March 18, 2019
The solar industry is booming, and the sector’s rapid growth across the past decade has led to new solar installers springing up all over the place. It’s important to remember, however, that not all solar panel installers are created equal. Going solar is an investment, a very good investment with the potential to reap massive rewards, so it’s important to do your research and choose your solar installer with care.
Certifications
This one could go without saying, but it’s important not to overlook things, or take anything for granted. Make sure your potential solar installer is properly accredited and has the necessary certifications to carry out the work on your home or business. At YSG, we’re NABCEP certified and properly accredited.
References
If you’re lucky, you might get referred to your solar installer by a friend in the know! In fact, at YSG, we offer a great referral reward for anyone who sends a friend in our direction. If you don’t know anyone who’s already in the solar community, however, there’s no harm in asking to see some of the installer’s previous work, or even speaking to some satisfied customers.
Reviews
In the digital age, everything is categorised, ranked, and reviewed. Before you go solar, you should take advantage of all this information. Take a look at websites like Yelp or Better Business Bureau, among many others, and find out what past customers thought of their experience with the solar installer. Be discerning though, not all reviews hold equal credibility.
Home Visits
A home visit is a great opportunity for a potential solar consumer to learn all about their system and ask as many questions as they want of their solar installer. If a solar installer is happy and willing to visit your home and tell you everything you need to know about your new solar system, then you can trust that they know what they’re talking about and they’ll do right by you.
Warranty
A lengthy warranty is commonplace in the world of solar systems, thanks to their low-maintenance nature and long life spans. Generally, systems will have warranties upwards of twenty years. Be sure to get all the details and understand the context and implications of your warranty. Ask about the different warranties for different pieces of equipment as well, such as the inverter or the battery storage system, if applicable.
Financing Options
It’s probably fair to say that one of the biggest draws of going solar is the potential for huge savings and cost-efficient, sustainable energy over the long term. With this in mind, it’s important to choose a solar installer with a clear, viable payment plan that suits your needs. At YSG, we value transparency above all, and any solar installer worth knowing will feel the same.
Quotes
Once you’ve taken everything onboard, and you’ve found what you think is the right solar installer for you, it’s time to get a quote for your solar system. At this point, be sure you ask enough questions and strive to understand every aspect of the quote. What’s included, what isn’t, how does it all relate to your financing plan, will there be additional payments aside from this quote. Again, transparency is vital here, and any worthwhile solar panel installer will be able and willing to break down a quote and explain it clearly.
One solar panel installer ticks all these boxes - YSG Solar. Contact us today or call the office at 212.389.9215.
Follows YSG Solar on Twitter, Instagram + Facebook.
By Shane Croghan
Sources:
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/6-tips-about-choosing-installers-for-solar-panels
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/what-to-check-when-choosing-a-solar-panel-installer
https://us.sunpower.com/blog/2018/05/10/find-best-home-solar-installation-company/
https://www.solarpowerauthority.com/choose-solar-company-step-step-guide/
https://blog.pickmysolar.com/how-to-choose-a-high-quality-solar-installer