How to Find the Best Solar Installation Contractors

Jul 2nd 2021

There’s never been a greater demand for solar technologies than today, and solar installation contractors can confirm that. Improvements in manufacturing and scaling have made solar panels more affordable and accessible to more people than ever before.

As you do with any modification to your home, you want to be sure you’re choosing the right solar installation contractor. A reliable contractor will have you enjoying the benefits of energy-efficient solar panels and tax incentives on time and within budget.

What to Look for in a Solar Installation Contractor

For the most part, hiring a solar contractor is the same as hiring any other type of contractor. The key points to consider during your search are:

Licensing and insurance
Reputation and reliability
Budget and financing
Ongoing maintenance and service
Capability and professionalism

Any contractor who can meet all of those criteria will provide you with reliable solar installation for your home or business. Let’s take a closer look at the process of finding the right solar installation contractor for you.

Find Your Best Option with Quotes and Consultations

Many different circumstances and factors will impact the cost of your new solar panels. You’ll need to go over things like capacity (i.e., how much room you have for panels), the specific type and brand of panels you’re using, and whether you need a grid-tie system or other additional accessories like batteries. These elements are all going to drastically impact the overall cost, regardless of the contractor you choose.

A knowledgeable solar energy contractor can guide you through this complex process and explain your various options. You can get a rough idea of what you’re looking for with a solar panel calculator, but you need a professional at this stage. Getting quotes from multiple contractors will ensure that you’re getting the best deal and have a total grasp of all your solar power options.

There are also numerous solar incentives for both new construction and home upgrades. A solar installation contractor will have the experience necessary to help you maximize your incentives. Solar programs will vary in different jurisdictions, so always seek advice from a local contractor in your area.

Gauge Their Expertise Through Their Reputation

Established solar installation contractors have already completed many solar installations of all kinds, and you should be able to find a reliable contractor through word of mouth. If you know someone who has had solar installations, ask them about their experience as well as the competence and dependability of the contractor they worked with.

Solar panels are complex pieces of equipment that require specialized knowledge to install correctly. No, unfortunately, it’s not as simple as setting the panels up on your roof. There is significant electrical work involved; you should leave matters like charge controllers and inverters to the professionals.

Such is why you should only trust a contractor with specific experience in solar installations, not just anyone you can find. While many solar panel kits can provide easy-to-use portable power for different applications, most home installations are far too complex for general contractors to handle.

Only Hire Licensed and Insured Solar Installation Contractors

Making changes to your home’s electrical systems is a task for a licensed professional. Official solar installation contractors have the expertise to provide you with reliable energy-efficient solar panel installation. Remember, you don’t need to consider only the electrical aspect when installing these technologies but also the panel mounting and attachment process. These are essential structural elements that must meet stringent standards.

Insurance protects you should your new solar panels or your home suffer any damage during installation. While these circumstances are rare, they can happen. A licensed contractor will have the business insurance to cover any problems just in case. If you hire an amateur and something goes wrong, it will be up to you to collect any damages from them, which entails a long and arduous court process.

What Makes an Installer the Very Best?

One of the main things to look for is a solar installation contractor who really knows everything there is to know about solar panel systems. You don’t want to end up with a system that doesn’t significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. The best contractors will have many options for their clients.

One example of these options is home batteries that store power generated during the day for use at night, giving you better protection from grid outages and other unexpected events. Another example is grid-tie solar panels that send power back into the grid, reducing your energy bill even when you aren’t using it.

Financing and Payment Options

Solar panels are investments meant to pay for themselves in time. However, homeowners have to pay for their solar installations up front, and larger solar systems can cost a lot of money. Tax incentives may help, but even then, you’ll have to wait until your tax refund to get that return.

Many reliable contractors offer financing and payment plans to help more clients access this environmentally and economically sound technology. Discuss financing with potential solar installation contractors to find out what your options are and how they can make it work for you.

Knowledge, Experience, Workmanship

The core of choosing any contractor is trying to find someone with the knowledge, experience, and workmanship to get the job done right. There are plenty of options out there to get the job done, but many will leave important details unattended. Maybe those details will be small, slightly crooked panels or suboptimal placement, but why should you accept that from your solar installation contractors?

Find a contractor to trust and a solar system that will become a lasting fixture of your home. And take your time doing it! Don’t rush through the process.

Find the Right Contractor for Your Unique Needs

Solar panel systems for your home are just one way that energy-efficient solar power can improve your life. An excellent solar installation contractor can also help you choose suitable solar battery chargers, portable solar generators for your next trip, and even DIY solar equipment for those with the aptitude to handle minor installations themselves. No matter what your solar needs are, make sure to choose the right solar installation contractor to fulfill them.