Solar power is not as foreign as it once was. Consumers across the United States are choosing to install home solar panels to power their homes.
With demand increasing, there is a wealth of solar installation companies to choose from. Choosing the wrong company will negatively impact how well your solar panels operate.
What should you keep in mind when choosing a solar installer? How can you avoid the biggest mistakes made when installing home solar? Read on to make the best decisions for your home.
Not Researching Multiple Installers
Not doing research on multiple installers is the most common mistake people make in the process of selecting the right solar installer for their home. This can lead to multiple problems with the final installation, loss of payments, and wasteful energy usage.
Take the time to research multiple providers to ensure that you are receiving the best possible deal, and learn about the different solar technologies and installation techniques utilized.
Ensure that the provider you choose has competencies and certifications in the type of solar technology you need, as well as experience with your roofing material, so they can provide accurate analysis and installation techniques.
Focusing Solely on Price
One major mistake people may make when choosing a home solar installer is focusing solely on price. When making an investment for the future, it is important to consider both the cost and quality of services. It is easy to fall for the temptation of making a purchase based solely on the cheapest initial cost, but those costs may be so low due to a lack of quality.
An installer with a lower initial investment could end up costing more money in the long run if they are cutting corners in the installation process. It’s important to look at other considerations, such as quality of materials and workmanship, experience level and licensing, and customer satisfaction.
Taking time to weigh these considerations can save you time, money, and future headaches. You may even find that the additional costs upfront result in a reduced payoff in the long run. Being an educated consumer is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your solar installation.
Overlooking Installer Credentials
Overlooking installer credentials when engaging a home solar installer is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Before engaging a home solar installer, a homeowner should request that the installer give written documents from their training, licensure, and insurance policy. Make sure that the installer is associated with industry governing bodies.
Do diligent research online to ensure the installer’s reputation is good. It’s also important to understand the services included with the installation. This can reduce the costs of repairs or replacements in case something goes wrong.
Neglecting to Check References
It’s important to ensure that any installer you are considering has a proven track record of providing high-quality installation. Always make sure to contact referrals and carefully examine customer reviews to confirm that the installer is experienced and well-regarded.
Be sure to ask detailed questions, such as what the installation process entailed and how satisfied the customer was with the end result. Doing adequate research at the beginning of the installation process can save you time and money in the long run.
Neglecting to properly vet an installer, or relying on low-cost options, may result in an inadequate installation that can cost you more in maintenance and repairs down the line. Make sure you take the extra steps to ensure you’re hiring a reliable and experienced installer.
Not Understanding the Warranty
When looking to install a solar energy system at your home, one mistake many homeowners make is not understanding all the details of the warranty included. As these can be largely confusing, a homeowner should make sure to completely understand the entire contract before signing. This includes the warranty’s specific costs, length of coverage, what parts of the system are covered, and who is responsible for any maintenance or repairs.
If a homeowner does not understand the various terms of the warranty, it could lead to costly repairs and replacements not being covered by the warranty. When choosing a solar installer, making sure the business offers clear, comprehensive policies that include extended warranties should be a top priority. Thoroughly understanding the warranty clauses is essential to ensure that any issues that arise in the future are dealt with properly.
Ignoring System Design and Customization
A sub-par installer might attempt to upsell you on services and designs that don’t fit your specific environment and needs. Make sure the contractor has experience with the local geographic area and will take the time to design a customized solar energy system.
Talk to the contractor prior to installation to understand what their service offers and get a feel for their values. Ask for a breakdown of estimated energy savings and subsequent installation.
Here is how a solar system is designed:
Energy requirements assessment
Site evaluation
System sizing
Solar panel selection
Inverter selection
Battery storage
Mounting and installation
Monitoring and control
Maintenance and upkeep
Not Considering Maintenance and Monitoring
When choosing a home solar installer, it is important to consider not only the upfront cost but also the maintenance and monitoring that will need to be done throughout the life of your system. If you fail to consider maintenance and monitoring, you may end up with a system that is poorly maintained and prone to problems.
Ensure that maintenance and monitoring plans are thoroughly explained to you and that you understand what’s included in the system. Be sure to get at least three quotes and take your time to compare the options and select the right solar installer for your home.
Disregarding Customer Service
When it comes to choosing a home solar installer, one mistake to avoid is disregarding customer service. This mistake can be costly in the long run. You should make sure to do your research and talk to potential installers about how well they provide customer service.
If a company has a poor track record when it comes to customer service, you should think twice before hiring them. Ask questions about their customer service. It includes what types of support they offer, what their response times are, and if they keep customers updated throughout the installation process.
Failing to Review the Contract Thoroughly
Failing to review the contract thoroughly before signing it can be one of the biggest mistakes made when choosing a home solar installer. It’s important to review every detail and clause of the contract, as well as to understand it thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification if something isn’t clear.
Be sure to read the small print and ask if anything is excluded or included. Make sure to understand payment options, and any other relevant provisions before signing. Definitely don’t sign it without clarification.
It is also important to have someone look over the contract. This will make sure nothing has been overlooked or misinterpreted. Taking the extra time to review a contract thoroughly can help to ensure a successful home solar installation experience.
Skipping the Permitting Process
Choosing the wrong home solar installer can have significant consequences. One of the most important mistakes to avoid is skipping the permitting process. Without the proper permits, you may be subject to fines and penalties.
To avoid this, it is essential to hire an experienced solar installer who will take care of the permitting process. This means that they are also aware of the tax incentives. Click here for more about solar investment tax.
Your solar installer should provide an in-depth explanation of all associated fees. They should let you know about the residential solar system coverage before installation. Taking the time to research potential installers can ensure that you are with a reliable installer.
Start Choosing a Home Solar Installer Today
Choosing a home solar installer is an important step in ensuring that you get the most out of your solar power setup. Do your research ahead of time to make sure that you are working with an experienced and reliable installer who can answer all of your questions and provide the services you need.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references and certifications. Taking the time to research your options ahead of time ensures that you are making the best choice for you and your solar power system. Start your search today!
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