10 Mistakes with Hiring a Home Solar Company and How to Avoid Them

Are you considering investing in solar energy? If so, you’re not alone. The global solar power market size was USD 234.86 billion last year. 

According to research, homes with solar panels had cheaper electricity expenses than their unequipped neighbors. They also often receive a rebate check at the end of the year from their electricity company as a thank-you for producing so much power.

Are you prepared to locate the ideal solar company for your family and yourself? Keep reading for these common mistakes to avoid when hiring a home solar company.

1. Not Hiring an Experienced Installer

It’s crucial to select an expert installer for home solar installation. Hiring inexperienced contractors can often lead to costly mistakes. It can even be dangerous installations that can put your home and your safety at risk.

Poorly installed solar panels can reduce the efficiency of the system. Additionally, because of the wiring’s poor quality, it is prone to overheating, which reduces its estimated life lifetime significantly.

Inadequate sealing of mounting brackets can lead to leaks, jeopardizing the integrity of the system and endangering the homeowner. Additionally, inexperienced contractors may not be familiar with local and state regulations, potentially resulting in violations.

Finding a reliable business that has been active in the solar market for some time is always the best course of action to prevent this. Ensure that the company has proven solar installation experience, and also has experience in the maintenance of residential solar systems. If you are looking for an experienced installer, you can visit Blue Raven Solar for more information.

2. Not Knowing What Type of System You Need

One of the biggest errors you can make is not knowing what kind of system you need when thinking about solar energy for your home. Not all solar systems are the same, and finding the one that best suits your needs is essential.

Before hiring a home solar company, take the time to understand what type of system you require and what your options are. Consider the size of your home, climate, energy needs, and cost. Talk to a few companies and find out what type of service they provide.

To avoid this mistake, it is beneficial to research the various types of solar panel systems to determine which system is best for your home. Additionally, asking the opinion of a professional solar company is a good way to gain insight into the best option for your home.

3. Not Reading Online Reviews

When looking to hire a solar company for the installation of home solar energy, it is very crucial to read online reviews to make sure that you are choosing the right company. Not reading online reviews can lead to several problems and potential headaches. Furthermore, failing to read online reviews can also result in being overcharged for installation and then stuck with a service provider that is difficult to deal with or avoid.

To avoid these mistakes, always read online reviews before making a final decision on who to hire for home solar energy installation. Doing so can help save a lot of money, time, and frustration in the long run.

4. Not Comparing Installation Costs

Not comparing solar installation costs is also one of the mistakes that homeowners can make when considering a solar energy system installation. If you don’t receive quotes from multiple providers, you could end up overpaying by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

To avoid this, it is essential to read the quotes carefully with a fine-tooth comb. Make sure to look for hidden costs like restricted access fees, and connection fees for the grid.

Also, the service fees, and any extras related to the solar installation that could come up in the future. Take time to check different options for solar companies and their costs, and be sure to get a conclusion in writing.

Documentation is key when it comes to avoiding costly mistakes with a home solar company. The greatest approach to ensure that you are getting the highest quality service and the most value for your money is to compare prices across rivals.

5. Not Being Clear on Warranty Coverage

When hiring a home solar company, it is vital to make sure that you are clear on warranty coverage. Understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranty and how long it will last.

Ask the company how long warranties typically last, and make sure that the warranty covers service and equipment repairs. Negotiate with the company to ensure that all of your needs are covered.

To avoid making mistakes when hiring a home solar company, clearly communicate your needs and expectations to the company. Also, make sure you thoroughly read through any contracts or agreements and ask for a detailed estimate.

6. Not Verifying Credentials of Installers and Technicians

When choosing a home solar company, it is necessary to verify the credentials of the installers and technicians. Poorly trained installers can cause serious damage or injury to a home and the homeowner.

Additionally, unlicensed repair work can leave the homeowner liable if something goes wrong in the future. If credentials cannot be verified, visiting the company’s profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website is a must.  

To avoid this, inquire about different levels of insurance coverage and whether the company is properly bonded. It is essential so that you are protected if something goes wrong. A reputable solar company will have no problem providing you with references and proof of their qualifications.

7. Not Checking Local Incentives

One mistake homeowners make when hiring a home solar company is not checking local incentives or regulations. Before signing a contract, homeowners should research available incentives or permits for their property.

Depending on where you live, there may be state or city incentives available to help subsidize the cost of installing a solar power system on your property. Local solar installers can provide a detailed list of all available incentives. They can even handle the lengthy paperwork process for you.

This could help them save on costs or allow them to move forward without any potential regulatory issues. Failing to take the time to check on local incentives may mean missing out on some of the savings available. It may also cause delays or fines if there is a failure to meet local regulations.

To avoid this, homeowners should look up their state’s policy and inquire with the solar company about any local incentives. They should also ask what programs the company offers. This may include  federal tax credits and a power purchase agreement.

You should also research insurance programs that may be available in your area.  Insurance can protect you from any unexpected damages or mechanical failures. 

By taking the time to look into all available local incentives, homeowners will benefit from lower initial costs. They can also find a reliable solar installation company that they can trust with their investment.

8. Not Asking Questions Upfront

When hiring a home solar company, not asking questions upfront is another mistake homeowners can make. Not asking questions shifts the power of the company and makes it easy for them to make decisions without the homeowner’s consent. When this happens, a homeowner can end up with an inadequate system, products of subpar quality, or services that they are unsatisfied with.

To avoid this, homeowners must ask questions about the company’s qualifications. Also, they need to ask about the services they offer. This will also help the homeowner feel more comfortable, as they will have all the information they need to make an educated decision.

Additionally, it helps the homeowner understand the loan and installation process better. Also, it will help save time by not being sidetracked or misled by the company.

Take time to research and ask questions about the services the company provides. Make sure that they can also provide certifications of their experience in the industry. Asking questions upfront is the best way to make sure homeowners get the best quality services they can.

9. Not Checking Financing Options Carefully

When you’re ready to go solar, it’s critical to do your research and compare different financing options. There are a few key things to look for in a good financing option:

A Competitive Interest Rate

When it comes to financing a solar energy system, it is necessary to carefully research and compare all solar panel financing options. This will help you find one that has the most competitive interest rate.

Not researching financing options carefully can lead to settling for an interest rate that may not be the most competitive, thus costing you more money in the long run. To avoid this, you need to compare the different interest rates being offered as well as any other associated fees. This includes application processing fees, to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal.

Low or No Upfront Costs

Many solar loans have low or no upfront costs, which can help you save money when you’re first starting. Many solar financing companies offer special deals to incentivize customers to switch to solar power.

Unfortunately, these deals can be expensive over the long term, as the low or no upfront costs often include high-interest rates. Additionally, the terms of the financing can differ significantly between companies.

Smaller, lesser-known companies may boast low rates, but may not be as financially stable in the long term. To avoid this, it is vital to thoroughly research the offers that companies provide.

A Flexible Repayment Schedule

Failing to thoroughly research and compare solar panel financing options can have costly consequences. For instance, those considering financing options should be sure to understand the details of a flexible repayment schedule.

This type of schedule allows borrowers to pay more or less than the regular minimum payment when their finances permit. While this is a great option in the event of financial flux, the downside is that if not managed properly, these payments may not cover the cost of interest that is being accrued.

To avoid this, potential borrowers should evaluate all documentation carefully to ensure they understand the fine print. Without detailing the loan terms, borrowers risk unknowingly signing up for higher interest rates. This could bring them into debt if not managed carefully. 

A Clear Understanding of the Terms and Conditions

Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of your loan before signing any documents. This will ensure that you’re making an informed decision about your financing options.

To avoid this, it is crucial to take the time to carefully research the options available and have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions. Failing to do so is a surefire way to make costly mistakes and create financial struggles down the road.

Not checking solar panel financing options carefully can mean signing up for a higher interest rate than necessary. Also, it will add more upfront costs than anticipated or a longer loan repayment term than desired. 

10. Ignoring Maintenance Requirements

If you’re considering hiring a home solar company, it’s essential to be aware of the potential mistakes you could make. One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring maintenance requirements.

Solar panels need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to function properly. If you neglect this responsibility, your solar panels will eventually stop working and you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacement.

To avoid this, make sure you understand the maintenance requirements of your solar panels before hiring a solar company. Ask about their cleaning and maintenance procedures. Make sure this procedure is included in your contract.

Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring a Home Solar Company

Learning from mistakes when hiring a home solar company is key when it comes to making decisions about home solar. Renewable energy is a powerful industry, one that should be handled with care.

By being aware of common pitfalls and taking the recommended steps to avoid them, you can save yourself from costly errors. To make sure you’re getting the best home solar service, engage with a reputable solar company today to fully understand the process.

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