Nowadays, free solar energy has become highly appealing for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it saves money in several ways. But then, solar power also provides an opportunity for complete electrical independence. So if you’re asking: “Where do I find solar installers near me?,” you’ve come to the right article.
If you’re already asking “Where do I find solar installers near me?,” you’ve probably concluded what type of solar system you want for your home. But to reinforce your knowledge, we’ll walk you through your top-two solar options. Then, we’ll uncover how to find a solar installer near you that will do it right.
Now, read on to reinforce your knowledge about solar before investing. Then, get your answer to “How to find solar installers near me.”
Top-two solar system options
In recent history, solar systems have truly achieved an enduring and favorable reputation. In fact, even the most basic solar systems have proven themselves profitable, beneficial, and reliable. Knowing that, there are two solar system options that stand out: an off-grid solar system and a hybrid solar system.
To keep you informed and to reinforce your knowledge, let’s walk through these two options together. Then, let’s find the best answer to your question: “How do I find solar installers near me?”
Ultimately, educate yourself ahead of time. In other words, make sure you know your stuff before picking a solar installer to equip your home properly. To calculate the adequate size of your solar system, check out: OFF-GRID SOLAR CALCULATOR: How to calculate an off-grid solar system size.
Off-grid solar systems REVEALED
As you’ll find in the market, many variations and custom options exist that go into an off-grid solar system. That means, there’s an assorted combination of nuts and bolts to discover and learn about in simple terms. Therefore, build your general understanding of the basic system prior to having it installed.
Since off-grid solar systems don’t connect to a power grid, they have to operate from stored energy in a battery bank. As such, your off-grid solar system has to handle your maximum power consumption at all times. Also, it must be flexible for future growth – your power consumption needs may grow over time.
An off-grid solar system provides real electrical independence for your home. But the system is complex and requires basic knowledge in order to choose all of the solar components correctly. Therefore, check out this informative article for yourself: OFF GRID SOLAR SYSTEM: Fortify yourself by learning the nuts and bolts.
Before answering the question: “Where do I find solar installers near me?,” let’s uncover hybrid solar systems and what makes them your best option in solar.
hybrid solar systems EXPLAINED
The benefits to you from a hybrid solar system are quite numerous and surprising. These days, hybrid solar systems stand well above other types, and for good reason: they provide hidden benefits, solid reliability and self-sustaining power for your home.
Hybrid solar systems are self-sustaining electrical infrastructures for your home yet they still connect to your local power grid. That means, they provide three sources of electrical power: free solar power from the sun, battery bank backup power, and power from your electrical grid – your local utility company.
Now let’s take a quick look at the advantages of connecting to your local electrical grid. First, the grid provides unlimited power when you need it. But then, when your hybrid solar system produces more power than your household uses, it becomes a “source” of power for your city, reducing your bill.
Having a hybrid solar system vs. an off-grid solar system means a smaller battery bank will be sufficient. That saves you money up front. To uncover more about hybrid solar systems, take a look at this well-written article for yourself: HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEM: Uncover the hidden benefits and attain solid insight.
Now, let’s answer the question: “How do I find solar installers near me?”
Find great solar installers near me
First, do not attempt to install your own solar system unless properly trained, experienced, and correctly certified to do so. In other words, this type of installation is not a DIY project. To explain, solar component installation and wiring requires an electrician and a construction contractor to do it right.
For a comparison, installing a complete solar system is like installing a circuit breaker unit along with other major electrical systems. One primary component of a solar system is the solar power inverter, which powers your entire home. That means, safety and reliability is no different between the two.
Construction skills are also necessary to install a solar system. To elaborate, solar panel arrays are typically secured on top of existing structures. As such, the physical connections must be strong and reliable. Sometimes, structures are built from the ground up to carry the load of your solar panel arrays sufficiently.
Now that you understand the importance of using a certified solar installer, let’s find great solar installers near you…
Narrowing down certified solar installers near me
Starting with a solid definition, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that “Solar installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.” Though quite a simple definition, that defines exactly what they will do for you.
As you’ll find, there are probably many service providers located near you. And, most of them will have a certification and a decent reputation. That being said, make sure you confirm each of their reputations and certifications. Then, ask them specific questions to understand what they offer.
First, ask them how they determine your overall energy usage. After that, ask them how they’ll lay out the solar system on your property. Next, ask about your short-term and long-term costs. Finally, ask them about their maintenance policy. To be specific, ask them about the required maintenance you can expect to perform over the lifetime of your solar system.
Verify the reputations of solar installers near me
To confirm the reputations of solar installers near you, start by reading their online review sites. First, search platforms like Solar Reviews and Yelp. There, find providers in your area, read about their services and then narrow them down. Finally, read through reviews from their previous customers to gain insight about each installer’s credibility.
Be sure to read the details to evaluate every service they’ve provided to their precious customers. When you see a pattern of customer complaints, please don’t dismiss them. Just keep in mind that when customer review volume is high, there will always be naysayers. Lastly, read through each company response in detail to understand their tone and attitude.
Confirm solar installers near me certifications
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Industry-standard certifications are awarded through organizations like North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).” They’re widely recognized as the gold standard among renewable energy system installers.
Ensure that your solar installer is licensed, bonded, and insured to install residential solar systems in your region. Then, ask if they use subcontractors. If they do, verify the credentials of each subcontractor they use. If your installer favors long-term customer relationships, they’ll be transparent and open with you.
Get an assessment and an official quote
Typically, most solar installers offer free consultations where they analyze your current energy usage, roof and yard layout, total budget, and solar component availability. Then, they’ll offer a proposal customized to your specific needs and your energy goals.
When they provide you a quote, it will detail the amount of time the entire solar system project will take, what maintenance plans they offer, and how much it will cost overall. Also, it should include solar system maintenance. This is important for system efficiency and reliability. As such, look for various plans.
The solar installers you pick will send teams of qualified surveyors to perform proper assessments. Additionally, they’ll send salespeople to present the options that they offer. After providing their assessments, don’t allow them to pressure you into signing a contract. Instead, look at each quote and compare all each one point-for-point.
After you’ve taken the time to go through and compare each quote and assessment, choose one of the solar installers near you to take on the project. Work with them closely in the beginning to make sure they plan to perform the project exactly as they described in their quote.
Expect small lifestyle changes
Depending on the solar system you choose, the knowledge of what uses more power in your household will become very apparent. For example, water pumps use a great deal of power. That means, you’ll realize just how toilets, showers, and kitchen sinks drain power quickly. When you understand these factors, small lifestyle changes will make all the difference.
Running out of power will truly leave you in a bind. As such, you’ll either have to wait for the sun to come out or generate your own power using a backup generator, if you have one. The first option is very inconvenient, while the second is quite costly. Therefore, prepare yourself to make those small lifestyle changes, especially when choosing to use an off-grid solar system.
