Are you looking for new ways to go green or save money this year? You're not alone! In fact, the US became home to more than two million solar panel installations in 2019.
The nation could surpass four million solar panel installations by 2023. By 2024, about 2.5% of homes in the US will have a solar panel system installed. Making the switch can help you find an environmentally-friendly way to save on energy costs.
Not every solar panel company will have the solar system, experience, or services you need, though.
Here are six tips that can help you find the best solar companies in California. Using this guide can help streamline your search. You can feel confident knowing an experienced team is installing your system, too.
Discover the best solar energy companies in the state! Start searching with these six simple tips today.
1. Request Local Referrals
There are currently over 19,700 solar panel installation businesses across the US. If you want to streamline your search, rely on people you trust. Do you know anyone in town with a solar panel system already installed on their roof?
If so, ask who they hired. Speaking with your friends, family members, and neighbors could help you develop a list of referrals. They might even help by providing information that's not available online.
Before speaking to the people in your inner circle, make a list of questions you want to ask beforehand. Try to gather as much information about each homeowner's experience with the solar energy companies they hired.
For example, you might want to ask:
- Did the team arrive on time
- Were they experienced and knowledgeable
- Did you encounter any issues with the company
- How much did their services cost
- What financing option did you choose
- Would you hire them again
If the homeowner experienced problems with the solar panel company, ask how the problem was resolved. Find a company that cares about its customers. The best solar companies will want to remedy any issues to ensure the best customer experience.
If you can't gather referrals from friends and family members, that's okay. Google "best solar companies near me" and start creating a list.
Then, visit each company's website and look for a testimonials page. Check their Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google My Business listings, too. Read reviews from customers who were once in your shoes.
Choose a solar energy company that's already earned the respect of locals in the area.
2. Consider Your Preferences
If you want to find the best solar installation companies, take a moment to consider your specific needs and goals. The best company in town is one that suits your specific requirements.
For example, you might decide you want to choose a solar panel company based on the financing options they have available.
Perhaps you'd prefer to choose a local company that has more intimate knowledge about local rebates. Local businesses likely know more about county permitting requirements, too.
Otherwise, you might decide you'd prefer to choose a large, national solar panel company. These companies might offer more financing options. They might offer a more comprehensive warranty, too.
Choose a company based on your needs and priorities.
3. Look for Experience
Take the time to learn more about each company on your list. The best solar companies will have years of experience you can count on. An experienced team likely already has an efficient plan in place.
These teams are more likely to avoid making costly mistakes. They're more likely to offer top-notch services after perfecting their operations, too.
A new business, on the other hand, might need more time to work out operational kinks.
Visit each company's website and look for an "About Us" page. Check their Better Business Bureau listing to determine when the company was founded, too.
Otherwise, ask who will arrive to install your solar panels. How many homes have they worked on in the past? How long have they worked for the solar panel company?
Make sure a team with years of hands-on installation experience will work on your home. These teams are less likely to cause damages or make costly mistakes.
4. Check Their Paperwork
Before a solar panel company starts working on your home, make sure they have their paperwork in order.
Make sure the company is licensed and insured. Determine if they have both worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Their insurance will protect your interests if there's an accident.
Look into the solar panel installation team's credentials, too. Do they have certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)? The NABCEP sets the gold standard for installation.
Ask if a PV Installation Professional will work on your installation project as well.
You'll have peace of mind knowing someone with extensive training is working on your installation project.
5. Explore Long-Term Services
Ask the solar energy companies on your list if they offer any additional services. For example, they might offer annual preventative maintenance checks. Routine checks will ensure your solar panels are working properly.
The company might also offer routine cleaning services.
Perhaps you're interested in solar battery storage services. You might want to determine if the company can offer weatherproofing or roof replacement services, too. Improving the state of your roof can benefit your solar panel system.
Otherwise, take the time to learn about the products each company can offer. Some companies can build a custom system.
Choose a company that can offer high-quality products.
6. Compare Pricing
Gather estimates from three of the best solar companies on your list. Determine what's included with the quote (such as labor and materials). Ask each company if they offer financing options, too.
Then, review your notes. Choose a company that can meet your needs and budget.
Go Green: 6 Tips for Finding the Best Solar Companies in California
Finding the best solar companies in California shouldn't feel stressful. Instead, use these tips to streamline your search. With these tips, you can find the best solar companies and start reaping the benefits of going solar.
You can feel confident knowing the best solar panel company is installing your system.
Eager to go solar? We're here to help.
Contact our team today to get started.
