A good solar company should offer a variety of payment options. Customers can pay cash, take out a loan, lease or purchase their system.
Local installers will design a system for your unique home or business. They will also know your area’s specific weather conditions and local energy incentives. Read next.
Customer Service
Local solar companies have a team of employees that work together to install a solar energy system with care. Unlike national installers, which have crews that are temporary and move around the country, local solar companies know the weather in your area, understand the state’s solar incentives, and can offer advice on how to maximize your investment. Plus, local installation teams are highly sensitive to online reviews and their livelihood depends on customer satisfaction, incentivizing them to respond quickly to any issues or concerns.
When evaluating installation companies, look for industry certifications such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Also, ask each company about its finance offerings and warranty policies. You may find that one installer stands out from the rest based on these factors.
Local Knowledge
Local knowledge encompasses many different understandings and skills that are developed from communities’ interactions with their natural environment. Local knowledge — which may also be known as indigenous or traditional knowledge — is essential to informed decision-making on issues that affect the lives of people who live and work in an area.
When you’re looking for a local solar installer, it’s important to vet them thoroughly. Request quotes from several companies, and look for online reviews from past customers. Also, consider whether the company offers financing options (purchase, loan, lease, or PPA), and what equipment they’ll install on your home.
A reliable solar company will conduct a site evaluation of your property and provide a comprehensive quote. This is an opportunity for them to assess your roof, and point out potential shaded spots or areas that could negatively impact your solar energy production. A good contractor will be able to offer suggestions that can improve the performance of your system, like adding battery storage.
Reputation
Local installers tend to have tighter teams, and the company’s leadership often knows every employee personally. This creates a high level of accountability and a genuine vested interest in providing quality work to each customer. This is a stark contrast to national solar companies that rely on sales reps and subcontractors.
A great local solar installer will take the time to explain your options and answer any questions you may have. They will also educate you on your state’s unique energy incentives and rebate programs.
Lastly, they will help you understand how your system will operate and the best ways to maximize its performance. When evaluating solar companies, look at customer feedback on review sites like Solar Reviews. Make sure to read both positive and negative feedback, and pay attention to the company’s response (if they have one). This will give you a good idea of the overall customer satisfaction experience you can expect. Also, look at industry certifications and registrations.
Warranty
If you have a problem with your solar system and it’s still within the warranty period, your local installer will likely repair it. Large national solar installation companies typically have crews that are out-of-state or temporary, which means they won’t be able to respond quickly if your system has an issue.
Locally owned solar companies are typically more concerned about customer satisfaction and use higher quality equipment than larger national installers. In addition, their staff knows each other and are answerable to the company owners directly.
They know the state’s unique solar regulations and how residents feel about them, which is vital for a successful project. They also know the weather conditions that affect how well your solar panels work. Additionally, they offer a variety of financing options including $0 down and solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPA). They can help you decide which option is best for your situation based on the amount of upfront investment you want to make and how you plan to pay for it. Check this helpful information.
