One out of five new electricity customers in America choose a solar panel system. Are you interested in joining them?
Going solar is a great decision because it can help decrease your carbon footprint. It can also save you money by increasing your energy efficiency.
There are two steps to installing solar panels: choosing a solar energy company, and the actual installation process.
Are you a new solar panel owner who made mistakes while picking a solar panel installer? Read this article to know what to avoid when choosing one.
1. Not Shopping Quotes
When looking for solar panel installers for your job, it’s important to get multiple quotes so you can find the best deal. If you don’t get multiple prices and just hire the first installer you find, you might make more than one mistake. You might end up with a contractor who doesn’t have the right licenses and qualifications, isn’t skilled enough, or charges too much for the work they do.
To escape these problems, make sure to check out the installer’s credentials and, if possible, get recommendations from family and friends. Also, make sure to check each installer’s prices and any warranties they may offer.
You can find the best provider for your project and make the most of it if you think about it carefully.
2. Choosing Based on Price
Mistakes made about solar panel installation include choosing an installer based solely on price. Paying too little can result in faulty installation, inadequate safety measures, and low-performing systems. When selecting an installer, it’s important to consider their experience and track record and not just only basing it on the price.
It’s also important to understand all the costs associated with the installation and ensure the cost initially quoted is not subject to any additional fees. For these reasons, it’s essential to not just focus on cost when selecting your installer.
3. Overlooked Financing Options
One of the most common mistakes made when picking a solar panel installer is overlooking financing options. The installer should be able to provide a complete list of all available financing programs available to you in your area so that you can make an informed decision. When speaking to installers, always ask about available financing options – and, to get the best deal, compare offers from a variety of sources.
Be sure to ask about interest rates, payment terms, and any other fees or incentives. Also, some installers may have special deals or discounts depending on your home size, location, and energy-saving goals.
Taking the time to investigate and compare solar installation costs ensures that you get the most effective and affordable financing option to fit your budget and energy needs.
4. Insufficient Research
Insufficient research or lack of research is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to picking a solar panel installer. With insufficient research, one risks getting a low-quality installation, working with a contractor that may not have the necessary skills, or worse, working with a fraudulent contractor.
To avoid this mistake, it is important for a homeowner to carefully research the contractor’s qualifications, licenses, and certifications, ask as many questions as you can, ask to see the solar panel products they will be using, and request references. It is also helpful to speak with other homeowners who have had their solar panels installed by the same contractor.
5. Unclear Contract Terms
Unclear contract terms can lead to costly mistakes and homeowners need to ensure that every detail is understood and agreed upon before signing. Unfortunately, many homeowners are lulled into a false sense of security by overpromised quality and low prices.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to ask the installer to clarify any unclear terms and research the facility they are using. Additionally, be sure to read the fine print. Doing due diligence can help to ensure that the job is done right and by an experienced and reputable company.
6. Unlicensed or Amateur Installers
With the rising popularity of solar panel installations, there are now more and more people offering to install a residential solar system, some of them unlicensed or amateur installers. Unlicensed or amateur installers may offer lower prices, but it can end up costing you more in the long run if they make mistakes or incomplete installations. To avoid these mistakes, be sure to hire a licensed installer.
7. Inadequate Warranties
Making sure the solar panel installer provides an adequate warranty is an essential part of the process. Inadequate warranties, or warranties that don’t cover all of the equipment, often lead to costly repairs or even replacement.
One mistake to be aware of is inadequate warranties. Many installers offer a warranty on the product and installation work, but it may not be as comprehensive as expected and could leave out other important factors such as long-term maintenance or repair service.
To ensure adequate warranty coverage, ensure that the warranty covers all facets of the installation and use, including monitoring and service agreements. Understand what is typically included in warranties and inquire about the specific warranty when selecting an installer. Additionally, homeowners should ask for specifics such as the length of time that the warranty covers and specific coverage components.
Knowing the warranty terms and conditions, including who is responsible for repairs, will save a lot of headaches and money down the road.
8. Poorly Chosen Solar Panels Materials
It is important to do a thorough investigation of the kinds of materials an installer is using, review the manufacturers’ warranties, and ask questions before committing to a project. Looking at the reputation and more than one reference from previous customers is also an important step in confirming the legitimacy of a company.
To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial to research the material characteristics of potential solar panels. Make sure the materials selected comply with industry standards.
With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your solar panel system is installed with quality materials that will last.
9. Ignoring Online Reviews
Ignoring online reviews from social media platforms can lead to major mistakes as it could mean you go with an installer that isn’t experienced or knowledgeable. Reviews can provide you with a first-hand account of a customer’s experience which can prove to be invaluable. Do not make the mistake of simply picking the first company that you find, as this could be a costly mistake.
It’s important to consider the reviews from customers – positive and negative. Pay attention to negative feedback in the solar installation experience. This will help you in the decision-making process and get solar here with excellent services.
Do your research, read reviews, and ask other solar panel owners for advice to help you make an informed decision. Reading reviews from different sources will help you get a sense of which installers to trust and which ones to avoid.
In this way, you will be able to avoid the costly mistake of ignoring online reviews and can select an installer that will get the job done properly.
10. Overlooking Customer Service
Installers may have great technical knowledge, but they need to be able to provide a great level of customer service if they are going to build a long-term relationship with you. From booking appointments to explaining the process and getting back to you quickly, customer service should be a priority. They must take care of your needs whenever needed.
Overlooking this factor may lead to mistakes that could negatively impact your experience and cost you time and money. Make sure to verify if the installer provides customer service via a phone call or even email. Also, check their turnaround time in responding to ensure that you will get prompt customer service at all times.
After-sale service and technical support are important in the long run so better make sure that they have this type of service too. Also, ask questions to determine whether the installer provides monitoring services. This will track production, availability of maintenance, and periodic service visits.
Taking time to consider such factors can help you avoid any potential mistakes and save time and money in the long run.
Picking a Solar Panel Installer
If you are considering using solar energy to power your home, make sure to research and vet potential installers carefully. Consider references and online reviews, ask all the right questions, and make sure any installer you choose is properly certified and insured. Doing all of these steps upfront can save you a lot of trouble and expenses down the road. Take action now and start picking a solar panel installer.
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