With countless solar companies, narrowing down your options can seem like a daunting task. There are many factors that make finding solar installation companies difficult, so we've put together this list to help you get started.
Availability in your region
Some solar panel installation companies offer wide availability and can provide installation and service in most U.S. states, while others are more regional and may not be able to accommodate locations outside of a certain radius or region . A good first step is to research the service area of the companies you're interested in to narrow down your choices.
Most appreciated and accredited sales office
An established business with demonstrated quality and service should be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The world of solar energy is growing, so it's possible, even likely, that during your research you'll come across new companies that don't have an established reputation. These companies may offer cheaper prices, but working with companies without an established reputation will not give you confidence in the quality of work and service.
Financing and promotion options
Most solar companies should allow the homeowner to purchase all of the solar installation equipment if they choose. This represents a significant upfront cost, but now allows the consumer to keep the bill savings for themselves.
Most of the companies on our list of the best solar panel companies offer consumers the option to finance their own solar installation. Some companies also offer referral bonuses or equipment packages to help you save money when investing in solar energy.
Own and rented equipment
Some solar installation companies will sell you the solar equipment so you can own it and immediately start keeping all the money you save on your bills. Other companies are starting their journey into green, renewable energy by renting solar systems to homeowners. This will help you save money up front and ultimately use your utility savings to pay off the equipment.
Suggestions and hypotheses
Most solar companies will give you a free estimate of the cost of materials and labor for a solar installation. If you're not sure what type of product you want or need, try finding a company that puts their customers first by offering a free, no-cost consultation. An expert can be extremely helpful by walking you through the different options and installation process.
Consumer ratings and reviews
Solar installation requires company employees to work inside and on the roof of your home. So it's important to make sure you use a company you can trust. Customer ratings and reviews can provide a lot of information about the performance of a company and its employees, so be sure to look for companies with high ratings.
Solar equipment
The final way to determine if a solar panel installation company is right for you is to see what type of solar equipment they use. Many companies offer different tools from different manufacturers. Some solar companies combine panels, inverters and other equipment from different manufacturers to save money or because the company's technicians know the best combination of equipment from different manufacturers.
Companies also offer solar panels in a variety of styles and designs, some with a lower profile or designed for more extreme weather conditions. Some companies like Tesla also offer solar tiles.