How to Find the Best Solar Panel Installer in Your Area
Are you looking around for the best solar panel installer?
First things first, thumbs up for making a smart decision. Going solar will not only help lower your energy bills but also go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, you’re not alone. Over 2 million homes now have solar installations and the number is increasing by the day.
However, solar installation is a complex job that should be left to professionals. Finding the right professional is key to having a smooth transition to solar power.
In this article, we’re telling you how to choose the best solar panel installer.
Create a Shortlist of 3-5 Installers
Over the last decade, jobs in the solar industry have increased by 160 percent. This means there isn’t a shortage of installers on the market. Unfortunately, these installers aren’t created equal. Some are simply more competent than others.
You don’t want to leave the important job of powering your home to a quack, right? As such, don’t settle for the first installer you find. Instead, start by creating a shortlist of about 3-5 installers. This way, you can keep your options open and use a vetting process to zero in on the best installer.
The big question is: where do you find the installers to put on your list?
Easy!
Ask around. If you know anyone who has a solar installation in their home, they might recommend their installer if the experience was good. You can also go online and search for the top-rated installers in your region.
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Independent Contractor or Established Solar Company?
You’ll generally find two types of installers: independent contractors and solar companies.
An independent installer has all the necessary licenses but because they’re a one-man team, they’ll tend to work on small installation projects. On the other hand, a solar company, will have a number of installers on their team.
Which should you choose?
Since home solar installation is a large project, it’s better to focus on working with a solar company. This way, you can rest assured that the project will be completed on time. An independent contractor might not have the resources to take on big jobs.
Consider Installers with Professional Certifications
Different states have varying licensing requirements for solar installers, but in general, an installer has to have a license.
Besides ensuring an installer is licensed, it’s important to consider whether they have any professional certifications from a body like the North American Board of Certified Energy Installers. Certification demonstrates that an installer has gone above the minimum requirements for getting into the profession.
Read Online Reviews and Get Quotes
Reading an installer’s online reviews enables one to know the professional reputation of an isntaller. An installer with lots of positive reviews means they can be trusted to do a good job. Avoid installers with negative reviews.
Finally, get quotes from the installers. At the end of the day, you have a budget and you want an installer whose service costs will meet that budget.
Go Find the Best Solar Panel Installer
You’ve probably seen some homeowners taking on DIY solar installation. This is risky and could even be illegal in your area. Use this guide to find the best solar panel installer and let them do the job.
If you are a resident of Western Australia, then you can take the benefits of various government schemes to install solar system. WA does not have local solar incentives programs, but the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) offers nationwide incentives.
Another advantage of installing a solar system in your house is that homeowners can sell surplus production from their solar panels at high prices, through the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS). Instyle Solar has a detailed guide on Western Australia solar incentives which you can go through.
As you switch to solar power, remember to come back to our blog for more lifestyle tips and hacks.