You’ve decided it’s time to move with the times, claim your government tax credit, and go solar! Millions of homes are now embracing this technology that delivers free energy for daily use.
However, how do you select residential solar installers? How do you get the best bang for your buck while also receiving quality solar panels and installation in the process?
Well, in this short guide, we’ll run you through some essential tips to make sure you choose the best solar installer for your needs. So, let’s get into this!
Check Their Credentials
Like with any service industry professional you hire, you should also check the credentials of a solar panel installer. Without decent credentials, you might end up hiring “cowboy builders” as the British say. This essentially means unprofessional, reckless, and underqualified contractors.
One of the main credentials you should look out for is that they are a member of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This certification, in essence, is like the gold standard for solar installers. Also, make sure they are insured, bonded, and licensed to install panels in your region.
Solar Installation Experience
As a general rule, you should try to hire solar installers with at least three years of experience. You can find this out by simply asking them, or checking their “About Us” page on their website.
Also, while you’re on their website, you may as well check to see if they have any examples of previous work uploaded, including photos and even videos. Furthermore, you can ask them what solar incentives you might be eligible to get. If they hesitate to answer this, they may not have been working in the industry for so long.
Addressing the State of Your Roof
Before installing solar panels, any installer worth their salt should check the state of your roof. As well, if you have any roofing issues, they should be able to point out the issues and recommend what repairs your roof needs before they proceed.
Many installers will make use of vent pipes on your roof to fit your solar panels. Some people don’t have any issue with this at all, while others may see this type of installation as ugly. Thus, if you are getting your roof repaired before installation, you might want to discuss with your roofers that you want some vents moving.
It is also likely that solar installers in locations near you will be able to carry out roof repairs to get your roof in shape for solar panels.
Lay Out a Clear Solar Installation Budget
Once you have a realistic budget to play with, it will be much easier to decide on a solar panel installation company. Consider different solar panel designs too.
For instance, there are traditional solar panel designs. Then, there are also bifacial solar panels which convert the sun rays into energy on both sides of the panel.
How To Select Residential Solar Installers
We hope you now understand a little bit more about how to select residential solar installers that are worth proceeding with. Credentials, experience, and roofing knowledge are all key traits you should look for in a solar installation company.
Thanks for checking out this post, and good luck finding a decent installer! If you found this post interesting, there are many more quick and informative reads you may benefit from on our site.
