The decision to have solar panels installed on your roof is one that requires a lot of time, thought and research. Not only is it a financial investment, but it is one that will impact your home for years to come. Once you have made the decision to have solar panels installed, you have to find the right installer for the job. But how can you narrow down the list of potential people to work with? What makes one installer more qualified than the next? Let's take a look at the ideal approach to finding the right installer.
Contact a solar panel manufacturer first
The solar industry has been going through some growing pains. As rooftop solar installations have become popular, there has been an influx of people servicing the industry. They come from a variety of backgrounds, from roofers to electricians, and many lack experience and compete solely based on price. We are here to help you find the right professional for your project.
An easy first step is to research the panels you are interested in installing and then contacting the manufacturer directly. Good quality solar panel manufacturers, including LG Solar™, cultivate relationships with trusted local installers around the country. They have a vested interest in finding the right installer for your project, as it reflects on the broader organization.
A quality solar panel manufacturer will recommend trusted installers near your home who are qualified to install and service the manufacturer's products. It should be easy to speak to a manufacturer's representative and find out which installers they can recommend where you live.
Knowing what you are looking for
A trusted installer will be happy to answer any questions and professionally walk you through what is right for your home and budget. A reputable installer will never pressure you to make an immediate decision and will have no problem if you decide to get a second opinion.
It is an excellent idea to consider what you are looking for before your appointment with an installer. How much electricity do you want to generate? What is the approximate budget for your project? What roof mounts are you interested in? You should feel comfortable talking to a trusted installer on the phone and having your questions and concerns addressed. The right installer will be happy to answer all sorts of questions, have expert knowledge and offer to provide references.
Request an installer to do an on-site assessment of your home
The next step is have an installer to visit your home and advise you on your options. If you are working through a manufacturer, they will often set up the appointment for you. Prepare a list of questions to ask them to make sure you will clearly understand what's included and what is not in the solar system they recommend. A good installer should be able to give you clear and specific answers. Some things you may want to ask include:
- How long have you been in the business, and how much solar capacity have you installed?
- What are the local incentive programs that apply to me?
- Would you recommend attaching to the grid before or after the meter?
- Can you recommend a type of mounting for my roof?
- Are there any concerns specific to my property (such as shading, roof quality or local rules) that I should be aware of?
- Are there any local conditions (such as heat) that may affect my system?
- How does your warranty work? Is there a manufacturer's warranty in place? Does the warranty cover labor? What about year-over-year performance?
- What is the process to get the project started?
- What is the anticipated timeline for the work that will be done?
- How do you deal with customer concerns? Do I have recourse if I am unhappy with the work for any reason?
- Will any part of the project be outsourced to another installer, and if so what are their credentials?
- Are you properly insured and certified to do the work you are proposing?
- Can you provide me with references and photographs from similar projects?
- When will payments to the installer be due? Will a deposit be required?
Many things need to happen before the work starts, including getting building and electrical permits, having an engineering review, figuring out connecting fees, etc. You will want to know if the installer can help with obtaining permits and applying for incentives, and what any warranty exactly covers in parts, labor and possible degradation of performance over the lifetime of the panels. For example, LG offers 25-year warranties in product, performance and labor (labor costs in the rare case of a needed module repair or replacement are covered up to $450).
Feel confident in your choice
You should feel confident in how any installer answers your questions and explains to you what works for your home. After all, your solar panels should last decades and provide for your family far into the future. After you meet with your installer, you should feel comfortable and excited to begin your project.
