Questions to Ask A Company Before Starting Your Solar Installation

So, you’ve decided to go solar. Awesome! As you shop around for contractors, ask these questions to make sure you are working with true professionals:

Are you a local or national company?

A local company is better than a national company for several reasons:

• Personalized service and great customer service. Local companies have the ability to cater to individual needs, create better detailed plans specific to the area, and are easier to get in touch with.
• Cost savings. Local companies tend to come in at better pricing because they are focused on a local area. When national companies have a lower price, it’s often becausae they are using cheaper products and outsourced customer service
• Faster response to your questions and concerns. Since local companies are local, they can get back to you quickly and arrive to your home easily if there’s an issue with your system
• Reputation within the community. Local companies are run by your neighbors so their incentive to give the best service and do the best job are important. It’s important to prioritze a great experience when they know they’ll see you at the grocery store.

How long have you been in business?

Not only does this establish credibilty, it allows you to search their online reviews and speak to other customers. It’s also important to know your local installer will be around to follow through with their warranty.  With the solar business booming, it can lead to fly-by-night companies that are open one year and closed the next. Ideally, you’ll want to work with a company that has been around for at least 10 years.

What are your certifications?

The National American Board of Certified Energy Practioners (NABCEP) sets standards for knowledge, experience and professionalism in the renewable energy sector. Most companies will also list their certifications on their website.

What are the incentives and rebates available in my area?

The installer should know all rebates available to you federally and state-wide. They should be able to help guide you through all of the rebates available and tell you how to apply for them. Our site even offers a savings calculator that will show you all your savings on solar and other energy-efficient upgrades you’re interested in.

Do I need a new roof before installing a solar system?

The age of your roof is important to discuss before installing solar. If your roof has less than 10 years to go before replacement, you should consider replacing your roof first. If you do choose to install solar on an older roof,, be aware that you may face unnecessary (but doable) removal and reinstall of your solar panels.

Is your company going to perform the installation?

While this may seem like an obvious answer, some companies hire high pressure marketing companies to do the sales and then bid the work to a solar company. At Independent Power we are a one-stop-experience. We do everything in-house so you know who to expect on the day of installation, and who you’ll be talking to when you reach out.

What is the size of my system and how much consumption is it going to offset?

A great team will be able to run a free quote for you that is determined by your unique needs. They will be able to show you the recommended size of your system, how it will look and how much consumption your system will offset.

What is the warranty for my system?

A recommended warranty is 25 years. Make sure you know how many years are covered for your system.

There You Have It.

Going solar is a big decision and choosing a local, well-established company can make the difference between a solid investment and a system disaster.

At Independent Power, we put our customers first. We want to earn your business and welcome the opportunity to run a free quote for you. We’re local, family-owned and have been going strong since 1996.