How to Choose a Solar Company?

Posted in: Solar Power, Panels & Batteries
Solar Flow Team
October 15, 2022

Is it time for you to go solar? More and more homeowners are making the switch to solar power, and for good reason!

Not only is it a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also save you money on your energy bills. But with so many solar companies out there, how do you choose one that’s right for you?

The most difficult aspect of getting solar panels installed could be picking a solar power business to work with. Also, you must carefully assess solar installers to choose the best one for your requirements.

But hundreds of solar energy service providers are likely competing for your business in your country.

Before you start your journey towards “getting solar,” it’s important to understand the various solar companies that exist. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting a Solar Energy Provider

Choosing a reliable solar panel installation company is essential. Many solar energy providers employ knowledgeable and skilled workers.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by options or don’t know where to begin, our detailed guide will get you on the right track.

Specify the Solar Energy Provider Type

Varieties of solar energy providers you might meet are the following:

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of solar panel equipment create the panels and other components needed to set up a solar photovoltaic system. In this context, “equipment manufacturers” refers to the businesses that create solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and related hardware.

These components are mandatory for installers to stock their shelves when selling to residential customers.

Lead Generation

There are businesses whose sole focus is to generate leads and sales for other businesses operating in the solar energy sector, and these are known as “solar lead generation” firms. Dealers, installers, and full-service providers buy leads and appointments for solar sales from these people.

Financing

A solar financing company’s sole mission is to provide the financing choices necessary for people and companies to make the switch to solar energy. They frequently team up with solar panel distributors and installers.

Marketers or Dealers

Dealers in solar energy systems are authorised to sell items from a single solar panel maker. It is common for them to specialise in the design, marketing, and production of machinery. Installers are sometimes a part of the services provided by solar panel and equipment retailers.

Some companies solely use third-party installers, while others never instal anything themselves.

Installers

When making the switch to solar energy, your primary point of contact will be with a solar installation company.

The companies that instal solar panels buy the panels and other materials from the solar equipment manufacturers. Their team of specialised experts will instal the equipment on your home’s rooftop or business.

They are also the ones who set up the photovoltaic panels created by the producers. Before installing your solar panels, solar contractors will first do a site evaluation. This is to evaluate your roof and collect any essential measurements.

Site visits are also used by installers to figure out whether your installation has any unique requirements.

Full-Service Solar Providers

Full-service solar providers are firms that do everything to get you set up with the solar, outside of manufacturing the equipment. They sell panels and other essential equipment, arrange to finance, and also handle the installation.

They take care of every single part of your solar process. From producing the panels to installing them on your roof.

Find Solar Energy Providers and Compare Their Prices

Costs to install solar panels vary between solar energy contractors. Some people just can’t help but compete.

We’ve seen it all when it comes to pricing models, but cost-per-watt is by far the most common and straightforward method. You should expect to pay a set amount from your solar installer, determined by the size of your system.

Obtaining various quotations can give you a better idea of costs and give you a basis for comparing different solar energy providers.

To get precise quotes, most solar energy service providers will need to plan a visit to your home. All of your outstanding queries can be posed at this time.

Do you have the licences that are necessary for my state and city?
Have you ever put solar panels on a property in my area?
How many solar panels should I get in order to meet my energy needs?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?

When shopping for solar panels, it’s important to receive estimates from as many companies as possible to compare prices and find the best deal.

Their solar bids will blow your mind. Doing so may help you save several thousand dollars on the cost of installing solar panels.

Your solar installation should be someone you can trust implicitly, as going solar is a significant investment in your home.

After solar panels are set up, there is a lot that can be done. It is crucial to hire a reliable solar business that will stand behind its product after installation.

Therefore, it is important to find a solar company that you can trust to provide you with accurate and thorough information to help you choose the best one for you.

The ideal installers will make every effort to make you understand how solar fits into the larger solar energy system at your home or business.

Verify the Solar Company’s Licence and Insurance

Installers of solar panels must be properly licenced and insured. Make sure they have the proper certification to work on the electrical wiring and parts of your system.

General contracting, electrical work, home performance and improvement, and contracting licences are the norm for solar installation. Installers should also be state accredited and carry general liability insurance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Solar Company

Compared to other forms of energy, solar is quite standard. In order to get the help you require, you should look for a reliable business. It might be nerve-wracking trying to find a reliable solar panel installation company. Use these guidelines to help you decide.

Put Yourself in the Correct Frame of Mind

Many people have used the services of a plumber, electrician, or general contractor for little repairs or significant overhauls around the house.

However, few people have ever worked with solar energy. So, how does one get going?

Getting a solar installer is a bigger hassle than fixing a dripping faucet, but easier than redoing your kitchen. Get ready to put in a little bit of effort; it won’t be too bad.

The steps are the same as those involved in choosing any other contractor: learn as much as possible about the organisation, know what you’re getting, and read the fine print. Some choices will need to be made as you go.

It’s best to schedule an in-person meeting with the business and bring a list of questions to ensure you don’t forget anything. You can find a few checklists here.

Don’t Trust Solar Energy Cost Comparisons Found Online

Companies now aim to make residential solar panel purchases more akin to making travel or lodging reservations.

This simplistic approach is detrimental to the consumer since it places excessive weight on price.

For short-term rentals, like a weekend getaway, it could be fine to choose the lowest choice available simply. After all, any given rental car is functionally equivalent to any other. To be effective, however, a residential solar array requires the coordinated operation of numerous complex parts.

Your utility, local government, and a pile of documentation must all be coordinated to complete the installation process.

An experienced solar installation will handle the details and the homeowner won’t have to worry about much.

However, because of the complexity of the underlying process, there are numerous ways in which an installer could go wrong. There is a good chance that a business with really low costs is cutting shortcuts somewhere.

Determine the Necessary System Size

Getting a larger system up and running will take more time and money. You can simply go online and request a quote to find out how much variously sized systems might cost.

Roof type and geographic location are both major factors to consider. It will be trickier to put on a flat roof atop the atrium of the house. Having a slanted ceiling will make things simpler.

The best business will also consider your financial constraints. You should look for a business that offers payment plans that allow you to finish paying off your system before you start seeing significant monthly savings on your energy consumption.

Buying solar equipment solely over the internet has the additional drawback of encouraging customers to ignore minor but crucial features. A system that doesn’t function as planned could be the result of ignoring the equipment in favour of a cheaper one.

Insist That Superior Customer Service Is a Top Priority

You should read up on the company’s reputation before buying a present for your parents from them.

If your system isn’t generating power as promised, you should investigate the company’s warranties and see if you’ll get your money back (and in what time frame).

You may find out a lot about the reliability of a company’s product guarantee by reading customer reviews. You can have more faith in your purchase from that business if its reputation is good.

Gather Multiple Estimates

For a major renovation like your dream kitchen, it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices. This is important not just to ensure that you are receiving a reasonable quote, but also so that you can assess how various businesses stack up against one another.

Watch out for deceptive practises like being told your home is solar-ready when it isn’t. There is a risk that a less than the honest business would inflate the projected output of your solar system or fail to mention shading issues that will reduce its output to the point that it will never recoup its initial investment.

If your roof needs fixing before solar panels make sense for your home, a reputable company will tell you that. They aren’t interested in making a sale if it means you’ll be using a system that isn’t going to meet your needs.

A less honest business, on the other hand, cares just about making a profit. You should generally agree with the popular opinion if you get three quotations and two businesses say solar isn’t going to work but the third says go for it.

If you get a few estimates, you may examine the costs of various pieces of equipment and how they’d be installed.

For instance, the method by which the racking is fastened to the roofing and rendered waterproof is a typically overlooked yet crucial aspect of a solar system.

Especially with regard to more difficult roofing materials, the experience levels of solar installers might vary widely.

It is possible to incur a ton of money in repairs due to a faulty solar installation, which might completely nullify any cost savings you might have experienced as a result of switching to solar energy.

So, before the installer leaves, make sure you know what precautions they take to ensure that your living room doesn’t become a deluge zone after the job is done.

One way to discern a good contractor from a bad one is if one of them is rude and dismissive, while another is patient and answers all of your questions thoroughly.

Many businesses now offer payment plans to assist clients to pay for their equipment in a more manageable time frame. You may be able to negotiate a cheaper interest rate or an extended payment plan to pay off the systems.

When looking for a reliable business, look for one that offers multiple payment plans. It should be less of a hassle to pay off the system if customer service is good.

Consider the Lifespan of Your System in Years

You should find out if the company will still be operating in 10-15 years to assist you with the maintenance of your solar panels, despite the fact that solar panels have a pretty long lifespan.

Good solar panels can keep on working for decades, but not all manufacturers can make that promise.

The company’s capabilities should extend beyond simply keeping your panels in good working order to include fixing any issues that may arise.

Obtain a Copy of the Solar Agreement

The details of the agreement should be detailed in this document. You need to know how often and how much access you will have to the funds for this system.

You should also read the fine print of the contract to be sure there are no unexpected expenses waiting for you down the road.

Favour Regional Businesses With Established Track Records

It’s best to avoid working with solar energy firms that have only been around for a short period of time (a couple of years or less).

The longer a company has been in business, the better. You can learn this by contacting the company directly, visiting its website, or in some cases, researching it with the relevant state licencing body.

Companies with more years in the industry are preferable since they are more likely to be technically proficient and more likely to be around in the event you want warranty repair several years down the road.

It may be less of a challenge to discover businesses with at least 10 years of expertise in the home solar industry in states with more developed home solar markets, such as Melbourne.

There may not be many long-standing options for you if you reside in a region where solar power is still in its infancy.

Conclusion

Choose a reputable solar panel installation firm. Solar energy service suppliers abound. Before beginning, you should research solar providers. Here are some decision-making tips. Compare solar energy providers’ prices.

Full-service solar suppliers do everything to instal solar. They sell solar panels and other equipment, finance, and instal. Most people use cost-per-watt. There’s much to do after installing solar panels. It’s important to pick a solar company that stands behind their product.

Use these tips to choose a solar firm. Ideal installers will explain how solar fits into a broader system. Residential solar panels require complicated coordination. A solar installer will manage the specifics so the homeowner may relax. Go online to get a quote for different-sized systems.

Beware of false claims that your home is solar-ready. A bad solar installation might cost a tonne to repair. Rudeness and dismissal are signs of a lousy contractor. Look for a business with different payment arrangements. A company’s longevity is advantageous. Consider your system’s lifespan to see if the company will be around in 10-15 years.

Content Summary

Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular option for residential properties, and for good reason.
But with so many different solar firms available today, how can you decide which one will best serve your needs?
Choosing a solar power company to collaborate with can be the step that presents the greatest challenge when it comes to installing solar panels.
In addition, you need to carefully evaluate solar installers so that you can pick the one that is the most suitable for your needs.
However, there are likely to be hundreds of companies in your country that offer solar energy services and are vying for your business.
It is essential, before beginning the process of “going solar,” to have a solid understanding of the many solar enterprises that are now in operation.
It is crucial to select a solar panel installation firm that can be relied upon.
Workers who are knowledgeable and qualified can be found at many companies that provide solar energy.
Solar panel equipment manufacturers are the ones responsible for the production of solar panels as well as the other necessary components for assembling a solar photovoltaic system.
A solar financial company’s one and only goal are to offer the many financing options that are required for individuals and businesses to make the transition to using solar energy.
Only products from a single manufacturer of solar panels may be sold by businesses that deal in solar energy systems.
In the process of transitioning to solar power, your primary point of contact will be a business that specialises in solar installation.
Companies that instal solar panels purchase the solar panels and any other necessary supplies from the makers of solar equipment.
Solar panel installers will first do a site assessment prior to putting your panels on your home or business.
A full-service solar provider is a company that, with the exception of producing the actual solar panels themselves, will handle everything necessary to get you set up with solar power.
They will handle each and every component of the solar system you have.
From the manufacturing of the panels to the installation of them on your roof.
Locate solar energy providers and evaluate the costs of their services.
Solar energy firms have varying prices for the installation of solar panels.
You can anticipate paying a predetermined sum to your solar contractor, which will be based on the total power output of your system.
You may get a better understanding of the pricing and have a basis for comparing different solar energy providers by getting a number of different quotes.
In order to provide accurate price estimates, the vast majority of solar energy service providers will want you to schedule a visit to your residence.
It is absolutely necessary to work with a trustworthy solar company that will continue to support its product after it has been installed.
As a result, it is essential to locate a solar company that you can have faith in to supply you with information that is both reliable and exhaustive so that you can make an informed decision about which option is the most suitable for you.
The best solar panel installers will make every effort to ensure that you have a clear understanding of how solar panels integrated into the wider solar energy system that is being installed at your house or place of business.
Make sure you check the licence and insurance of the solar company.
Installers of solar panels are required to possess the appropriate licences and levels of insurance coverage.
Check that they have the appropriate accreditation before allowing them to work on the electrical wiring and components of your system.
Solar power is rather average when stacked up against other types of energy.
You need to look for a reputable company if you want to acquire the assistance that you desire.
Finding a trustworthy solar panel installation provider can be an anxiety-inducing process.
Make your choice based on the aforementioned recommendations.
A great number of people have, at some point in their lives, sought out the assistance of a professional plumber, electrician, or general contractor to perform little or major home improvements.
On the other hand, very few people have ever actually worked with solar energy.
So, how does one get going?
Finding and hiring a solar installation is greater trouble than repairing a dripping faucet, but it is less work than completely remodelling your kitchen.
The Solar Energy Cost Comparisons Found Online Should Not Be Believed.
However, in order for a household solar array to function well, it is necessary for the coordinated operation of a large number of intricate pieces.
In order to successfully finish the installation procedure, it is necessary to coordinate the efforts of your utility company, your local government, and the collection of necessary papers.
A professional solar installation company will handle all of the necessary requirements, so the homeowner won’t need to worry about it very much at all.
On the other hand, due to the inherent complication of the operation, there are a great many ways in which an installer could make a mistake.
If a company’s costs are extremely low, there is a strong possibility that they are skimping in some other area.
Getting a larger system up and operating will require more investment of both time and money.
You may easily get estimates for the prices of systems of varying sizes by going online and submitting your request for one.
It is going to be more difficult to instal a flat roof on top of the atrium of the house.
The top company will also take into account any financial limitations you have.
You need to seek a company that gives you the option of paying for your system in instalments so that you can finish making payments on it before you start realising considerable savings each month on your energy bill.
Buying solar equipment exclusively online comes with the additional disadvantage of encouraging buyers to neglect characteristics that may seem insignificant but are actually quite important.
If you choose to ignore the equipment in favour of a cheaper one, you can end up with a system that doesn’t work as anticipated.
Before you buy a present for your parents from that company, you ought to do some research on their track record beforehand.
If the power generation that your system is supposed to provide isn’t happening, you should look into the company’s warranties to see if you can get your money back (and in what time frame).
Reading reviews written by previous customers can provide a wealth of information regarding the legitimacy of a company’s product guarantee.
If the company has a solid reputation, you will have greater reason to trust the product or service it sells.
It is usually a good idea to shop around and compare prices, particularly when undertaking a significant renovation project such as building your ideal kitchen.
Be wary of dishonest practises, such as being told that your home is ready for solar energy when it actually isn’t.
There is a possibility that a company that is less than honest will exaggerate the amount of energy that your solar system is expected to produce, or that they will fail to mention shading issues that will cause your system’s output to decrease to the point where it will never be able to recoup the money that was initially invested in it.
Reputable businesses will let you know if there are problems with your roof that need to be fixed before installing solar panels on your property.
They are not interested in making a sale to you if doing so will result in your utilising a system that is not going to be able to fulfil your requirements.
On the other side, a firm that is less than honest is only concerned with maximising its profit.
If you get three quotes from different companies and two of them say solar energy won’t work but the third one says you should try it anyhow, you should normally concur with the popular opinion.
If you get a few different quotes, you can compare the prices of the different pieces of equipment as well as the methods that would be used to set them up.
An example of a component of a solar energy system that is sometimes disregarded despite its significance is the manner by which the racking is attached to the roof and made weatherproof.
There is likely to be a significant range of experience levels among solar installers, particularly when it comes to more challenging roofing materials.
If you have a bad solar installation, you could end up having to pay a significant amount of money for repairs. This could entirely wipe out any cost savings you may have seen as a result of making the switch to solar energy.
One of the ways to differentiate between a good and a terrible contractor is if one of them is impolite and dismissive, while the other is patient and answers all of your questions thoroughly.
Many companies now offer payment plans to customers as a way to aid them in paying for their purchases of equipment over a period of time that is more reasonable.
It is possible that you will be able to negotiate a lower interest rate or a more extended payment schedule in order to pay off the systems.
Look for a reputable company that gives you the option to choose from a number of different payment methods.
If the customer service is good, paying off the system should be less of a headache for the consumer.
Take into account the expected lifespan of your system in years.
Despite the fact that solar panels have a very long lifespan, you should investigate whether or not the company will still be in business in ten to fifteen years in order to receive assistance with the maintenance of your solar panels.
It is possible for high-quality solar panels to continue functioning for decades, although not all manufacturers can guarantee this.
The specifics of the agreement ought to be laid out in detail.
You need to be aware of how frequently you will have access to the funds as well as how much you will have access to them.
In addition to this, you need to study the contract’s fine language to ensure that there are no unanticipated costs waiting for you further down the road.
Favour local businesses that have a proven track record of success.
It is in your best interest to steer clear of cooperating with solar energy companies that have been in business for a relatively little amount of time (a couple of years or less).
The longer an organisation has been successful in its field, the better.
You can acquire this information by getting in touch with the company directly, going to the website of company, or, in some instances, conducting research with the appropriate state licencing organisation.
Companies that have been in business for a longer period of time are preferable, not only because they are more likely to be technically competent, but also because they are more likely to be around in the event that you need warranty repair several years down the road. This makes businesses with longer tenures in the industry the better option.
In places like Melbourne, which have a more developed residential solar sector than most other states, it might be easier to find companies that have at least ten years of experience in the residential solar industry.
If you live in an area where solar power is just getting started, you might not have a lot of options for long-term solutions to your energy needs.

FAQs About Solar Energy

Can a Solar System Power a House?

You can most definitely power a whole house entirely with solar energy with a contemporary solar energy system that includes power storage. It is now more affordable than ever to power a complete home exclusively with solar energy thanks to today’s high-efficiency solar panels and solar batteries.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for a 3-Bedroom House?

A normal one-bedroom home needs six solar panels, a typical three-bedroom home needs ten, and a typical five-bedroom home needs fourteen.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

PV panels, another name for solar cells, are designed to last for more than 25 years. In actuality, a large number of solar panels put in place as early as the 1980s are still operating at predicted levels. Solar panels are not only incredibly durable, but their lifespan has also significantly risen during the past 20 years.

Do Solar Panels Heat up Your Roof?

Your home’s roof naturally warms up when sunlight enters the structure, which forces heat into the interior. But with solar panels, the light from the sun is transformed into usable energy, avoiding heat from entering your house.

Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?

Although cleaning solar panels is not necessary, doing so will reduce their efficiency. Additionally, while rain will undoubtedly wash away some of the materials that build up on the panels, it won’t be as efficient as a human clean.