When considering solar for the home or business, it’s beneficial to explore the options to find the installer that best meets the needs. Over the past twenty years, the industry has exploded with solar companies due to increased public awareness of the advantages of renewable energy and the lowering cost of solar power.
Most solar installers specialize in different types of solar, whether it be commercial, residential, on or off-grid, or for heating. It is important to identify what they would like to get out of their solar panels.
What to Look for in an Installer
Residential solar has never been more accessible to homeowners than it is now. When choosing a solar installer in Arizona, local companies like Harmon Solar are the best way to go.
National companies may not be as in tune with local architecture in a way that a local company that deals with it routinely would be. This means their installation process may not be compatible with the roof, or they may be unwilling to work with the setup at all.
Installed by a NABCEP-certified technician
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (or NABCEP) is the credentialing body for solar installers
Some companies take a “one size fits all” approach that does not provide them with a custom solar panel system tailored to their needs.
Whether they have purchased a system or are leasing one, it’s important that their panels are installed by a NABCEP-certified technician. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (or NABCEP) is the credentialing body for solar installers.
commercial solar installs
For commercial solar installs, one must keep cost-effectiveness in mind. If proper research is not done, they may lose out on bigger savings that will hurt the profit margins down the line. As with any business, some solar companies charge more for installation and operating costs.
Choosing the company that has a reasonable pricepoint, while still providing the best service and equipment should be priority number one.
Quality is Key During Solar Installations
They wouldn’t let an inexperienced builder with poor materials construct the home, and they shouldn’t let anyone but a certified structural engineer install the solar panel system. To prevent potential damage to the roof or their panels, make sure the installer is using materials that meet the highest standards in the solar industry.
Some solar companies use inferior panels that are not only unreliable but that do not produce
When it comes to the install itself, an improperly installed system could even be a hazard to the home or business. Make sure they’re well-versed on the solar installation process so that they are armed with the information they need to properly research.
Something worth looking into when examining the options: where are the installer’s panels manufactured? Some solar companies use inferior panels that are not only unreliable but that do not produce up to the current standards of efficiency. Inquiring on this could save them from headaches in the future.
Find the Best Overall Deal
These days, just about anyone can afford a solar panel system. There are many solar tax credits available, such as The Solar Investment Tax Credit (the ITC) and in Arizona specifically, the Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption.
These incentives are making solar a more viable option for most people. If outright purchasing isn’t on the table, look at lease-to-own options that can have payments spread out over many years. These arrangements offer a great return on investment and don’t break the bank, for any application.
Since solar power is an investment, it is best to find out what warranties are available to protect that investment. Compare warranty duration and the fine print between companies to guarantee the best choice. Dive into financing options and weed out the non-competitive rates among local solar providers, they may be surprised by the difference in price.
