The solar installation company you choose to work with can be the difference between an expensive, underperforming system and a long-lasting, money-saving machine. Before investing, you'll want to consider how to choose the best solar panels for you, and you must be sure you’re in good hands for the process.
But narrowing the lineup can feel daunting, between jargon-heavy info and pushy sales tactics.
We get it. That’s why we’re here to make the process a little easier. Follow these steps to select the perfect installer for your commercial solar panel system.
There are a few characteristics that typically mark a solid, reputable solar company. If you evaluate your options based on the following, you’ll be able to pick out the cream of the crop in no time.
Profitability
A profitable company is a marker of capable leaders who make good decisions to guide their skilled team. This stability means they’re doing things right and will be around to honor warranties.
Longevity
If a solar company has been installing systems for a long time, it’s probably a sign they’re doing things correctly. That said, solar is a relatively new industry, so you won’t see installers with a century of experience.
If they’ve been around for a decade or more, they’ve likely proven their approach and have a significant catalog of successful installs.
Happy Customers
If the vast majority of their customers are satisfied solar owners, chances are you’ll be one, too!
Industry Certifications
Industry certifications are markers that a solar installer invests in developing its team. They also suggest that the team knows how to do its job and is committed to continuously improving.
Good Solar Equipment Brands
The panels, inverters, and other equipment that make up your system can have a huge impact on performance. That said, most solar companies will only install equipment from a select collection of manufacturers.
You want to be sure you’re partnering with a solar company that installs equipment that performs well, lasts long, and delivers real value.
Full-Service Approach:
If you take the time to select the best solar installer, you want to be sure they’re the ones actually doing the work. Some solar companies may rely on local or regional subcontractors to do the design and/or installation of the system.
While there are plenty of subcontractors that do fantastic work, relying too heavily on outside labor can introduce unknown variables to the project.
Above, we shared what to look for. Now, we’ll get into how to find it.
Here are five things to do to evaluate your solar companies.
1. Check Out Reviews, Testimonials, and References
One of the best ways to understand what it’s like to work with a company is to hear from the people who already have it.
Check out their reviews on SolarReviews.com and Google. Ask them for a list of customers or references. Look to businesses, friends, and family for recommendations.
Glassdoor and similar websites can also be great resources, giving you insight into how the company operates behind the shiny sales curtain.
2. Evaluate Their Past Projects & Expertise
Sometimes it’s good to be unique, but not when it comes to your solar panel system. See if the solar company installed systems similar to yours in size and scope. Visit their website to see if they show past project details on their website or ask if you can visit a similar installation nearby.
You can be further assured of their quality and expertise by looking for certifications from leading solar organizations. The top ones to look out for are NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and SEI (Solar Energy International).
3. Examine Their Warranties
Solar equipment comes with manufacturer-backed warranties. Panel warranties typically last 25 to 30 years, and inverter warranties range from 10 to 25 years.
However, some installers go above and beyond, offering additional warranties that guarantee their workmanship and the production of the system. These warranties protect and provide predictability for your investment.
For example, here at Paradise Energy Solutions, we back our systems with our Triple Ten Guarantee, providing 10 years of guaranteed performance, workmanship warranty, and system monitoring. We send our customers a check if their system doesn’t meet our guaranteed performance metrics.
4. Meet the Team
Ask who would be working on your project. Full-service installers have in-house experts for every step, from design to installation to ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Other companies may use subcontractors for various stages. They likely don’t have the certifications and experience of a full-service installer.
At Paradise Energy Solutions, we take great pride in introducing our dedicated team members. By prominently displaying their names and photos, we aim to provide you with complete transparency regarding the professionals who will be handling your project.
5. Review Their Mission & Values
A company’s values and mission statement give you a glimpse into the DNA of a business. They offer a gauge of how you’ll be treated as their customer. Find a company that does business in a way that aligns with your values.
Take a look at how we compare! Explore our approach to solar on our About Us page, watch the video below, and listen to what our customers have to say in our Google Reviews or SolarReviews.com.