Solar Tips

Solar Tips

We think this is an awesome quote. Check out this section of this great, informative article on going solar: https://www.zillow.com/learn/home-solar-primer/?utm_content=resources_own_button&utm_campaign=emm_zg_g_buzzhomesolar-1_042024_a_1_national_any_edu&utm_source=sd&utm_medium=email 

"If you’ve found that solar will work for your home, the next step is to find a reputable installer. The experts we talked to repeatedly pointed to installers as the vanguards of a quality job. It pays, they say, to find one with a quality reputation.

Note: If you think you've encountered fraud, or a company that's misrepresenting itself or its products, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Rules differ by state, but you can also contact your state’s consumer protection office.

1. Test potential installers’ knowledge base

A reputable installer should be able to answer all of your questions and concerns, whether they’re about incentives, storage and batteries, your potential return on investment, or financing. If they can’t or won’t, it’s a red flag. Do your due diligence: Read the fine print and get everything in writing. With solar energy system installation, the old saying holds: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Assess potential installers’ experience

“The number one thing is to look at installers’ experience,” says EnergySage’s Aggarwal. “Number two is the quality of their team. What kind of training do they have? Do they have in-house installation teams, or do they outsource it to someone else? Do they carry the industry-leading certification from an organization called NABCEP? What kind of insurance do they have? Do they have all their licenses up to date?”

3. Check installers’ third party reviews

Then, just like you would any other business, check their online reviews. “Check the reviews on Yelp or any other trusted, third-party platform,” says Aggarwal.

4. Check the solar installation warranties and chosen products

Other things to assess, he says, are the warranties that installers offer and the quality of equipment they install. “Is it top of the line, middle of the line, or economy class? And are they a recommended dealer for the major manufacturers?”

Lastly — and this is a big one — can your installer provide references? At the least, their website should show testimonials from real people. But better yet, they should be able to connect you to happy customers who’ll vouch for them.

Home solar installer checklist

Evaluate an installer before you agree to work with them. Get at least three quotes to compare. Always check their reviews on a third-party platform. Here’s a short list of factors to consider:

  • Team training (team should be in-house, not outsourced)
  • Team experience
  • Certifications
  • Insurance
  • Licenses
  • Third-party reviews
  • References"
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