Over the last decade, solar power has grown at an average rate of 22 percent. This is due to many factors, including strong government incentives and significant advancements in solar technology.
With more people installing solar panels, the market has responded with a proliferation of solar installation companies. There are lots to choose from, and not all are the same. For a large investment like residential solar, it is vital to hire a reputable installer.
The good news is that, once you know what to look for, you can proceed with confidence. Keep reading for eight tips to find the best solar installers Tucson has to offer.
1. Research Credentials and Experience
One of the first things to look for is the credentials of a prospective installer. Make sure that they are licensed and insured.
They should have relevant certifications from organizations like the Solar Energy Industries Association or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most respected companies will make these readily available through their website – but do not hesitate to ask for it.
Also, inquire about their experience. Some companies specialize in commercial solar, which is quite different than residential installation. You want to ensure that they have worked on projects like yours.
2. Read Reviews and Check References
It should be easy to find and read reviews of a company online. Many will post them on their website, but be sure to seek out independent reviews as well.
Also, ask the company for references. It can be helpful to speak to a former or current customer about the experience they have had with the solar installers in Tucson. Ask about the level of customer service they received and how the company was to work with from start to finish.
3. Investigate Solar Panel Types and Brands
There are many different kinds of solar panels. Monocrystalline panels come from a single slab of crystal silicon (hence the name).
This gives them a sleek, uniform appearance. They also are very thin and light, which makes them ideal for roofs with less space or that cannot bear a heavy load.
They also are the most efficient, which means they will convert more energy from the sun. The one downside is that monocrystalline panels are the most expensive kind.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from many silicon crystals that are melted together. They are less efficient than monocrystalline ones but are less expensive as well. This makes them an economical option, especially for a solar home with a big roof that can support more panels.
Thin film panels are made by layering photovoltaic material on top of a substrate, like plastic, metal, or glass. This allows them to more easily integrate with building structures. However, thin films are less efficient than crystalline panels.
It is important to find a solar panel retailer that offers a wide variety of options to suit your home. Beyond these main types, make sure that the brand the company uses is of the highest quality. You want to get the most bang for your buck.
4. Check for Warranties
Ask about what kind of guarantees the company offers for its products and services. Quality solar panels will probably come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This is important, but it may only cover the panels themselves and not other components needed for installation.
Find out if the installer offers a warranty on such parts. Also, ask about guarantees for labor and services. Make sure that every aspect of the solar panel system is covered.
5. Ask About Post-Installation Supports
High-quality products and installation services will ensure you are all set to reap the benefits of solar power. However, nothing is perfect. If something is not working as it should, then you need the assurance that it will be made right.
In fact, good companies will have built-in quality checks following solar panel installation. They will want to make sure you are completely satisfied with the project.
Ask about available post-installation support before you pull the trigger on a company. If one will not give you this guarantee, then keep looking for one that will.
6. Discuss Tax Credits
Solar installation is a big investment. However, there are a lot of financial perks that come with it. Besides lower utility costs, you can reap the benefits of federal, state, and even utility-based tax credits and discounts.
But you do not have to wait until your solar system is up and running to look into this. A good company will have all this information at its fingertips. They should be able to supply you with instructions and the requisite paperwork so that you don’t have to do anything more than file.
7. Ask About Financing
If you have concerns about the upfront costs of solar panel installation, ask about financing options. Often, companies have agreements with banks or other lenders to help cover these. Good companies will want to remove or lessen any financial barriers to solar.
8. Get Multiple Quotes
Finally, even if you think you have settled on a solar installer, it does not hurt to get several estimates–most companies offer them for free. This will give you the peace of mind that you are getting the best price for your solar panel system and setup.
Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples, though. Some companies like to lowball prices to entice customers, then reveal that only the panels were quoted.
As mentioned, there are many different types of solar panels in terms of capacity and function. A company with a slightly higher quote but that has superior products, along with expert installation and support, could end up saving you lots of money in the long run.
Find Top-Quality Solar Installers in Tucson
Now that you know some helpful tips for hiring solar installers in Tucson, you can get started. Remember, finding a reputable solar company is the most important thing you can do to ensure your solar energy system functions great for decades to come.
Sun Club USA is dedicated to making green energy simple and accessible for residential customers. Our team of experts can formulate reliable and sustainable energy solutions for your Arizona home. Reach out to us today to schedule a free solar quote.
