How to Choose the Best Solar Panel Installer

Solar energy provides tons of benefits to homeowners. It lowers electricity costs, lets you generate your own power, and increases the value of your home.

While all of these things sound great, it’s hard to reap the rewards of switching to solar without having any panels installed. No worries! In this guide, we’ll cover how to choose the best solar panel installer for you.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

Identify What You Need

There’s a lot that goes into making the switch to solar, like panel sourcing, financing, and installation. Depending on your needs, you may have to work with multiple solar financing companies, panel dealers, or equipment manufacturers just to get the job done.

However, full-service solar panel installation companies, like Blue Raven Solar, are your ticket to easy installation. They’re the primary resource for solar shoppers because of their unparalleled convenience.

They’re a “one-stop-shop” for solar and provide all of the materials you need and install the equipment with little to no hassle. In many cases, solar panel installers also provide financing options so you don’t have to go too far out of your way to find the capital resources to fund your project.

Get a Quote

Different contractors charge varying rates but they generally base them on the cost-per-watt and convert that into a flat rate.

The rate is determined by things like the size of your system, location, and local permit requirements or regulation costs the installation company may need to account for. Most companies schedule an appointment to get a better idea of the demands of the project and provide an accurate quote.

Before accepting any quote that is offered, shop around with multiple companies to make sure you are getting the most competitive rates. You can also use this information for negotiations or leveraging later on in the process.

Weigh Your Options

To choose the best company you want to find one with plenty of experience, that’s properly licensed and insured, and that values its customers.

Ideally, a solar company will have at least 2 years of experience operating in your state and plenty of reviews. They should also have at least one solar tech on your project with over 2 years of experience in the field.

Solar companies are required to hold a C-10 license, general liability insurance, and must be OSHA certified:

Red Flags to Watch For

When weighing your options, there are a handful of red flags to look for.

You primarily want to make sure that the solar panel provider has all of the necessary documentation and permits to install solar panels in your city and state. But, you also want to make sure that the company has installed panels around the area and that they are covered by warranty.

If the company doesn’t have the proper licensing, certifications, or insurance, it is not worth the risk to continue doing business with them.

Choose Your Solar Panel Installer

Now you know how to choose the best solar panel installer for you. Before contracting, be sure to identify your goals, weigh out all of your options, and pick the solar panel installation company that best meets your needs.

For more tips about getting started with solar and solar panel installation, check out our blog!