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By the year 2030, experts estimate that over one in seven homes in the U.S. will have solar panels on their roofs.
If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels on your home, you’ve might have also wondered whether you should hire a professional to handle the installation or do the work yourself. Unless you have an extensive background in solar panel installation, it’s best to work with a professional installation team.
Read on to learn more about the importance of hiring a solar panel company. You’ll also find some tips to help you choose the best solar installation business for the job.
Why Hire a Solar Panel Installation Company?
If you’re considering DIY solar panel installation, it’s important that you read on solar panel dangers and issues that can occur when you try to take on this project by yourself. The following are some of the greatest risks you may face if you take the DIY route:
- DIY solar projects often take longer to complete
- DIY panels can damage your roof and electrical system
- DIY panels can be more expensive and lower quality than panels installed by professionals
When you try to install solar panels yourself, you also run the risk of getting injured while you’re up on the roof setting them up. Professional installers have years of experience setting up panels, and they know how to get the job done safely and efficiently.
How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Company
Perhaps you want to work with a solar panel company after reading about the risks of DIY installation. However, you might now be wondering how you can choose the right company to handle this important task. The following tips will help you narrow down your search and find an installer that will do a great job:
Look for a Local Company
Generally speaking, it’s best to work with a local solar panel company. They will have a better understanding of how to work with homes in your area and will be able to take local climates concerns into account.
If possible, choose a local company that has been in business for a while, too (at least a few years, depending on how old the solar market is in your area). This increases the likelihood that the company will still be in business if you have problems with your solar panels later on.
Get Multiple Quotes
A lot of people are hesitant about installing solar panels because they worry about getting hit with a high solar panel installation cost.
It’s true that solar panels can be expensive. After all, the average cost is around $12,000 (after federal tax credits have been applies). The energy-saving benefits you’ll experience from them are worth the upfront costs, though.
One way to avoid paying more than you need to for solar panels is to get multiple quotes from several different installers. This gives you a chance to compare prices and package offerings before you make a final decision.
Don’t Choose the Cheapest Option
Nobody wants to pay more than is necessary for their solar panels, of course. At the same time, though, it’s not always a good idea to work with the company that offers the cheapest prices.
If an installer’s prices are far lower than their competitors’ prices, something’s up. Perhaps they don’t have as much experience as other installers, or maybe they aren’t properly license and insure, which allows them to cut corners. In any case, that’s probably not the kind of company you want working on your roof.
Be Wary of Leases and Power Purchase Agreements
Some solar installation companies may pressure you to use a solar lease or power purchase agreement.
These options may seem like good ideas initially because they save you from having to make a big payment upfront. The problem, though, is that they often cost you more money in the long run. This goes against the main reason why so many people want solar panels: to save money.
Read Reviews from Multiple Sites
When comparing different solar installers, it’s best to read reviews from multiple sites. Check out sites like Yelp and Angie’s List, but pay attention to ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well. The BBB keeps track of customer complaints and provides a more objective view of a company compared to some other review sites.
Verify Each Company’s License
Do some research to find out about the licensing requirements your state has in place for solar installers. Then, look into each installer to learn whether or not they’re license and make sure their license is up to date.
If you can’t get positive answers to both of these questions, you ought to look into hiring a different installation company.
Without proper licensing and insurance, it’s harder to guarantee you’ll get a good product. You may also be held liable if something goes wrong during the installation process.
Research Company Warranties
Always ask solar installation companies about the warranty they offer on their products and services. Request a full breakdown of the warranty, too, as different parts of the solar panel system are typically covered by different companies. If there is no warranty or if the warranty seems confusing, that’s a sign that you should look into a different installer.
Steer Clear of High-Pressure Salespeople
Finally, say no to companies that use high-pressure sales techniques to try and bully you into making a fast decision. Choosing to install solar panels is a big decision, and you deserve to take as long as you need before you agree to move forward.
Start Searching for a Solar Installer Today
Now that you know how to find the right solar panel company to install solar panels on your home, it’s time to begin your search. Keep these tips in mind so you can sort through the various installation businesses in your area, choose the best one, and get started right away.
Do you want to learn more about solar power or other home renovations? Visit the Home Improvement section of our site today to find more helpful articles.
