Buying Solar Panels: How to Select a Reputable Company
After you have decided to install solar panels on your home, you will then need to locate a dependable company from which to buy and have them installed. But how do you decide who to choose? Following are a few tips for you to consider.
Here Are Other Ideas To Have Your Solar Panels Installed For Much Cheaper
Experience matters. If you are fortunate enough to live in a location where solar panel installation has been ongoing, you may be able to find a company which has been in business for two or three decades. Such a company should be able to provide ample references for you to call. It will also be easy to check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if they have a good reputation.
Inquire about the equipment they suggest, and do some research on the internet to find some reviews of the makers. Ask them what types of warranties accompany the equipment. Also, find out what types of labor and workmanship warranties are offered by the contractor. It is common to find 10-year warranties on the solar panels, and 3 to 10-year warranties on pumps, inverters and controls. Workmanship should carry at minimum a one year warranty.
Naturally, You Can Always Build It Yourself – It’s Quite Simple!
Many Solar Panel Companies specialise only in the methods that are predominantly “off-grid” and you are advised to then make sure before you decide to employ them if you wish to stay tied to the local grid. Yes, there are definite differences between the installation of the two systems. But off-grid systems are much more complex than grid tied systems. An off grid installer will almost certainly be quite qualified to connect your system to the local electric company, especially since since the person will be monitored by the local building inspectors.~There is no need to be concerned if an installer has experience only in off-grid systems and yours will be on the grid. While there are certainly differences in how the two systems are installed, off-grid system installation is much more complex. So an off-grid installer will probably be very qualified to connecting your system to the local utilities company. And, in any case, he or she will be monitored by the local building inspectors.}
Membership in a professional organization for alternative power dealers might be another indicator of professionalism. But first find out what the requirements are to be a memeber of the organization before you take it into consideration. Memberships are voluntary, and mosy require only members to pay a fee. Other organizations (such as the Solar Energies Industries Association) require field experience and continuing education in order to be a member.
Word of mouth is most often the best recommendation. Do you know (or know of) someone who has just had solar panels installed? Ask them about their experiences with the company they used. You can also inquire at the local property realtors as the agents are often knowlegeable as to which contractors in town are the most experienced.