What Do I Need To Know Before Going Solar?
Utah is considered one of the ideal places to install solar panels for homes due to the high electricity usage and the increasing cost of electricity bills. Also, there is a federal tax credit that offers an incentive to help homeowners install solar systems, up to 26% off of the cost of installing solar panels. When it comes to federal solar credit or the Investment Tax Credit, it’s among the best incentives for a homeowner in Utah to enjoy their solar installation. With net metering, it ensures that you’re connected to the grid. The excess electricity you produce from your solar technology goes to the grid, allowing you to get credits that you can use when the solar panels aren’t producing enough power. For example, you can use the credits during cloudy days or at nighttime so you won’t pay for electricity delivered from the grid.
Solar energy can be used to provide an alternative power source, or it can be used to power a section of your home. For example, you could use solar to power your pool heater, water heater, lighting, or appliances. Depending on the area you reside in, this kind of energy source can help increase your home’s value.
Utah offers a vast potential for solar energy use. The high average of daily solar hours means you get more kilowatts produced every day. The more extended sun-filled season experienced throughout the year provides sunlight to the solar panels year-round. In Utah, there is also an ideal environment to support alternative energy.
How Do I Find The Best Solar Installers Near Me?
After you have decided to install rooftop solar panels to cut back on electric bills and minimize your environmental footprint, you will want to choose from the many local solar companies which option is best for you and your home. As solar energy becomes more accessible for residential and commercial premises, the prevalence of solar companies is increasing to cater to the rising demand. Here are a few tips for finding the solar services in your area for you and your home.
Consider Local Solar Providers
When you use a locally operated solar company, they are readily accessible, and you can reach them whenever you need assistance. After your solar panel installation, you want to see that the system works efficiently. Although solar panels are low-maintenance installations, just like with any technology, issues can arise after you have installed them. If problems occur, you will want the solar power system to be checked by a local company, preferably the one who installed it and is familiar with your solar energy system and home. It is better to deal with a single installer for installation, upgrades, or any maintenance the solar project needs since they know it better than someone who has not worked on it before.
A local installer in Utah understands the dynamics of installing solar panels in that particular area. They know the area and other things that have to be put into consideration when installing the renewable energy system, for example, the direction the sun typically hits and the impact of the roof design on the solar array. A local solar energy company is also more familiar with the rebates and county permit requirements than a company that hasn’t operated in that area before.
List and Compare at Least Three Solar Contractors
You should identify at least three solar companies in your area. The easiest way to compare the solar panel manufacturers and find the best company and the best deal is to create a document with the pros and cons of each of the solar energy companies to see which one stands out.
Check Their Credentials
Experience is more critical than company size. You will want to check how long the company has been doing solar installations. Research how many residential solar panels they have installed and what type of roofs they have worked with in the past. Look to see if the contractor meets the Utah state requirement for solar installation. Having the right certification allows you to have a solar array that is installed carefully and correctly.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is among the most highly reputable certification programs applicable to solar heating and solar PV installers. The NABCEP certification is the gold standard when it comes to the installation and sales of solar power. Being NABCEP certified with Solar PV Installation Professional credentials indicates that an installer has met high qualifications and has undergone extensive training.
The Pre-Screened Solar Pro is also essential for solar installers. It is a new, consumer-driven form of accreditation. The accreditation signifies that a contractor has met the stringent eligibility requirements and has achieved and maintained excellent customer ratings. The solar contractor has also earned minimum independent reviews from customers and has passed a comprehensive background check. The S202 Solar Photovoltaic Contractor license is also an essential requirement that solar installers need to have in Utah.
Read Reviews and Recommendations
Going solar can be complicated – from the process of attaining the right permits to selecting the right size for your solar panels, to applying for the federal as well as state tax credits – it’s a demanding process. You will want to work with a solar installer who is approachable and is willing to assist you. The experience and certifications – no matter how shiny they are – may not help if the solar contractor does not treat their customers well.
A great way you can start searching for a contractor is to ask your family members, neighbors, friends, or your work colleagues if they have had any experiences with solar installers in the area.
You can also check customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp. The Better Business Bureau may also help reveal the credibility of a company by sharing formal complaints that may have been filed against the solar contractor. A company can likely have an occasional bad review; this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad company. It may be an isolated case that happened with the company. However, if you find such a situation, you want the company to explain what it did to help correct that negative experience. This way, it can provide you with insights into the level of integrity of the installer as well as their dedication to meeting customer satisfaction.
Review the Financial Options of the Installer
You can finance your solar panels in several different ways; paying cash, leasing, taking out a loan, or getting into a power purchase agreement (PPA). You should identify the best suitable option for each of the solar energy companies you have on your potential list. If you’ve already determined which way to finance your panels, ensure that the certified installers offer that financing option. As of March 2020, solar energy systems cost an average of $3.07 per watt in Utah. If you are installing a solar panel of the size of 5 Kilowatts, it would mean that the installation cost ranges from $13,000 to $18,000 before any tax credit is applied. On average, it costs you roughly $15,000 to install a 5 Kilowatt solar panel system.
There are various financing options available to residential and commercial property owners when it comes to installing solar systems. The solar installers should be able to explain to you the different options available within their company and how they work. Solar leases and power-purchase agreements (PPA) allow you to install solar with little or no money down. Although you can’t entirely have a solar system installed for free, you can have the installation done without making a down payment, or with just a small initial fee. With those payment options, you have a third party who owns and maintains the solar system for about 10 to 25 years.
A PPA allows you to pay for the renewable energy produced by the panels. It’s like paying for the present electric bill. On the other hand, solar leasing allows you to pay a fee so that you lease the equipment making up the solar system of your home. As solar adds value to a home, home equity loans are becoming another preferred financial option.
Request a Quote
Once you have compiled information about the solar installation companies you want to compare, you can begin to narrow down the list by asking for solar quotes. When asking for a quote, be sure that the solar installation company schedules an appointment to allow them to see your property, so that you can get an accurate estimate of the cost based on the size of the system needed. While they are there, make sure you ask them questions, including how they handle the permits the state of Utah requires, the type of panels you need to install depending on your monthly energy usage, and if they offer a warranty. If they do offer a warranty, ask what’s included since companies can vary. Ask the solar contractor what their process is for maintenance and any upgrades you may want down the road.
Solar Panel Design and Brand
Your solar installer should explain to you the different kinds of solar brands they work with and the benefits as well as the downfalls of each. In Utah, some of the preferred solar brands include Panasonic, LG, Canadian Solar, Redstone Solar, Blue Raven Solar, Tesla, SunPower, and Trina Solar. Each company in the solar industry may deal with different brands, so you want to know which ones they install and why they use them over others. The installation company needs to listen to your particular solar needs or concerns and advise you on the right panel that best suits your budget, lifestyle, aesthetic requirements, as well as the desired electric output.
Solar Could Be The Best Fit For You And Your Home
Solar energy is an excellent option for many Utah residents. It’s an innovative, cost-saving, and less maintenance-intensive investment. Installing solar panels allows you to save money on energy bills. Going solar also helps keep the environment clean since it reduces your carbon footprint and produces clean energy. When selecting a solar panel installer near you, you need to consider several things, including their qualification, the warranties they offer, the solar brands they use, their solar designs, and their insurance and licensing. With research and careful consideration, you will be able to find the best local solar installer near you that will be the best fit for you and your home for a clean, renewable source of reliable energy.