It might surprise you to learn that the average American spends approximately $365 on utilities each month. While this might not seem like a substantial amount, it can quickly lead to financial stress if you have other obligations like paying off credit card debt, paying for school, etc.
The good news is there’s no shortage of ways to reduce your monthly utility payments, and installing solar panels in your home is one of the best ways to do so. It’s essential to find the right solar energy contractor, though. Let’s explore the key information you need to know.
Understand Your Local Incentives
Depending on where you live, there are numerous potential discounts you could take advantage of for going solar. For example, your state might allow you to deduct a portion of the amount you spend on your solar panel system from your gross income.
This can help you save a substantial amount of money overall. Your local solar panel installer should be well-versed in the discounts available and provide the necessary information.
Read Reviews and Complaints
Solar contractor reputation is an attribute you can never overlook. This provides valuable insight into what you can expect from working with them.
A brief Google search is often all it takes to get a solid grasp of what they’re capable of. Prioritize contractors that have a large amount of positive feedback. Having a handful of negative reviews is normal, but you should avoid professionals who have more bad than good said about them.
You should also pay attention to how they respond to criticism. If they get aggressive or defensive with past customers, it’s crucial to search elsewhere.
Check to see if there are client testimonials, as well. These are more detailed than conventional reviews and provide extra information you wouldn’t normally see.
Ask Friends and Family
It’s crucial to ask friends and family members about the experiences they’ve had with solar panel installation. Chances are they can point you in the right direction when looking for a contractor.
If you don’t have friends or family who’ve installed solar panels, you can leverage your professional contacts instead. This method isn’t guaranteed to help you find the ideal choice, but it’s worth trying due to its potential.
Check Licenses and Certifications
Never hire a contractor who isn’t licensed, bonded, and insured. This could lead to major complications, such as being financially liable for accidents that occur. For example, assume you hire a contractor who isn’t licensed or insured so you can save money.
They damage your property and injure themselves during the project. Since they weren’t licensed, they likely made the mistake due to inexperience.
Being insured could result in them filing a civil lawsuit against you for their medical bills. Even a single incident like this can lead to financial ruin.
Reputable contractors will display their credentials on their website or provide them upon request. If they attempt to deflect inquiries about this topic, don’t hire them.
How Experienced Are They?
As you might expect, it’s in your best interest to find someone who has a substantial amount of experience. This will provide a greater chance that they can satisfy your requirements. It also minimizes the chance they’ll make mistakes.
In general, you should look for someone who’s been around for at least a decade. Inexperienced contractors aren’t guaranteed to offer poor results, but they’ll be more likely to do so.
Cost of Installation
Not all contractors are created equal, and you should avoid the least expensive options you find. These are likely to deliver subpar service.
However, you don’t need to choose the most expensive options you find. Somewhere in the middle of the price range can help you reach your goals without overspending.
Don’t hire someone who charges miscellaneous fees during installation. They should provide an itemized breakdown of everything you can expect. Without this level of transparency, it can be difficult to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Ask Key Questions
There are certain questions you should consider asking your contractor. One of the most important is whether the solar panel system will use the entire roof or only a portion of it. Ask your contractor if you’ll need to remove shingles before installation occurs; you should also ask about the timeline of the project.
If it will take longer than you anticipate, inquire what factors contribute to the delay. Be wary of contractors who can’t provide reasonable information or if their response doesn’t make sense. If you need to obtain permits, you should have your contractor guide you through the process.
Making a mistake while doing so could cause major setbacks. In some cases, it could even lead to legal complications.
Get Multiple Quotes and Compare
It’s not recommended to choose the first option you encounter. Instead, make a short list of different providers and narrow down your decision from there. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, keep your list at around five or six contractors before you start eliminating options.
It’s also worth looking for contractors that provide customized solar energy solutions. These can help you meet your needs without stretching your budget. Some contractors will provide discounts in certain situations. For instance, you could pay less money per panel for larger projects.
Assess Potential Cost Savings
Some people mistakenly believe that all solar systems save the same amount of money. In reality, there’s often a large discrepancy between indifferent providers.
The last thing you want is to miss out on saving thousands of dollars. In many cases, it wouldn’t be worth installing panels with certain contractors if you didn’t save as much as anticipated.
Find the Right Solar Energy Contractor
Without the right solar energy contractor on your side, you’ll struggle to meet your goals. You could also encounter numerous issues you would’ve otherwise avoided. The tips in this guide will help ensure you get started on the right track.
Our blog has plenty of other useful lifestyle articles that can help you out in the future. Be sure to check them out today!
