There are now more than two million American homes using solar power. As more people learn the numerous benefits of going solar, they continue to make the switch. Reducing energy bills, earning tax credits, and helping the environment are only a few primary benefits.
When having solar panels installed at your home, it’s usually better to hire a local solar company versus a large corporation. However, not every local company is created equally. Continue reading to learn what questions you should ask your local solar company before hiring them.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Ideally, you’ll want to find a company with at least three years of experience installing solar panels. One great example of an experienced company is Blue Raven Solar. They’ve been in business for seven years and are still going strong.
Are You NABCEP Certified?
NABCEP stands for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. This voluntary certification provides additional training, experience, and knowledge for solar installers and electricians. Ask for proof of the company’s credentials.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Each state has different regulations, but all require solar installers to be licensed to work in your state. They should also carry at least liability and workman’s comp insurance.
Liability insurance will protect your home should accidental damage occur while installing solar. Workman’s comp will cover the professionals working on your project in the event of an emergency. Ask to see the solar company’s proof of licensing and insurance declaration pages.
Will You Subcontract Any Part of This Project?
Subcontracting means the company you choose hires a different company for part of the project. Ideally, you want to look for a company that does all their work in-house and doesn’t subcontract anything out.
If your chosen company does subcontract part of the project, ask them which tasks. Who will they be subcontracting to, and what qualifications do they possess? Ask for proof of the subcontractor’s qualifications.
Bonus: Check Their Online Reputation
You can check a company’s reputation by browsing reviews online. This can be even more telling than asking them questions. Many sites allow previous clients to rate businesses they’ve worked with.
Look for a solar installer who has primarily positive ratings. The higher the rating, the better. Be sure to browse the written reviews to get an idea of the strong and weak points of each local solar company.
More Questions About Hiring a Local Solar Company?
Switching from electricity to solar power provides multiple benefits. However, it’s crucial to choose a reliable company to install your solar. The questions and information above can help you choose the best local company in your area.
Do you have more questions about hiring a local solar company? Check out our other blogs. You’ll find articles on home improvement, green living, and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
