Solar energy represents one of the cleanest and most efficient forms of power in the world. With endless benefits for the environment and future generations, it’s no wonder that more customers are heading to Google searching for “solar installers near me.”
However, even though solar energy is more accessible today than it has ever been, it can still be challenging to figure out which business you should trust. How do you know for sure that you’re getting a clean energy company that’s going to deliver results? What sort of certifications should you be looking for in your local solar companies, and what kind of incentives can you unlock?
To help you make that all-important shift to renewable energy, we’ve put together this guide to track down the best residential and commercial rooftop solar in your area.
Let’s get started.
How Much Does Solar Installation Cost?
One of the biggest questions you’ll have when you begin your search for solar companies in your area is how much you’re going to need to spend on your setup. Having a basic idea of the kind of financing options available and federal tax credit options, you can tap into makes it easier to assess your options. After all, when you know the average cost of residential solar panels, you also know how to tell when a solar contractor is overcharging you.
It can be challenging to get accurate solar quotes on how much your solar energy will cost, as it will depend on your electricity needs and the size of your house. The best way to calculate what you need from the solar companies in your area is to look at the average cost of solar panels per watt.
One good thing to keep in mind is that the cost of solar PV is decreasing at a rapid pace. In 2020, the average price of solar solutions for a residential home is around $2.96 per watt. This usually adds up to about $13,142 after tax credit. Although that might seem like a high price to pay for your solar services at first, the price of a solar panel system has dropped by more than 20% in the last five years. You can even examine your solar savings options for yourself by using comparison sites like the EnergySage Marketplace.
Can I Get Solar Panels For Free?
As the price of solar works continues to drop, you may have heard that you can get some solar roof technology for free. Some solar providers use the term “free solar panels” to refer to solar lease or solar panel purchasing agreements.
With strategies like solar leasing, the solar energy company places your solar panels on your roof, and you don’t pay anything up-front. However, you’re still charged for the electricity that you use from your solar panels. This is different from a traditional solar power investment where you would be able to improve your energy efficiency and reduce the cost of your electricity.
The most important thing to remember about this kind of solar project is that if you’re leasing your solar cells, then you don’t technically own the system. The energy that the panels produce won’t be free, and you’ll continue buying electricity like you do today. This means that free solar panels probably won’t save you as much money as a full solar energy system.
How Do I Find The Best Solar Company Near Me?
Once you know how much you can expect to spend on your solar panels, you can begin to look for residential or commercial solar companies to serve your needs. There are many different factors that you’ll need to consider when choosing a provider to suit you. For instance, if you’re looking at off-grid solar or a company like Blue Raven Solar, you’ll need to consider:
- Certifications: What kind of qualifications or certifications does the solar installation company have? Do they have a NABCEP certification, which indicates that their solar power system is up to standard? Make sure that your company is MCS certified or equivalent. You should be able to find the certifications of most legitimate solar energy companies on their website.
- Installation experience: You should also ensure that your solar experts have plenty of experience installing panels similar to those you want. When it comes to choosing a solar panel company, experience counts a lot. Do a little research into your local solar installer and find out where they’ve worked in the past, and how long they’ve been in business.
- Customer reviews: Reading the reviews left by other people who used your solar companies is an excellent way to see what kind of quality of service you’re going to get. Most companies are listed on websites like TrustPilot, so you can check the reputation before you hand over your money. After all, solar panels can cost quite a lot of cash, so you want to make sure that you’re working with a business you can trust.
- Insurance: Whether they’re installing residential or commercial solar systems, your contractor should have the right insurance. If something should go wrong during solar installation, you’ll need to make sure that the solar companies you’re working with are covered. Check what kind of insurance is common in the solar industry. For instance, most businesses will be covered by public liability insurance. This means that they have protection if any damage is done to your property.
- Warranties: Some of the top solar companies in the industry will put guarantees on their work. Usually, this means that your solar panels will come with two warranties. The first will be the warranty provided by the manufacturer for the solar cells or inverter. The second warranty will come from your solar electric company, and it will cover the work that was done to install your new electrical system at your house.
- Price: The prices of solar installation often remain largely the same from one solar company to the next. However, depending on whether you’re getting extra features like solar inverter products, and choosing high-performance solar panel manufacturers, your price may vary. When searching for “solar installers near me,” keep a close eye on the pricing to make sure it will fit in your budget.
What To Know Before You Go Solar
Switching away from fossil fuels to a cleaner form of energy is an excellent way not only to save money but also to protect the environment. The electricity that you generate with your solar panels should ensure that your electric bill costs less each month, provided you’re not using a lease. Your savings could be even more significant if you’re using solar thermal techniques and net metering.
However, it’s important to remember that solar panels aren’t the right option for everyone. Before you begin searching for the ideal solar companies in your region, you’ll need to think carefully about whether this is the right decision for you.
For instance, keep in mind that installing solar panels also means that you need to think about passive solar electricity generation. You ensure your building and solar panels are designed so that they can take full advantage of solar energy’s potential. If you have a building that isn’t facing direct sunlight, you might have a harder time benefiting from solar panels as much as other people in your country.
If you are in an excellent position to generate a lot of solar electricity, you may also want to consider whether you wish to take part in active solar electricity generation strategies too. For instance, some residential installations can come with solar water heating systems that capture sunlight and turn it into heat for domestic use. You can also invest in a photovoltaic system that comes with a solar battery or generator attached to it so you can collect some of the extra electricity that you don’t use and sell it back to the grid each day.
Another thing to check before you go solar is whether incorporating solar panels into your home will increase your property value. Solar panels can deliver financial benefits in several different forms – not just by saving you electricity. If you add solar panels to a residential home, then the fact that you can generate solar energy could increase your home value when you choose to sell.
Solar panels are one of the best ways to add value to your house if you’re looking for a way to attract future buyers. If you can take advantage of the right incentives and grants to get your solar installed, you could then find that you can sell your house for a much higher price in the years to come, even if the cost of solar panels continues to go down.
How Can I Make The Most Of My Solar Panels?
Remember, getting the most from your solar panel installation isn’t just about finding the right local installer in your area. While finding a solar installer near you that you can trust is essential, you also need to plan for how you will get the most return from your investment.
For instance, before you start speaking to electricity and installation companies, consider going online and looking for local grants and incentives. There are plenty of options out there if you know where to look, and they could help you to bring down the cost of your investment at a significant rate.
It’s also a good idea to take some time to research the warranties and insurance that you have for your solar panels. Although solar companies can often give you a warranty for the actual product, not all of them will ensure their work against any issues. Having a warranty in place, even if it means that the installation cost is higher, can give you a lot more peace of mind.
Remember to do your research on the kind of solar panels that you’re going to have installed too. Solar energy panels come in many different sizes and styles, and some are more efficient than others. Different installers work with unique suppliers, so this may be a factor in helping you to make your decision when you’re looking for “solar installers near me.” Make sure that you check the cost of the panels, and their efficiency levels, and how long they last.
Some solar panels can continue to go strong for decades at a time, whereas others need more in-depth maintenance and care if they’re going to deliver the same longevity. Ideally, you’ll want solar panels that produce a lot of energy, without requiring a lot of professional maintenance or work.
Is It Worth Investing In Solar Power?
Solar companies are sprouting worldwide, giving people access to more affordable solar solutions for renewable energy. If you’re interested in reducing your energy bills and limiting your impact on the planet, then choosing a solar panel installer could be a great next step. However, just like any significant investment for your house and your future, it’s essential to do your research.
Before you spend any money on a solar technology solution, find out how much electricity a house in your region could generate. At the same time, check up on the kind of grants and incentives to make investing in solar easier. Once you know that a solar panel array is a good idea for you and your family, you can begin to look into the solar companies in your area that can help you make your dream a reality.
Solar panels have become more accessible and affordable than ever in residential areas. Learning how to evaluate your options in the current climate is how you can make sure that you’re getting the best deal on your solar energy system.
