As solar energy increases in popularity, more electrical contractors are beginning to add solar to their service menu. As a home or business owner, you want to make sure you are choosing the best and brightest in your area to assist you with all of your solar energy needs. Here is a list of 5 things you should expect from a solar energy expert.

They will ask to see your utility bills

By sharing 12 months of your utility bills, a solar energy expert can understand how much energy you use to accurately engineer a system to meet, and sometimes exceed, your energy needs. It is also a great way to track your annual savings

They will schedule a site visit with you

A proper site assessment is the only way for a solar contractor to know what type of system will work for your home or business. Ground mount, roof mount, wall mount? There are many options.  One size does not fit all when it comes to solar installations and products. Walking the grounds and assessing the electrical system is the first step in designing a system custom-fit to your property and your needs.

They will take pictures of your property

Where does the electrical connect to your house? What size electrical panel do you have? What direction is your roof facing and what is the layout? Are there any obstructions? If your solar site assessor doesn’t take photos as they walk the property, it should be a red flag. Photographs of the property allow engineers to reference roof lines, peaks, vents, obstacles for trenching, system design overlays, and more to create the perfect layout for your system.

Every proposal is customized to fit your needs

It likely won’t be your “cheapest” option, but quality products and workmanship are important to the longevity and effectiveness of your system. Solar experts know how to engineer a system that will fit your energy needs and what products will give you the best performance and warranty. Your proposal will include system information, energy analysis, estimated energy savings, and a financial summary. If you have questions, they will encourage you to ask and make sure you are comfortable with the information given to you prior to signing.

They care about how your system is performing

An expert takes pride in their craftsmanship and design. When choosing your contractor, make sure to ask how long they have been in business and what programs they have in place for after-install support. An expert will be there to answer questions, analyze your energy production, and provide you with premium post-install customer service to ensure your system is performing for years to come.

Looking for a solar expert in your area? Contact Arch Electric today! If you aren’t in our service area, we can help pair you with a reliable solar energy expert near you!