proves that they are following industry standards and producing high quality products. If a company does not offer this information on their site, it can be an indication of inexperience with solar installation.
What is the expected capacity of the installed system?
The amount of electricity that a solar panel system will produce varies from company to company, and you want to know how much you can expect out of theirs before hiring them for your project. This information should be listed on their site or on other sources online.
What is your installation process for projects?
Some solar companies will offer a free site visit, where one of their employees can go to your home and determine if the sun's rays are strong enough for the solar power system. This is helpful in making an informed decision on whether or not this type of installation would work well for you.
Can I get referrals from past clients of yours to speak with about their experience working with your company?
You want to make sure that your solar installer is reputable and has a good reputation in the industry. You can ask for references from their past clients, so you know where they came from before hiring the installer for your project.
TIPS
-The cost of the solar panel installation can vary depending on the size of your project. You want to know what you will be paying upfront so that you are not surprised by any hidden fees or additional costs, or if there are cheaper options available in your area.
-Solar companies offer rebates and discounts for new clients, so inquire about what incentives they can offer to you.
-Solar panels with warranties will provide homeowners peace of mind when hiring them for their project. You want to make sure your company is responsible enough to warrant their work and that the solar panels are up to industry standards by checking if they have good ratings.
-The capacity of solar panels varies from company to company, so you want to know how much electricity they can produce in order to make an informed decision.
Solar energy has come so far in recent years and it's never been easier than it is now. If there was ever a time to go solar, this would be it! Remember: if they can’t answer these basic questions, they're probably not the right solar installation company for you!
Get a free estimate for solar panels from our team today and start your savings journey.