If you’re curious about a firm, do some research on review sites, but keep an open mind about what you read.
Online reviews may be manipulated and are not as trustworthy as other methods of evaluating a product’s quality.
Stay away from sites with a reputation for “pay-to-play.” This is especially important. Avoid websites that assess solar providers since they have a record of remunerated placements.
In order to avoid your living room becoming a torrential downpour once the installation is complete, be sure to inquire about the procedures used by your installer.
One way to discern a good contractor from a bad one is if one provider is flippant and delivers vague answers, while the other patiently gives comprehensive answers to all of your inquiries.
There is a slew of additional issues to bring up throughout your investigation.
Don’t choose a firm just because it’s cheap!
Everybody loves to save money, but don’t instantly go with the lowest solar photovoltaic system quotation.
Quality of equipment and installation might vary greatly.
In theory, the finest installation may also be the most affordable, but you won’t know for sure unless you examine the quotes and perform your due diligence.
There is no assurance that a costlier installation will be of a better standard of quality.
Online licensing databases may only provide a limited amount of information, such as if a license is valid and current.
Other people have more specific information, including information on the company’s reported licensing breaches.
The severity of a violation does not indicate that you should instantly exclude a firm from your shortlist just because it has a violation on file.
Don’t be afraid to ask the firm to clarify a reported infringement if you have questions. A solar installer should ideally be NABCEP board certified in addition to having the required license.
However, in order to ensure that the NRG Power firm is capable of doing the job, this certification is optional.
Inquire about warranties
A photovoltaic system has a wide range of components, each of which is protected by a unique guarantee from the manufacturer.
Each one must be explained in detail by the installation. It is the installer’s responsibility to provide a labor and replacement cost warranty on all system components and workmanship.
The inverter is a key aspect of the system and will be covered by a separate warranty.
A usual lifespan is between 10 and 25 years. Over the course of many decades, the racking system must be able to withstand possibly harsh weather.
A minimum of two decades is a good length of time for a warranty.
Getting batteries is a must. Because it’s an expensive part, you’ll want to be sure you understand the warranty.
Leave high-stress sales practices behind
If the salesperson you’re dealing with is trying hard to close a deal, it’s not necessarily a bad indication that they are honest and respectable solar installers that reward their sales personnel with commissions.
In contrast, high-stress sales practices are an indication that a corporation is prioritizing quantity above quality.
When it comes to sales, what are “high-pressure” tactics? Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
- Sales tactics that prey on the elderly, such as door-to-door or telemarketing sales
- Urging customers to opt for “no-money-down” financing options (such as leases and PPAs)
- Encouraging customers to sign contracts before they have thoroughly studied them
- Companies that claim that solar panels are a great investment for your home, but other companies say the opposite
Rather than attempting to grow into national conglomerates, reputable local solar installers want to remain small and focus on providing high-quality service.
Choosing a local installation is the best way to avoid being sent to a national company, and a competent professional would never do so.