Are you interested in solar power for your home but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
In this post, we’ll discuss how to choose a solar installer and what important factors you should consider when making your decision.
We’ll also provide some tips for getting the most out of your solar installation. So read on to learn more and take the first step towards going solar!
What Exactly Does It Mean for a Solar Installer to Be Accredited?
Accreditation from the Clean Energy Council is a prerequisite for anyone interested in getting into the solar and storage business.
Those who have completed the training required to design and instal solar, battery, and other renewable energy systems can earn accreditation from the Clean Energy Council.
Installers who have earned the CEC seal of approval commit to adhering to the highest standards of safe, reliable, and customer-satisfying system installation.
How to Determine the Best Solar Installer for Your Needs
Going solar may appear to be a complicated procedure; therefore, you will want to make sure that you engage qualified people to help you through it.
How do you go about selecting a professional solar installation that is qualified, has the experience, is certified, and uses solar panels of the highest possible quality?
The expedient response is to conduct research and interviews with a number of different installers. As you commence on your journey towards installing solar panels at your home, the following are among the most significant considerations you should keep in mind:
Credentials
Make sure that the contractor you hire is licenced, bonded, and insured to instal solar home projects in your area. Industry-standard certifications are issued through organisations, so verify this information before hiring an installation.
Inquire if they will be utilising any subcontractors for your project, and if they do, check the qualifications of those subcontractors as well.
Expertise and Credibility in the Field
Find installers that have a track record of successfully installing solar systems and who are well-versed in all facets of the process.
When looking for installers, it is best to work with those that have at least 3 years of expertise in the field. Inquire with them about the length of time they’ve been in business as well as the number of solar energy systems they’ve set up.
In point of fact, you should ask many questions, such as the following:
- Which modules do they utilise, and why do they use them?
- After the installation, if there is an issue with the equipment or the energy system, what information can they give you regarding the coverage under the warranties?
- Can they describe in detail the various solar incentives you may be entitled to and how those incentives operate?
Transparency
Your installer should give you a thorough rundown of the work that will be done and be available to answer any questions you may have at any time.
If the installer plans to employ subcontractors, you should find out exactly what tasks will be delegated to them and how the installer plans to supervise their work.
Resolving Roof Issues
The state of your roof should be evaluated as soon as possible after you hire an installer. Find out if your installer recommends any roof repairs be made before they begin work.
Make sure you know who will pay for any repairs to the roof or any leaks that may emerge in the roof.
Typically, there will be a vent pipe sticking out of the top of a house’s roof. In order to avoid interference, some installers will position the panels around these openings, but you may not be pleased with the final product. If you have protruding vents and are having roof repairs done before installation, you may be able to have them relocated.
If your roofer can’t remove the exposed vent pipes, suggest that they be replaced with low-profile vent apertures that can be hidden by solar panels. Ensure that any necessary roofing repairs and vent relocations are factored into the estimate provided by your installer.
References and Reputation
Investigate the installer thoroughly by reviewing feedback provided by previous clients online. The companies you’re thinking about hiring to instal your system ought to have no problem providing names of satisfied customers who are willing to vouch for their professionalism and expertise.
You should ask potential installers to exhibit their communication and education skills as you shop around.
Speak with Neighbors and Close Friends
If you’re having trouble picking a solar installer out of the crowd, it can be helpful to communicate with people you recognize who have already made the switch.
Instead of reading through a bunch of evaluations online, you might put more stock in what a neighbour says.
Pricing
The best way to find the best price for a given installation project is to get quotations from several different installers and compare them side by side.
Professional installers will typically visit your home to assess its size, energy consumption, and other factors before providing a quote.
Primary Considerations
Cost
Even though this is obviously crucial, it could not be the deciding factor in your selection.
Consider that you will be using this system on a daily basis for the next 20-30 years, and how important it is that you are satisfied with its quality and performance.
You get what you paid for, as is the case with most things in the world.
Terms of Warranty
Verify that you fully grasp the warranty’s stipulations. There will be a warranty on each product that was purchased.
In addition, the performance and functionality of the system, as well as the quality of the retail store’s own installation work, will be guaranteed by the supplementary warranty offered by Approved Solar Retailers.
Skills
If installed properly, a solar panel can be rather attractive. Is there ventilation under the panels, and what kind of mounting mechanism does your contractor employ to instal them?
No panel shall ever extend beyond the border of the roof by more than 100 millimetres.
Unshielded wires on your roof won’t survive more than a few years in the harsh Australian sun, where your solar energy will be running. If you want your system to survive 20 years or more, insist that all exterior wiring be run via high-quality UV-protected conduit.
Additionally, insist on a 10-dollar aluminium or stainless cover for the rooftop isolator. This protects the plastic isolator, which often carries hundreds of volts, from degradation caused by sunlight.
Check out some references and, if at all possible, visit some of their prior installations. Verify the efficiency and ease of the solar installation company’s job.
Can galvanic corrosion in aluminium frames be avoided by using stainless steel nuts and bolts? Is there an insulating separator between the aluminium roof and the tin frame to prevent galvanic corrosion?
Examine the inverter set-up for accuracy. Is the objective of having all wires neatly fastened to the wall in trunking met? Is there anything to block the sun’s rays from the inverter (which would significantly reduce its lifespan)?
Find out the installer’s daily installation rate by inquiring about it. For installations of 5 kilowatts or more, any number above one is likely to be too fast.
A Sense of Calm
A sale is not something you should feel rushed into making. Making a purchase is a personal decision, therefore it’s crucial that you feel confident in the details supplied to you.
Do you feel like all of your concerns have been addressed? Do you know how to connect to the grid and how to read the metres? Can you tell me if you’ve been made aware of any post-purchase resources?
Tips on Choosing a Solar Panel Installation Company
Do your homework before committing to a solar energy storage retailer or installer. Sometimes it’s hard to find the solar provider that’s right for you.
When selecting a solar energy service provider, you’re not just making a decision for the installation phase. The following is some advice to use while deciding on a solar installation company.
Opt for a Small, Locally-Run Business.
In Australia, the most crucial consideration in selecting a residential solar panel installer is whether or not they are Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited.
This is a requirement for the installer to receive government subsidies. Even more importantly, it means you can rest assured that your commercial solar panel installer has received proper training in the field.
You may rest assured that a local business will be accessible in case of any problems after you make a purchase from them.
Look for a solar energy firm that offers a full range of services and always has a local team available. In contrast to the priorities of a large national installation, the clients of a local solar company are the business’s neighbours.
Entrepreneurs with a local focus find motivation in making a difference in their own neighbourhoods. Since caring for one’s community is so important, it’s important to locate a business whose priorities extend beyond making money.
As an added bonus, local businesses will work with you on every step of the installation process and are well-versed in the relevant electrical codes and local buildings and give you a unique plan that takes into account your desired return on investment, roof material, and the amount of energy you need.
Standards for obtaining permits and adhering to building codes vary greatly between jurisdictions and are subject to regular updates.
Your installation will proceed more quickly and smoothly if your installer has a good rapport with the local permit authorities and inspectors, who must approve any work.
Availing Yourself of the Best Customer Service
Finding evaluations written by people who have used a company’s services might aid in the search for a good service provider and assist you to avoid making costly mistakes.
Look for a company that has been praised by many satisfied clients. Customer service and product quality can be gauged through reviews.
Choose a solar installation with dedicated teams who are available to answer your questions and address your concerns at every stage of the process to ensure a positive experience.
Go for Reliable Solar Panels and Professional Installation
When It Comes to Solar Panels, Not All Are Created Equal.
Currently, monocrystalline, amorphous, and polycrystalline solar panels dominate the market.
Since amorphous panels (produced by adhering silicone to a steel substrate) are the least expensive and most inefficient option on the market today, they are also the most commonly used.
You can spot polycrystalline lenses from across the street thanks to their distinctive blue hue. As effective as polycrystalline panels are, they are also more space-intensive than monocrystalline panels.
For residential solar energy, monocrystalline panels have dominated the market. They’re the most space- and cost-effective options for any rooftop or yard.
Choosing the best solar panels is a personal and financial decision that takes into account factors like roof size, energy needs, and investment horizon.
The Frame Matters
The framing is the framework that supports your solar panels. It’s easy to forget about when shopping for solar panels for a home or business.
It’s not uncommon for the frames of traditional solar panels to stretch and crack after prolonged use.
Personalised Solar Energy Layout
Some businesses have to keep their prices low by using premade solar systems, so they may not be able to tailor one to your unique needs.
Expert solar installers in a given area can tailor solar system designs to meet the unique requirements of local climates, building styles, and materials.
Organisation of Wires
Wire management is essential to the durability and visual appeal of your solar array. Unfortunately, sloppy handling of wires might be the norm.
This necessitates the installation of an unattractive conduit on the roof or wall of the house.
Concealing any exposed wiring is an important part of wire management since it helps keep your electronics safe from the elements and maintains the aesthetics of your home.
Use a Number of Different Methods of Funding Your Project
Given the importance of financing income to their business models, several solar companies actively promote the use of their solar financing packages.
Not always, but know that you have a say in how your solar energy system is financed. See whether your solar panel installer provides this service.
Bigger, larger installers often try to sell customers on solar leases without fully discussing the benefits of buying.
Financing options for a home solar system are often more accommodating from smaller, regional solar contractors.
Although the upfront cost of switching to solar energy may appear high, you likely already realise the substantial long-term savings and speedy payback.
Nonetheless, you can choose from a number of different loan programmes to fund your new purchase.
There are a number of factors to think about before settling on one of these financing choices.
- Solar system leasing
- Investing in a solar energy system in advance
- Obtaining a loan to pay for a solar energy installation
Taking the plunge into solar power may seem like a daunting task, so it’s important to work with trusted professionals. How can you find a reputable solar energy company that has the necessary credentials, experience, and certifications to instal solar panels of the highest quality?
As soon as possible after hiring an installation, you should have the condition of your roof assessed.
Before having any work done on your roof, make sure you ask the installer whether they propose any repairs.
Your installer should provide you with a detailed explanation of the process and be accessible to answer any questions you may have.
While the roof is being worked on, you may be able to have any protruding vents moved to a more convenient location. In the event that your roofer is unable to conceal the vent pipes, you should ask that they be replaced with more discrete vent openings.
Have prospective installers demonstrate their capacity for educating and communicating with clients.
Money is important, but it might not be the determining factor. With the additional warranty provided by Approved Solar Retailers, you can rest assured that your system will perform as expected and that your installation will be of the highest quality.
There is more to settling on a solar provider than just the installation step. Invest time into research before settling on a solar energy storage retailer or installer.
Go with a mom-and-pop operation that can provide a wide variety of services and a reliable in-house staff.
Considerations such as roof size, energy needs, and investment horizon should be made while settling on the finest solar panels.
You can have a stress-free experience with a solar panel installation if you pick a company that has a support staff standing by 24/7 to answer your inquiries and handle your issues.
If you want your solar array to last and look well, you need to pay attention to the way the wires are organised.
Professional solar installers in a given region will be able to modify solar system designs to accommodate the specific weather patterns, architectural preferences, and available resources in that area. Numerous lending programmes exist to assist you in paying for your new acquisition.