Congratulations, you’ve decided to GO SOLAR! Deciding to install solar on your home is a big decision, and you want to make sure that you choose the right solar installer for the job. With hundreds of solar installers in California, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Here are our recommendations on choosing a solar contractor:
- How long have they been in business? Solar is a relatively new industry so you won’t find companies that have been around for 50 years, but we would suggest going with one who has been in business for at least 10 years. Should something go wrong with your solar system you want to make sure that your contractor is around for any craftsmanship warranty work.
- What size is the solar company? If the company is too small, as mentioned above, there’s a chance they might not be around too long. If they are a national company, you might get stuck calling into a call center for customer service. What level of service are you looking for? We recommend going with a well-established, reputible local solar contractor.
- Ask to see a copy of the company’s solar contractor’s license. Unfortunately there are many construction companies that install solar that aren’t licensed for solar. There are also many solar sales companies out there that outsource the installation’s to various companies so you really don’t know who is installing your system.
- What solar panels and inverters is the solar company proposing? We have seen some solar proposals that don’t include any information about what products will be used. If solar panels and inverters are listed, do your due diligence on the solar panels and inverters to see reviews on the products. If they are not listed ask for them to include the solar panel and inverter information in the proposal. There is a huge range in quality amongst both solar panels and inverters. In solar panels, the output will vary. For inverters, there are string inverters, and micro-inverters. In our opinion micro-inverters are a no brainer. This information on the Enphase website provides great information as to why.
- Has the solar company done work in your jurisdiction? Each city building department runs differently, and has different solar rules. You want to hire a contractor that has done work in your specific city, so that the process runs smoothly and on time.
- Lastly, look at online reviews for the solar company. What do past clients have to say? A past customer experience is a good indication of the service and quality you are likely to receive.
SOLAR SOURCE is a Southern California residential solar installer. We are family-owned and have been in business since 2008. What sets us apart is our excellent service, quality products, and detail-oriented craftsmanship. For a free commercial solar energy analysis, fill out this form on our website. To see what our customers have to say, visit our company’s Solar Reviews page.
