There are over 19,000 solar installation companies in the United States. With so many choices, how do you know which to choose?
If you’re looking to make the switch to solar and are feeling overwhelmed with your options, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn about five things to look for in a solar energy provider.
- Qualifications and Certifications
The first thing to look for in a solar energy provider is whether they are fully licensed and insured. There are a few different licenses a solar provider could have. At a minimum, you want to ensure the solar provider you choose has a license to handle the wiring and electrical components of a solar system.
- Type of Solar Panels Offered
There are three types of solar panels that are typically offered by solar companies. They are amorphous, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline.
Amorphous panels are the least expensive but come with the least efficiency and durability. Polycrystalline panels have become more popular recently. They’re great for people with a lot of space who don’t want to shell out the premium for monocrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most expensive, but have the highest efficiency and take up the least space.
You should decide which solar panels make the most sense for you and your home. Once you do, check that the solar provider you choose offers that type of panel.
- Warranty Protection
Warranties are an important piece when you make the switch to solar. There are two parts to solar panel warranties. One for the panels and one for maintenance. The warranty for the panels usually lasts ten to twelve years while the maintenance warranty can last up to 25 years.
Generally, solar panels can go decades without running into any problems, but it’s important to have a good warranty in place in case something does go wrong. Companies like Blue Raven offer warranties that will leave your mind at ease when making such a big investment.
- Experience and Time in the Industry
You want to hire a solar provider that’s an expert in the industry. One of the easiest ways to gauge the level of expertise is to look at the experience a company has.
A good general rule of thumb is to look for a company that’s been in the industry for at least five years. While younger companies may also provide great service, only about half of small businesses survive five years in operation. To ensure you can take advantage of your solar warranty, choosing a provider that’s going to be around for the next twenty-five years is important.
- Positive Customer Reviews
The best way to gauge a solar company’s reputation is to look at past customer reviews. Reading through reviews can help you find a great company to work with and avoid the bad ones. Picking a solar provider with a lot of positive customer reviews will give you confidence that you’re making the right decision.
Ready to Choose Your Solar Energy Provider?
Now that you know what to look for in a solar energy provider, are you ready to choose one? Finding a qualified provider will make your switch to solar a seamless process.
If you’re interested in more articles about solar, check out the rest of our blog!
