Although solar can be a large investment, it doesn’t need to be scary. Thousands of homes in Wisconsin have installed solar panels in the past ten years. The industry is projected to grow up to 60% in the coming years.

Solar panels are a new technology. When bad reviews about poor installers appear in the news, it can be hard to find a reliable local installer.

No matter where you are in your journey, Arch wants you to know the questions to ask about your solar investment. We also want you to feel confident in your choice of installer.

The following points cover what to look for in a commercial or home solar installer you can trust:

Locality

Research your local trusted solar contractors. A great place to start is the Amicus Solar Cooperative website. Listed by state of work, these companies are part of an ethical solar co-op.

This co-op model helps them share buying power and build trust across the country. Together, Amicus installers aim to provide better value to customers. Arch Solar has been a member of Amicus since 2016.

Choosing a local installer can also lead to more efficient projects. Local companies are more familiar with local permitting, city ordinances, and weather systems, just to name a few. Local installers should avoid 3rd party contractors who are not familiar with regional rules.

Looking for more information? Check the Dept of Energy’s guide on choosing a local solar installer, or the Focus on Energy trade allies search map.

Reputation and Experience

Choose experienced solar installers for reliable systems that last longer. Their proven track record ensures quality and durability. A good metric for an installer is if they’ve been in business for 3 or more years.

Good local solar companies should explain their choice of equipment. They should also tell you about installation time and warranties. To protect yourself and your investment, ask specific questions about the process of your solar installer.  

Your solar project manager should also be able to answer any questions about the installation with confidence and transparency. Some good questions are ‘What warranties are included?’, ‘Does my city have solar regulations?’, ‘Will there be a master electrician on site?’, and ‘How will my panel performance change over time?’

For a list of common customer and industry questions, check out Arch’s Residential Solar FAQ page.

The installer you pick should give you reviews and references from recent jobs. This will help you feel good about your choice. If your company also installs commercial solar, ask for local business references that have offset their costs with solar.

Image courtesy of http://solarreviews.com

Credentials

Like trust, relationships are built over time.

Third-party verification, such as NABCEP (National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification, helps ensure that installers meet higher standards. This is in contrast to companies that do not certify their workers. Continued education and quality checks are a large part of what makes an installer trustworthy.

NABCEP is the top certification for solar energy knowledge in the United States. Make sure members of your solar install team are NABCEP certified. If your project uses subcontractors, ask if those subcontractors hold NABCEP certification.

Arch strives for all of our employees, especially installers, designers, and managers, to obtain these certifications. We spend extra time and effort to keep our employees updated. They learn the latest techniques and technology in our ever-changing industry.

Learn more about NABCEP Certification and why it matters from our previous entry on the subject.

Licensing

Make sure the installer has all the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance. Good installers will show their licenses on their website and in their documents. Also, seek installers vetted by industry organizations such as NABCEP or Focus on Energy.

Quality of Products

High quality products means high quality investment. Make sure your system has modern panels, inverters, and racking. These components all assist in keeping energy production high over the course of your solar system’s life.

Choosing a low-quality product for your solar system can lead to problems. You might end up with faulty panels or parts, which may not meet industry standards. Always discuss your system specifics with your installer or project manager.

Customization

Trusted solar companies will size the system for your specific energy needs.

Many states, including Wisconsin, do not pay full price for energy produced above the amount used. When getting multiple quotes for your home, watch the wattage closely. If one company decides to place panels for high overproduction, consult with a different company.

Arch aims to offset close to 100% of your energy usage using historical data from your energy bills. If you plan to upgrade your home with additions like heat pumps, hot tubs, or electric vehicles, we will consider the increased energy use.

Transparency

Like any home construction project, solar installation companies should provide clear and honest pricing. They should also stick to the schedules agreed on in advance. Complications in projects sometimes do arise,and your installer should be transparent with change orders or unexpected costs. 

Look for a company that offers fair prices for a system that meets your energy needs. They should communicate clearly during the whole process and avoid using pushy or uncomfortable sales tactics.

Warranty and Post-Install

Modern system components generally come with 25 year product warranties. Most trusted installers will also have a labor warranty to show that they stand behind their work quality.

When looking at warranties, you should choose an installer who will be there for the life of your system. A good indicator of company health is how long the solar company has been in business and how many markets they serve. 

Arch is unique for Wisconsin installers. We have a special team called Service and Quality Management. This team focuses on solar system health and maintenance. Our maintenance options cover everything from production monitoring to critterguard.

Financing

Choose a reliable installer who helps you find trusted financing options. Solar can be a large upfront investment and a reputable financing company can alleviate some of the concern. 

Solar credits and rebates may be time-sensitive. Make sure your installer helps you save money. They should inform you of deadlines that increase the return on investment for your home solar system.

Be sure to also check with your financial professional if the 30% ITC Tax Credit could help reduce the cost of your system.

Taking energy costs into your own hands is a great investment, and it’s one that should be made with confidence. Local solar installers strive to be the best, and healthy competition is good for consumers.

Taking the time to research and compare companies is a choice that will benefit you for many years.

A good local installer will ensure a smooth installation. They will also give you peace of mind about your choice.

Read more:
This Old House – How To Avoid Solar Panel Scam
Department of Energy – Choosing the Right Solar Installer
Straight Up Solar – 5 Questions To Ask Your Solar Installer