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Are you considering switching to solar energy but feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options out there? You're not alone! Solar power is a great option for homeowners looking to reduce their utility bills. However, it's important to make sure you ask the right questions when interviewing potential solar contractors - that way, you can be confident that your contractor will provide the quality service and reliable results you need. Read on to learn five essential questions to ask before choosing a solar contractor.
Check Their License
Thinking about going solar? You’ve made a great decision – solar power is one of the cleanest, most sustainable sources of energy in the world. But before you make any final decisions, there’s an important first step to take: make sure your contractor is licensed in the state of California. Here’s why it matters.
Why Licensing Matters
When you’re selecting a solar contractor, you don’t want just anyone. You want someone fully qualified to do the job correctly and safely, and that means finding someone who is licensed in all areas related to installing solar panels. That includes electrical work and roofing, both of which require special certifications in California. If your contractor isn’t properly licensed, this might be a sign that they don’t have enough experience or training to handle the job correctly.
It’s also important to remember that even if your contractor tells you they are fully qualified, they may not actually be telling the truth. The best way to ensure that your contractor has all the necessary qualifications is by confirming their license with the Better Business Bureau or directly at California’s Contractors State License Board. That way, you can rest assured knowing that your project will be done right – legally and safely.
The Benefits of Choosing a Local Solar Contractor
Choosing the right solar contractor is an important decision. When it comes to solar energy, you want to make sure you choose a contractor that has the experience, knowledge, and customer service necessary to help you get the most out of your investment. While there are many contractors and companies offering solar services, one of the best ways to ensure you get quality service is by choosing a local contractor with local offices and personnel. Let’s take a closer look at why this is so important.
Local Solar Contractors
When you work with a local solar contractor, you will not only be dealing with someone who understands the area, but also someone who understands the climate conditions in your area. This means that they can recommend components and set up systems specifically designed for your location and its weather patterns. A local contractor can also assess any potential site issues that may arise before installation begins — something that would be difficult for an out-of-town company to do.
Working with a local solar contractor also brings convenience and peace of mind, as they will be able to respond quickly if something goes wrong with your system or if you have questions about maintenance or repairs. Having access to onsite installers and service personnel can give homeowners reassurance knowing that their system is being taken care of by experienced professionals who understand the nuances of local climates and terrain. Additionally, working with a local contractor allows for better communication between homeowners and contractors; this allows for more efficient problem-solving and quicker resolution times.
Choose Quality Solar Panels for Your Home or Business
One of the most important decisions is choosing the right solar panel manufacturer. Not all manufacturers are created equal, and you want to make sure the contractor you hire uses tier-one solar panels so you can get the most out of your investment. Here’s why it’s important to choose quality solar panel manufacturers and how you can do so.
Solar Panel Warranties
The first thing to consider when choosing a solar panel manufacturer is their warranty. Most solar panel manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty, which means they will replace any defective parts free of charge over the next two decades. It’s important to choose a manufacturer with an established track record and one who will be around for years to come in order to ensure that your warranty remains valid. Companies like Panasonic, LG, and Hanoi are great choices because they have been around for decades and have manufacturing plants in the United States.
Quality Matters
Not all solar panel manufacturers are created equal. Some use inferior materials or have less reliable production methods than others. This is why it’s important to choose quality when selecting a manufacturer for your project. You want to look at customer reviews for each brand, as well as research their production processes and materials used in order to make sure that you are making an informed decision about which company best suits your needs.
Efficiency Considerations
The efficiency of your solar panels is also something worth considering when selecting a manufacturer. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy your panels will be able to generate from sunlight – meaning more savings on electricity bills down the line. Look for brands with high-efficiency ratings.
The Benefits of Having a Production Guarantee with Your Solar Panels
A production guarantee is provided by the contractor and guarantees that the solar panels will produce what they say they will produce for a certain period of time. This means that if there’s any difference between the guaranteed number and what your solar system actually does, then your contractor has the incentive to fix any issues quickly and efficiently. For example, Planet Solar offers a 12-year solar production guarantee - meaning if there’s an issue within this 12-year period, then we have an obligation to correct it or refund you for any discrepancy.
When you get a production guarantee from your contractor, you can rest assured knowing that if anything goes wrong with your solar system, then you won’t be left holding the bag. And this peace of mind can go a long way toward helping you enjoy all of the benefits that come with having solar power in your home or business.
Another great thing about having a production guarantee is that it puts pressure on contractors to ensure that they use quality materials and employ top-notch professionals when installing your solar panels. After all, if something goes wrong due to shoddy workmanship or subpar materials, then they are on the hook for fixing it - which gives them extra motivation to do things right from the start.
Financing Your Solar System
The switch to solar power may be an expensive one, but it's worth it in the long run. It's no secret that solar energy systems can save money on your energy bills, but what if you don't have the cash upfront to pay for the system? That's where financing comes in. Fortunately, there are a few good options available to those who want to go solar without paying in full at the outset. Let's take a look at some of those options.
Solar Contractor Financing Options
Your solar contractor should be able to offer you several different lenders with different interest rates, terms, and conditions. Ask them about their loan options and what they recommend. This is often a great place to start when considering financing your solar system.
Find Your Own Financing
You can also find your own financing if that is a better option for you. There are many banks and other financial institutions that offer loans specifically for purchasing solar energy systems. Shop around and compare interest rates and terms before deciding on a lender; make sure to read all the fine print so you know exactly what you're getting into. And as always, it’s important to work with reputable lenders who will treat you fairly and keep your interests in mind while helping you finance your system.
No Prepayment Penalty Loans
No matter which financing option you choose, make sure the lender has no prepayment penalty clause — so you can pay off your loan at any time without incurring additional fees or penalties. A no prepayment penalty clause gives borrowers more flexibility when it comes to paying off their loans early or refinancing down the road if needed.
Bonus: The Benefits of Solar System Service and Maintenance
If you’re looking to switch to solar energy, you might be wondering if it requires much service or maintenance. After all, a solar system is a power plant on your roof with no moving parts. Well, rest assured that the answer is yes - but not as much as you might think. Here’s why solar system service and maintenance are essential for keeping your system running smoothly.
The Importance of Cleaning Solar Panels
Solar panels need to be cleaned a few times a year in order to maximize efficiency. Dirt and debris can block light from reaching the cells, which decreases their efficiency and affects the amount of energy produced by the system. Fortunately, cleaning only needs to be done two or three times a year (depending on where you live). Make sure to ask your contractor if they provide this service as part of their package.
Full-Service Departments Are Essential
Although solar systems don’t require much service or maintenance, it’s important that you know what to do in case something goes wrong. For example, if one of your panels stops working, you want to make sure that your contractor has a full-service department that will address the issue quickly and efficiently. A good contractor will ensure that any repairs are handled promptly and correctly so that your system is back up and running in no time at all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right solar contractor is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the efficiency and longevity of your solar system. By considering these five points and the bonus, you can ensure that you are working with a qualified, experienced, and reliable contractor who will provide you with a top-quality solar installation.
From confirming their license and local presence to ensuring they use tier-one panels and offer a production guarantee, these considerations will help you make an informed decision about which contractor is right for you. Don't hesitate to ask for references and check their experience in the industry as well. At the end of the day, investing in solar energy is a great step towards a more sustainable future, and choosing the right contractor will ensure that your investment pays off for years to come.
Planet Solar
If you have any questions about these benefits, call one of our solar experts. We are ready to help you analyze your home, consumption, and situation. We are happy to provide all the information you will need to make an informed decision on whether or not solar is right for you. We have two locations ready to serve you. If you are in the Coachella Valley area from Palm Springs to Blythe, call us at (760) 341-1413. Or, in the Greater Fresno Area, call us at (559) 228-9245.
Since 2007, Planet Solar has been a pioneer in the solar panel and home battery installation industry. Our team consists of seasoned solar professionals with 30+ years in the home improvement, energy conservation, and technical fields. Our company prides itself on our knowledgeable, friendly, and professional solar consultants, who will help you with all your solar needs. In Planet Solar, you have found a solar installer you can trust.