In a conscious decision to embrace sustainable living, the number of homeowners opting for home solar energy continues to grow. With the help of a solar panel installation company, installing rooftop solar panels can be much simpler than initially imagined.
Besides, the incentives world governments offer homeowners to adopt a greener lifestyle are fuelling this positive step. Solar energy helps reduce electricity bills while nourishing a more sustainable world for future generations.
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a renewable energy source with a significantly lower environmental impact. There is less air pollution and greenhouse gasses with solar energy.
Understanding different types of solar installations
It is easy to generate solar energy. One can place solar panels almost anywhere. Nonetheless, there are four main types of solar installations:
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Residential solar
Easily understood as solar generation in residential properties, rooftops are common areas to mount solar panels. Some owners opt for gound-mounted within the garden or at carports. The solar energy produced can power the household. Excess electricity goes to the national grid.
Read more at: Residential solar panel installation
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Commercial and industrial solar
Installation of solar panels on any commercial or industrial building is categorized here. Solar is a cheaper, greener option to power businesses. Additionally, it could be an income revenue for the property owner. Rooftops, parking shades, and garden areas of commercial and industrial buildings are ideal places for solar panels.
Read more at: Commercial solar panel installation
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Utility-scale solar
Developments under this category mean generating solar at a large scale, up to 30,000 times more than home solar projects. These companies generate renewable energy and sell it to utility companies to power homes and businesses. Thus, utility companies have an alternative energy source to offer their customers besides fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
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Community solar
Tenants, apartment dwellers, and those who live in houses with shaded roofs are some people who may not have access to solar power. Moreover, not all properties are suitable for solar panel installation.
Solar farms, or large-scale installations, make clean, renewable energy accessible to more households and benefit from solar energy. Interested participants within the community or neighborhood can enroll in the program by subscribing to a suitable solar plan.
The importance of choosing the right solar panel installer
Engaging professional residential solar panel installation companies minimizes complications due to the inexperience of uncertified installers.
These risks include roof damage, electrical hazards, and even physical injury to the installer, who may not have taken adequate safety measures. These top four reasons highlight the importance of engaging local solar panel installation companies.
1. Work quality
The fundamental factor in the importance of engaging experienced installers is the quality of work produced. An error in the installation process can cause many headaches down the line, including lower solar power generation. Besides this, underqualified roof solar panel installers may not adhere to the industry’s best practices that mitigate risks.
2. Workmanship warranty
Find out what level of warranty your prospective installer offers. Does the warranty cover equipment and labor? What about roof leakage? If so, for how many years? These are good questions to pose to solar panel installation companies for your property.
3. Bankability
With warranty periods spanning up to 25 years, established installers are a better bet to still be around long into the future. Apart from the bankability of the installer, it is also wise to layer your warranty with quality equipment.
4. Trustworthiness
Potential solar system owners usually have a limited understanding of solar equipment and its power generation process. This knowledge is mainly from the internet, solar sales personnel, or installers. Filter the information and always cross-check doubtful claims with another person if unsure.
Factors to consider when choosing the best solar panel installation companies
It takes effort and patience to seek the best solar panel installation companies nearby. After you have found the top solar panel installation companies, it is time to go through a checklist to see which installer best meets your requirements.
Check credentials and track records
The best solar panel installation companies distinguish themselves by being certified. These certified installers ensure quality as they meet the criteria established by local authorities, adhering strictly to safety protocols.
Verifying a company’s certification is just one aspect; they might possess additional credentials or have associations with a solar panel installation organization.
In the United States of America, one of the most recognized organizations is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Being an affiliate speaks highly of their credentials.
If the installer engages subcontractors, those credentials have to be similarly verified. Transparency from installers is crucial if third parties are involved in the installation process.
The longevity of the installer in the solar installation industry allows homeowners to evaluate based on a proven track record.
Evaluate customer reviews and testimonials
Are the largest solar panel installation companies the best? Trust and reliability do not correlate to the size of a company.
Take the time to read through customer reviews and testimonials. A quick Google search can bring up the Google Business Profiles of solar panel installation companies near you. Sort the feedback to show the lowest ratings first to see how bad things can go.
It is also a good idea to visit neighborhood houses installed with solar panels to ask about their experiences with their installer and solar energy adoption. A well-regarded local solar installation company in the community is a positive indication of its trustworthiness.
Compare quotes and understand pricing details
Budget plays a pivotal role as a determining factor in engaging a certified roof solar panel installation company. Once you have shortlisted the best solar installation companies, it is time to request quotations. Understand all details in the quote and individual pricing to know what you are paying for.
For instance, check the standard labor charges and see how they defer. You will want to know how much time is required to install the solar panels. Will there be additional charges should the installation process experience delays?
Assess the quality of solar panels and other equipment
Check the type of solar panels proposed for your project. Besides the types, what is the wattage per panel? Are they sufficient to generate the solar power your household needs?
There is also the solar battery backup system to look into. The four popular types of batteries in home solar generation are:
- lead-acid,
- lithium-ion,
- nickel cadmium, and
- flow batteries.
Check the battery type suggested for your home solar project.
When assessing the hardware of your roof solar system, you would want to place importance on the quality of the solar panels and batteries for maximum efficiency and savings.
Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Solar Panel Installation Process
Read: Rooftop Solar Panels: Generating Green Energy For Your Home
Warranties and after-sales service
A roof solar project is a long-term investment. Warranty periods for solar panels, batteries, and other accessories may differ from one manufacturer to another. Check with the installer and cross-check by surfing the manufacturers’ websites.
The after-sales service will also differentiate solar installers. It is only natural that homeowners want a solar energy system that runs efficiently like clockwork. Reliable after-sales service offers peace of mind to owners that solar will once again generate with minimal downtime.
Solar systems require monitoring, regular inspections, and periodic maintenance to ensure peak performance. A good solar panel installation company should offer customer service and customer satisfaction. The vendor-client relationship does not conclude when solar energy starts generating; it is only the beginning.
Consider solar panel license, insurance, and legal compliance
In addition to being certified, the company should obtain licensing from local authorities. Some countries require the installer to register with the power company for legal compliance. The safety of both the installer and the household is paramount. Last but not least, check that the solar installer is insured.
Green business practices
Customers who prefer solar companies with environmental commitments that align with their sustainability values may engage installers who exhibit green business practices.
From recycling materials to reducing waste and using eco-friendly processes, green solar companies offer innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency.
Other key elements that outline green solar installation companies include:
- Sustainable sourcing.
- Energy-efficient operations.
- Installation longevity.
- Carbon offsetting initiatives.
Engaging a green solar installer means homeowners extend their contribution to a sustainable future beyond investing in a roof solar system.
Look for communication and professionalism
Engaging a solar installer is forging a long-term relationship. From your shortlisted companies, go for the installer you can communicate with most effectively. The company should also display the highest level of professionalism. It mitigates human conflict that might develop over time.
In addition to the above, a top solar panel installation company would:
- Know the ins and outs of local regulations and required permits.
- Customize a solar system that suits the specific needs of the homeowner.
- Have a local understanding of climate conditions and factors.
- Offer technical support and educate the homeowner on system maintenance.
- Knowledgeable about the financing options available.
- Demonstrate environmental commitment via green business practices, should this be important.
Conclusion
A roof solar panel installation is a long-term investment that could span thirty years or longer. Choosing the right solar panel installation company requires careful consideration. Its importance should not be underestimated.
Homeowners should be meticulous in selecting the best solar panel installer with technical expertise, following safety protocols to a T. It should also be a reputable company that reliably offers unwavering after-sales support over the years.
Contact Just Solar to discuss your home solar system requirements and to engage a top solar panel installation company near you.
