7 Tips to Pick a Solar Company – Step by Step Guide
Solar energy is one the cheapest and environment friendly energy options. That is why more and more people are opting to install solar systems with the help of the professional Electrician in Kilcoy at home and at work places.
To cater this huge demand many companies have started providing solar installation services. This influx poses a huge challenge for buyers to select the right option.
I have compiled a few vital tips to make your decision easy, so that you can select a contractor which suits your needs.
1. Types of Companies
There are different types of solar companies, offering different services for their customers.
Like solar panel equipment manufacturers, solar financing companies and solar panel installation companies. It will save a lot of time if you know exactly what services you need and which companies provide those in your area.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
This is one of the basic strategies to make sure you do not pay more than necessary. Solar energy contractors often charge you on a cost-per-watt basis, which is one of the easiest calculations to understand for the buyer and the seller too.
Make sure you talk to enough contractors before you can choose which one is the most economical for you.
By going through this process, you will realize how different the rates can be and you can easily save a few thousand dollars on your installation.
3. Expertise, License and Insurance
The installer you choose should have at least 2-year experience in the solar energy field. This will ensure that the company you are choosing consists of expert individuals and would meet almost all your expectations.
You can also ask if the company holds any kind of certification, if not you can rely on online reviews.
Solar companies are needed to have some official documents with them. A few of them are general contracting license, general liability insurance, electrician and home performance contracting license. The company which is equipped with these licenses and insurances is bound to provide efficient services. It will also satisfy you that the people you are hiring are eligible to handle wiring and electrical components.
4. Reputation and Credibility Matters
Going solar means a long-term investment. For this investment to pan out fruitful, you need to hire a company which maintains a solid and strong relationship with its customers.
Your solar systems may need maintenance and repair works post installation, so if you have a reliable installer with a good reputation among the old clients then all these problems can be solved without a hiccup.
5. Warranties Are Important
Almost all the solar installers come with a warranty plan. This warranty varies with type and size of project but on average your installer should offer 20 to 30 years of warranty of panels. In addition to that there must also be a minimum 10 years warranty for inverters, which can go up to 25 years depending on inverter type.
These warranties are important to make you feel comfortable with your investment. Talk to the company you have shortlisted about this and make sure they cover the labour and replacement costs in case of component failure.
6. Home Visit
Most of the solar contractors will give your home a to get an idea of the location and estimate the cost of their work. You should request it if they don’t schedule it, as it is very important to access the location before the work starts.
During this visit you can ask any questions regarding the whole operations like do I need any permits from the city for this installation. You can also inquire about the number of panels you need to cover your energy requirements.
This home visit is very vital because it is the time when most of the installer’s map where the wiring goes and what are the risks in your property with respect to solar system installation.
7. Payment Options
Lastly, find out what finance options your installer is offering.
Payment options can include paying in cash, taking a loan, leasing or entering an agreement. All of these have their own pros and cons.
Choose a company which offers your desired option and if you are not sure about your choice you can go with the company offering the most financing methods.
People often choose green energy loans because they have very low interest rates. These loans are offered to someone who wants a permanent change to green energy and are usually paid off within 7 to 8 years.
Conclusion
Going through these useful tips you will be able to make the correct decision for your solar project. You will be sure about the type of solar contractor you are looking for and also you can easily narrow down your options depending upon the price, reputation and finance option offered by the contractors.