Are you considering solar energy for your home or business? Choosing the right contractor is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful installation process.
However, with so many options available, it can be easy to fall into common mistakes in picking solar contractors. How you select your solar installer will affect your overall solar project’s success.
That is why we’re here to help you look out for these mistakes. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information needed to decide and choose the best contractor for your solar needs!
Read on!
Table of Contents
1. Failing to Research
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of going solar and overlook important details about the contractors you’re considering. Researching potential contractors can help ensure that you choose a reputable company that will provide quality:
- workmanship
- products
- services
Taking time to research before making a decision will save you time, money, and hassle later down the line!
2. Not Obtaining Multiple Quotes
Obtaining multiple quotes is one of the most important things you can do. Not only will this give you a better idea of what the project should cost. It also allows you to compare different contractors and find the best fit for your needs.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that all solar contractors are created equal. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Each contractor has their own unique:
- approach
- pricing structure
- level of experience
By obtaining comparing solar installation costs, you’ll be able to see these differences firsthand. You may even discover new ideas or approaches that you hadn’t considered before!
Another advantage of getting multiple quotes is that it puts you in control. When contractors know they’re competing for your business, they’re more likely to offer competitive pricing and excellent service.
So don’t settle for just one quote. Cast a wide net and see what’s out there! You might just be surprised by what you find.
3. Choosing Based on Price Alone
While it’s understandable to want to save money, opting for the cheapest option may end up costing you more in the long run. This is because low-priced contractors may use subpar materials and cut corners in their work.
Remember, installing solar panels requires expertise. It entails the use of high-quality equipment that comes at a cost. A trustworthy and experienced contractor will never compromise on quality just to undercut competitors’ prices.
It’s important not to let price be your only deciding factor when choosing a solar contractor. Instead, look for contractors who offer fair pricing while also providing top-notch services with quality components and warranties.
Oftentimes, lower-priced quotes might exclude essential aspects like permits or installation fees. This can drive up costs later on down the line. A good rule of thumb is to choose a reputable solar installer who offers transparent pricing without any hidden costs or fees.
4. Ignoring Contractor Experience
While it can be tempting to go with a newer or less experienced contractor because they offer lower rates, this can lead to bigger headaches down the line. An experienced contractor has likely encountered and solved various issues that may arise during your solar installation process.
They have sufficient knowledge about what works and what doesn’t. This makes them more equipped to handle any challenges that come along. Moreover, a contractor with solar installation experience will also have established relationships with the following:
- suppliers
- manufacturers
- other industry contractors
This means they’ll likely get better deals on materials which could result in cost savings for you as well. Choosing an inexperienced or new contractor may seem like a good idea at first glance. But remember that when it comes to installing something as important as solar panels on your home or business, you don’t want just anyone handling the job.
Inexperienced contractors may not only lack proper training. They also lack in cutting-edge technology needed for efficient installations.
5. Overlooking Proper Licensing and Insurance
These regulations vary by state and can be extensive. Proper licensing ensures that your contractor has been vetted for their:
- experience
- knowledge
- skillset
One mistake homeowners often make when choosing a solar contractor is assuming all contractors are licensed and insured. However, this isn’t always the case. Unlicensed contractors may offer lower prices but come with increased risk for liability or shoddy workmanship.
It’s important to ask your potential contractor for proof of their license before signing any contracts. This will ensure you’re working with a professional who meets all legal requirements. This of which is necessary to complete your project safely and correctly.
Insurance is also critical when considering which contractor to choose. Workers’ compensation insurance protects you if anyone gets injured while working on your property during the installation process. Furthermore, general liability insurance provides coverage in case there are damages made during the installation process or after the completion of work on-site.
6. Not Checking References
This step is often overlooked by homeowners who assume that all contractors are trustworthy and reliable. However, failing to check references can lead to unforeseen problems down the road. One of the main reasons why checking references is so critical is that it allows you to get an idea of how well the contractor has performed in past projects.
By speaking with previous clients, you can learn about their experiences working with the contractor. This includes any challenges they faced during installation or afterward.
It’s also important to ask for references from recent projects rather than relying solely on older ones. This is because businesses evolve, and past reviews may not be as relevant anymore.
7. Neglecting to Review Warranties
Neglecting to review these warranties can lead to unexpected costs and headaches down the line. One common mistake is assuming that all warranties are created equal. It’s crucial to look into what exactly is covered and for how long.
Warranty Coverage
Some warranties may only cover manufacturing defects. Others may include coverage for damage caused by extreme weather or other external factors.
Warranty Transferability
Another mistake is not understanding the warranty transferability. If you plan on selling your home in the future, a transferable warranty can add value and make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
Maintenance Warranty
It’s also important to note that some solar panel manufacturers require regular maintenance for their warranty to remain valid. Neglecting this upkeep could result in voided warranties.
In addition, be sure to check if your installer offers a separate workmanship warranty. This covers any issues related specifically to the installation process itself rather than just the product.
8. Disregarding Local Knowledge
It’s important to choose a contractor who knows the ins and outs of your specific area. This includes any permits or regulations required for solar installations.
A local solar contractor will also have experience working with the weather patterns in your region. This can affect the efficiency of your solar panels. They’ll know how to position them optimally to get maximum sunlight throughout the day.
And if there are any unforeseen issues during installation, they’ll be able to handle them quickly and effectively because they’re familiar with local resources.
When you work with a non-local contractor, you risk delays or complications that could have been avoided if they had more familiarity with your area. Plus, supporting a local business helps boost your community’s economy!
9. Choosing a Contractor With Limited Product Options
Many contractors offer only one or two types of solar panels, which may not meet your specific needs. When looking for a solar contractor, it’s important to find someone who offers an array of products from different manufacturers. A contractor with limited product options may not have access to the latest and most efficient technology available on the market.
Furthermore, if you have unique energy requirements or design preferences, a contractor with few product choices will likely struggle to accommodate them. The best contractors will work closely with you to determine your specific needs and budget constraints before recommending the right products for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask potential contractors about their product offerings during your initial consultation. Doing so can help ensure that you’ll end up with the right system for your home or business while also allowing for maximum energy savings in the long run.
10. Skipping the Contract Review
Skipping the contract review process altogether can lead to a variety of issues, from being charged more than expected to being saddled with a less-than-ideal system. To best avoid these problems, it’s important to take the time to read and review any agreements you will be signing.
Make sure to check for extra fees or costs and that the length of the contract won’t cost you more in the long run. Ask your contractor questions and make sure you understand all the terms before you sign.
This way, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal and the most efficient solar system for your individual needs. Once you have kept all these in mind, it’s time to get solar today.
Avoid Mistakes in Picking Solar Contractors
In summary, choosing the right solar contractor is crucial for a successful and long-lasting solar installation. Avoiding these common mistakes in picking solar contractors can help you find a reputable and trustworthy contractor who will ensure that your investment in solar energy pays off for years to come.
So take some time to do your homework upfront – it’s an investment that will pay off in dividends for many years down the road!
Visit our main blog page for more helpful topics.
