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There is no shortage of solar installers out there and narrowing down the list to find the best solar partner for your home solar project can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re not familiar with the solar industry, you might not know what things to look for and how to compare one company to the next.
In this guide, we show you how to choose the best solar installer for your home. We’ll cover important things to look for in a solar company and how to find a reputable solar installer that’ll be with you for the lifespan of your solar panels.
Choosing the right solar installer for your home is more than simply finding the cheapest price, it involves ticking several boxes that demonstrate expertise, commitment to quality, training, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Below, we show you what things to look for in a solar installation company. Go through your list, and if you find a company that meets all the criteria, they’ll likely be an excellent option for your residential solar installation.
When it comes to solar installations, experience is invaluable for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, since solar panels are a long-term investment, you want to ensure your solar installer will be around to provide support and repairs for the system’s lifespan. If the company goes out of business, you might be faced with an unfinished solar installation or lack of warranty support and/or service options.
Secondly, an experienced solar company will have deeper knowledge of the installation process. They will have invested in professional training for their people, will have experience overcoming various technical challenges, and they will have relationships with authorities having jurisdiction, such ast HOAs, utilities, and permit offices.
We generally recommend choosing a solar installer that has been in business for at least 15 to 20 years. Choosing an experienced installer means you can expect higher quality workmanship, hands-on experience and training with the latest technologies, and a reasonable expectation of longevity that is very likely to extend well into the future. After all, the best indicator that a business is managed responsibly and will be there for you in the future is whether they’ve been around for a while already.
See Similar: Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
Credentials can be a good indicator that a solar company has invested in professional training, cares about quality workmanship and is committed to the longevity of the business.
When it comes to solar energy systems, experience and education are paramount. These high-voltage devices interact with both your home's electrical systems and the utility grid, so it's crucial to avoid unlicensed or inexperienced contractors who could make dangerous mistakes.
In Arizona, all contractors must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC). You should find the ROC number on their public materials, such as trucks, business cards, brochures, and websites. Verify their credentials at www.roc.az.gov to see when their license was issued and confirm they are operating legally. If you can’t find an ROC record, it’s best to look for another contractor.
Both major power utilities in Arizona—APS and SRP—certify solar installers to ensure they have the necessary training for safe and effective grid integration. You can check which installers have these certifications by visiting the following links and searching by company name. If the company isn’t listed, they lack this essential training, and you should proceed with caution:
Technical certifications specific to solar energy are also a good indicator of a company's commitment to safety and expertise. The gold standard for solar is issued by The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). To earn NABCEP certification, installers must complete rigorous coursework, pass a challenging exam, and commit to ongoing education to stay up-to-date with industry advancements.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we prioritize education and training for our team. We believe that excellence starts with having the most qualified professionals. Our certifications enable us to work with top-tier commercial clients like Target, SubZero, and PepsiCo, and we bring the same level of expertise to our residential customers.
Our certifications include:
Look for a solar installer that provides detailed, upfront price estimates with no obligation to continue working with them. A reputable company will offer free quotes that include price estimates for equipment, installation, permits, and any additional services like tree cutting or roof repairs, so you understand the total cost of your system and what’s involved. You may want to explore various system designs.
They should also provide you with information about any tax credits, solar incentives, or rebates you’re eligible for, financing options, and an estimate of your expected payback period and return on investment (ROI). Having this information provided transparently and free-of-charge information allows you to better budget, anticipate payback time, and avoid unexpected costs later on in the process.
If numbers seem hidden, incomplete or glossed over, run the other way. Many predatory solar companies will avoid details or dodge specific questions in order to rush the sale or cover for a bad design.
Keep Reading: Solar Panels ROI: Calculating Your Average Returns
Another way to vet a competent solar panel installer is to check if they provide roof inspections. A good installer will assess your roof’s condition and structural integrity to ensure it can support the weight of solar panels. Since solar panels are designed to last decades, it's important to avoid the future costs of removing and reinstalling them if your roof needs repairs or replacement.
A company that includes roof inspections as part of its initial assessment is committed to the long-term success of your solar system. Many of the more reputable companies will outsource the roof inspection to a licensed roofer. This is a great indicator that they’re willing to defer to an expert and not rush you through the process. Together, this demonstrates that they have your best interests in mind and want to prevent unnecessary costs from future roof repairs.
See More: 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Quality Roofing for Solar Installations
These days, it's essential to read online customer reviews before making a significant investment. Reviews give you a glimpse of what to expect from a solar installation company and help you choose the best possible option. Focus on companies with a high volume of positive reviews and a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
We always recommend reading reviews on neutral third-party sites like Google, BBB, or SolarReviews.com. Customers leaving reviews on these sites have no affiliation with the company and are more likely to be expressing their honest opinion.
Besides customer reviews, you can check a company has a proven reputation for quality by seeing if they have any industry recognition or awards. This can show that you’re working with a trusted provider that has been recognized by the industry for their excellence.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions we’ve been recognized by some of the industry’s most trusted sources, including:
When choosing a solar company, you’ll generally encounter two types: those that use their own employees for installation and those that rely on subcontractors. Companies with in-house installers manage every step of the process themselves—from sales to installation, customer service, and ongoing support. This means that the team who sold you the solar panels will also handle the installation and any future needs.
On the other hand, companies that outsource installation typically focus on selling the panels and then delegate the installation to a third party. While some independent sales organizations invest heavily in training and certifications to ensure quality service, many do not. Sales-only solar companies are not required to obtain technical certifications or specialized solar training.
If you feel pressured to make a quick decision or if responses to your questions seem unclear, opting for an in-house solar company might be a better choice. Here’s why:
While subcontractors can be reliable and skilled, they may not have the same level of accountability or commitment to customer satisfaction as a direct representative of the solar company.
However, if you choose a company that outsources installation, ensure you thoroughly vet both the installation team and the sales agents to ensure they meet your standards for quality and reliability.
Every home is unique and everyone has different energy needs, so every solar installation should be tailored accordingly. A good solar installer will customize your system to fit your specific requirements, energy usage, and roof structure. As we mentioned earlier, a reputable installation partner will be able and willing to explore options with you, and transparently share the costs and production estimates in detail.
Ask the installer if they have experience in custom-designing solar energy systems and if they can provide examples of past projects. Most reputable firms will be willing to share a few references. Don’t be afraid to ask for and reach out to previous customers.
The best solar installer for your home is often a local company that understands local regulations, permits, climate, and available solar incentives, rebates, and tax credits.
A local installer can provide more valuable guidance during the consultation and installation process and also offer personalized, attentive service. Because they have a vested interest in maintaining their reputation within the community, they’re more likely to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. Local companies can also show you local installations and, in some cases, refer you to past clients as a testament to their quality.
Local installers also understand your area’s climate and can select solar panels optimized for efficiency. In Arizona, for example, we deal with extreme heat and not all solar panels are able to withstand the desert climate. As Arizona locals, Sun Valley Solar Solutions know which solar panels are best suited for our local environment.
Finally, a local installer will be more likely to have strong relationships with local authorities that must approve permits for your project. This includes HOAs, electrical utilities and local permitting offices.
Similar Reading: Maximizing Solar Efficiency in Extreme Heat: A 2024 Guide
In the unlikely event of an issue with your solar panel system, a workmanship warranty is essential. This warranty protects you from problems related to the installation process, unlike manufacturer warranties, which only cover solar equipment issues, and typically only the hardware (not the labor costs).
The best solar installers will stand by their workmanship with a warranty that covers critical parts of the installation process, such as roof penetrations and conduit runs. When comparing installers, look for warranties that extend beyond the hardware and demonstrate confidence in their expertise and provide peace of mind that any issues will be resolved easily.
Your relationship with your solar installer should extend well beyond the installation of your panels. Before committing to a solar company, inquire about their post-installation support and assistance. Ask if they have an in-house service department, whether it is local, and how long they have been servicing systems in Arizona. These questions will help you gauge the level of ongoing support you can expect.
A reliable solar installer will offer continuous support to address any issues with your solar panels and ensure that your system operates efficiently throughout its lifespan. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we are committed to providing exceptional service and support long after your installation is complete, whether you have questions about system performance or require maintenance.
Keep Reading: How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Now that you know essential things to look for in a solar company, let’s look at the process of choosing your future solar installers. This involves making a list of potential installers and slowly reducing that down until you’re left with one company you can rely on.
The best way to find a trustworthy solar installer is through word of mouth. Ask your neighbors, friends, and family who have solar panels which company installed their panels and if they would recommend them. You might want to ask some questions to get better clarity around their first-hand experience with the company.
Some questions to ask include:
See More: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Next, you want to sift through the list of potential solar installers to assess their level of experience and years in business. As mentioned earlier, we always recommend going for a solar installer that has at least 15 to 20 years of experience. This not only means they’ve built up expertise and have a deep knowledge of the industry, but it also provides assurance that they won’t be going away any time soon.
Once you have a list of a few solar installers, we suggest booking a consultation and getting a quote from a few different installers. This not only allows you to compare prices but also provides an insight into each installer’s process, communication style, and inclusions.
There are a few different ways that solar installers offer quotes. Some provide quotes online or over the phone without visiting your home. Others visit your house and do a site inspection, providing a more thorough consultation and estimate. This process itself will show you the level of detail, quality, and support you can expect from the installers.
When comparing quotes, be careful not to choose the cheapest price estimate. Instead, weigh up the costs compared to the inclusions, warranty, and financing options. If one solar installer offers a more detailed estimate while others give you a vague number, you’re probably better off choosing the detailed estimate that actually gives you a concrete idea of what to expect and what’s included.
See More: How to Size a Solar System: Step-by-Step (2024 Guide)
When you’re left with just a couple of solar installers, the final piece of the puzzle is to check through the ‘things to look for in a solar company’ earlier in the article and cross off the installers that don’t meet the criteria.
In the end, you should find yourself with a reputable, reliable, and experienced solar installation company who you can trust with your solar installation.
Installing solar panels is a significant investment and the relationship you have with your solar installer will last long after installation is complete. This makes the search for a competent and reputable solar installer an important one. An ideal solar installation company will be experienced, qualified, local to your area, and offer support for the lifespan of your solar panels. To make sure you settle on the right choice, it’s essential to take your time and carefully vet the company before you proceed with installation.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and businesses across Arizona harness the power of the sun. We’re committed to providing solar solutions that are not only efficient, but also tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need a new solar system for your home, battery backup, or solar panel repairs, we're a trusted solar energy company here when you need us.
It all starts with a free, no-obligation quote from one of our experienced team members. Get in touch with us now and let’s talk solar.
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