You might be considering going green and switching to solar energy. You might also be wondering how to get a solar panel installation. The good news is there are lots of incredible benefits to going solar.
It’s also essential to choose a home solar installer with your best interest and long-term goals in mind. Selecting the wrong solar panel installation company can leave you out of pocket, and you will regret your decision.
What are the most common mistakes when picking a home solar installer? How can you avoid them?
Please look at our handy guide to ensure you have the best home solar panels.
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Not Doing Research
Doing the necessary research when selecting a home solar installer can save homeowners a lot of headaches and waste money in the long run.
Price should not be the primary deciding factor for solar installations, as many inexperienced and unskilled installers will likely offer lower costs.
Additionally, researching which installers are reliable and have good reputations is crucial to avoid getting stuck with poor-quality service or faulty materials. To learn about what materials are most efficient, check out this URL.
The installer should be knowledgeable about the proposed system and be willing to answer any homeowner questions. Finally, researching the best quality parts and materials available to fit within a budget can ensure the installation will succeed and provide the expected energy savings.
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Overlooking Credentials and Qualifications
It is common to overlook qualifications and credentials when looking for a home solar installer. This mistake can lead to costly issues down the road.
A reliable installer should be certified and licensed by the local solar authority to provide services in your area. They should also be able to offer customer reviews and satisfaction records from successful previous solar installations.
Ask your installer for warranties on the system components and the areas serviced. Insist on seeing a record of their past work and standing with the local energy authority.
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Ignoring Customer Reviews
When picking a home solar installer, ignoring customer reviews is a huge mistake. Customer reviews hold valuable insights. Reading online reviews can help determine if an installer is reliable, trustworthy, and offers quality services.
Reading reviews helps you understand what to expect from an installer and provides evidence of their credibility. Additionally, customer reviews can alert you to any possible problems so that you may avoid them.
To avoid making this mistake, take the time to read all available reviews online. Ensure that any installer you consider meets your expectations. Checks should be taken seriously as they are a significant resource to help you select the most suitable installer.
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Not Comparing Quotes
Missing out on comparing quotes can be one of the biggest mistakes when selecting a home solar installer. Solar energy solutions are long-term investments. Properly comparing quotes and options for solar installers will ensure the best value and cost savings.
Without thoroughly examining the detail within the quotes, homeowners may pay too much by selecting the first offer they receive. Additionally, they may miss out on crucial elements of what they want.
To avoid this mistake, it is essential to research and request quotes from multiple installers. Take into account the following:
- size of the system
- cost of equipment and installation
- energy saving incentives
Furthermore, ask for relevant contractor license numbers. Carefully review the comparison of quotes and decide on the best investment for your home.
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Disregarding Warranty and Maintenance
When choosing a home solar installer, paying attention to warranty and maintenance is essential. Customers often make the mistake of disregarding the warranty and maintenance. This can lead to costly consequences in the future.
It is essential to ensure the contractor you select offers a comprehensive warranty. Solar panels have an expected 25-30 years lifespan, plus an additional 10-year in-home warranty.
It is also essential to pay attention to the contractor’s maintenance plan. It should include regular maintenance, repair, and replacement services so your solar system runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Not Assessing Local Expertise
When selecting a home solar installer, it is essential to consider the local expertise of the individual or company. Not doing so can lead to mistakes further down the line.
Suppose the installer does not have extensive knowledge of the local environment, code requirements, and incentive programs. In that case, the system may not perform optimally or violate local laws.
Researching multiple installers is key to finding one with the right qualifications. Inquire about certifications, solar installation experience, and references to ensure the best possible outcome.
For added assurance, ask other homeowners in the area who they’ve used and if they’re happy with the results. Evaluating the local options properly is priceless and can save money and time in the long run.
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Skipping Site Assessment
Without a proper assessment, it’s impossible to accurately determine if the location is suitable to be outfitted with solar panels. Picking an installer who fails to conduct a site assessment is a significant mistake. The installer won’t be able to factor in the following accurately:
- environmental concerns
- potential conflicts with neighbor
- facility siting requirements
- system orientation
- and potential shading issues
Failure to evaluate these concerns means their proposal may not include sufficient module or inverter capacity or meet applicable codes or standards.
Always choose an installer who conducts a thorough site assessment to avoid this mistake. Ask questions to gauge their experience level.
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Not Reviewing Financing Options
One of the common mistakes people make when choosing a home solar installer is failing to review all the financing options available. It’s important to know what types of financing are available, such as leases, purchases, and loans, as this can drastically affect how much money you may or may not be able to save.
Additionally, different types of financing may have other contracts and requirements that could affect your long-term savings or payments. To avoid this mistake, ask your home solar installer to provide you with a range of financing options for the system that best suits your needs.
To learn more about these financing options, below are brief descriptions of each:
Leases
With a lease, you can enjoy the energy savings of a solar installation at a low upfront cost. The leasing company owns and maintains the system.
Depending on the leasing company, you may be able to receive solar energy with no down payment or as little as $1 down. Your monthly payments will depend on the size of the solar installation and its output.
You can purchase the system at the end of the lease term or at any point during the period. And you can usually transfer the remaining payments to a new owner if you decide to sell the solar installation before the end of the leasing term.
Purchases
This option entails the homeowner or business owner paying in full for the solar installation. This can cover anywhere from 20-50% of the costs.
A benefit to paying in full is that the owner has full ownership of their solar installation and is not paying interest on the system. Not heavily relying on borrowing and financing gives the owner peace of mind and less to worry about.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit and the US state solar rebates and incentives can reduce the upfront cost for eligible people. Some firms may even offer bonus incentives when opting for this financing option.
Loans
Loans are an innovative financing option for solar installation. It provides loan programs that help individuals own and install energy-efficient home systems, such as solar panels.
This loan concept combines the benefits of borrowing, taxation deductions, and grid ratings to help individuals afford the upfront cost of installing a renewable energy system.
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Overlooking Post-Installation Support
Post-installation support means that after installing and functioning solar panels, the installer will answer questions and provide long-term maintenance and support. Many people who don’t think about this before installing solar end up not having the peace of mind to enjoy their systems entirely.
To avoid these problems, ask the installer to provide post-installation support as part of the total installation costs. Furthermore, thoroughly research any company by inquiring about their customer service and post-installation services.
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Looking Only at the Price
Price is not the only factor in installation quality; the cheapest installer may not be the most reliable. To avoid this mistake, homeowners should carefully vet potential installers.
Price should only be one factor in the decision, and homeowners should ensure the installer has the appropriate licensing, insurance, and warranties for their services. Please don’t rush the decision; take the time to determine whether the installer stands behind their work, even after the initial installation.
Be Smart When Picking a Home Solar Installer
It is essential to do your research and remain conscious of mistakes that could be made when picking a home solar installer. Be sure to look at customer reviews, check credentials and licenses, ask for referrals, compare quotes, and ask questions to avoid negative surprises.
Simplify your solar installation process with these tips! Check out our blog for more!