How Do You Choose A Solar Company for Your Home | Sarasota

So you’ve decided to go with solar, good for you!

At this point, you know you want to move forward, but that’s about it. If you’re unsure where to begin, or who to talk to, this article is for you.

Making the change to solar is a big investment and your decision should not be taken lightly. Therefore, you’ll need to do your homework.

Ask Around – Talk to friends, co-workers, or even call local construction companies and see which solar companies they use. Ask for good stories as well as bad ones. The more you learn, the better.
Take Advantage of Social Media – Whatever company you choose, be sure to not only look at their website but their social media site as well. Their social media site will have recent pictures of work they’ve completed, but they’ll also have recent client reviews. Also, be sure to include reviews from Yelp and the Better Business Bureau in your research.
Warranties – Be sure to check the warranties offered by the company. This is not a simple Yes/No answer as there are different types of warranties. Check to see if the company offers warranties for products AND warranties for service.
Maintenance Plan – Ask the company if they have maintenance services, such as panel cleaning, etc. If you want your solar panels to last a lifetime, make sure your company provides the services to get you there.
Payment Options – Typically, larger companies offer more advanced and extensive payment options, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to ask.
Local Benefits – Smaller companies as they tend to know more about local rebates and county permitting requirements. As local companies have fewer clients, they tend to be more responsive and move faster than larger corporations.
Certifications – Look for companies that have certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP is a nationally-recognized certification program known as the “gold standard” for installation and sales. A PV Installation Professional credential from the NABCEP means the installers for that company have met high standards of qualifications and undergone extensive training.