Did you know that a solar energy installation is a once-in-a-lifetime investment?
That means it’s important to make sure you hire the right solar installer. Solar energy systems last for decades, so you want to ensure you get a trustworthy company.
Read on to learn about common mistakes in hiring solar installers and how to avoid them.
1. Not Checking Credentials and Experience
When choosing solar contractors, one of the worst things you can do is not carefully check their qualifications and experience. Ensuring the workers have the skills and credentials to handle your solar installation job is important.
Start by making sure they have the right titles and certificates. A respectable business installing solar panels will have the licenses and certificates the government needs. This ensures that they have met the standards and know how to do the work safely and effectively.
2. Not Researching the Company
Another common mistake is not studying enough before hiring a solar installation company. It’s important to find out about the company’s image, how customers feel about it, and how it has done in the past.
Start by looking at online review sites like blogs and social media to see what customers say about the company. Look for patterns of complaints or problems that keep coming up.
Also, you should contact the company personally and ask for references. A trustworthy company that installs solar panels can give you the contact information of past customers who can tell you about their experiences.
3. Ignoring Insurance and Warranties
When looking for solar contractors, checking their safety covers and guarantees is very important. During the construction process, accidents can happen, and your property or a friend’s property could be damaged. The company that installs solar panels must have enough protection to cover these kinds of problems.
Ask for proof of insurance and make sure it’s still valid. This will give you peace of mind because if anything goes wrong during the installation, you won’t be held responsible.
Also, ask about guarantees for the solar cells and the work done to put them. Solar workers with a good reputation usually offer warranties to cover any problems that may come up after the job is done. Read the warranty terms and ensure you know what is covered, how long the guarantee lasts, and how to make a warranty claim if needed.
4. Focusing Solely on Price
Even though the price is an important thing to think about when choosing solar workers, focusing only on the lowest price can cause problems. It’s important to find a good mix between price and value. If you choose the cheapest, you might have to give up on the quality of the products, the work, or your general happiness as a customer.
On the other hand, choosing the most expensive provider may not give you the best value for your money. Instead, it would help if you thought about the installer’s skills, name, and total value. Look for companies with a history of installing things well and making customers happy.
5. Not Getting Multiple Quotes
When choosing options for solar installers, it is important to get different quotes. It lets you compare different choices and make a decision based on how much they are worth overall. If you only look at one price, you might pay too much or miss out on better deals.
Contact a few reputable solar installation companies and give them the information on your project. Ask for bids that include all the prices of goods, labor, permits, and any other services.
Take the time to read these words and compare them. Look for big changes in price or the work that needs to be done.
6. Lack of Written Contracts
Getting a solar system done without a written contract is a big mistake that you should never make. A written contract between you and the solar installation company is a legally binding deal that spells out all the project details, timelines, costs, guarantees, and other decisions. It protects both sides and ensures the whole process is clear and easy to understand.
Before signing the contract, read through all the terms and conditions carefully. Ensure it correctly matches what you and the provider discussed and agreed to. Pay close attention to any terms that talk about possible delays, change orders, payment plans, and how to settle a disagreement.
7. Overlooking Communication Skills
During the whole process of installing a residential solar system, it is very important to communicate well. One common mistake is not paying attention to how well the solar technicians can communicate. You want to work with a team that is quick to respond, honest, and can talk to you well at every job stage.
Pay attention to how well they listen to your needs and answer your questions and concerns during the first meeting and any other time you talk to them. A trustworthy provider will take the time to learn about your goals and explain the installation process, system components, and any technical details in clear language. They should be able to explain complicated ideas to you in a way you can understand without using scientific words.
8. Disregarding Local Permitting and Code Compliance
Another critical mistake to avoid is disregarding local permitting and code compliance requirements. Solar installations are subject to specific regulations and building codes that vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to hire solar installers who know these requirements and have solar installation experience to obtain the necessary permits.
A reputable installer will handle the permit acquisition process on your behalf, ensuring all necessary paperwork is submitted accurately and on time. Failure to comply with local regulations can result in costly delays, fines, or even needing to remove or modify the solar system.
If you are from Cincinnati, you should understand the specific regulations for solar installations in your town. You can click to read the regulations provided by the local authorities.
Learning From the Mistakes in Hiring Solar Installers
Choosing the right solar installer for your project is critical. By understanding some of the common mistakes in hiring solar installers, you can ensure that you select the right installer for your needs.
Utilize the tips outlined above to have an informed and successful hiring process. Use a trusted resource to find a qualified and reputable solar installer in your area!
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