A solar company, like any other company, should be carefully selected. What qualifications should a solar company possess and what questions should a prospective client ask the company that they are communicating with? These are important questions that we will answer from a high level.
There are many solar companies that call themselves “traditional sales companies”. Well, what does that mean? It normally means that they do not do the installation, but rather only prospect for customers over the internet or by door-to-door solicitation. Then, after they have sold the job, they seek out an installation company to do the installation. We get multiple such calls each month. The company installing the solar uses their licenses, their employees, and must install these jobs quickly in order to be profitable. The sales company has no real control over the quality of workmanship. This is usually a recipe for problems. So, in the first place, the solar company should be asked: “Do you do your own installations?”
Secondly, many companies have operated under licenses that they do not really possess. This can cause a problem for accountability in the event that the job was not installed correctly. One should ask: “Do you have your own licenses in house?”
Doing your due diligence with reviews and seeking past clients of a prospective solar company would be wise. You should be able to speak to past clients and even visit their sites that are in your area. This will give you valuable insight into the company.
Companies that you speak with such be knowledgeable and must have your best interest in mind. Too often companies put a young person through a 2-week solar sales training course and then send them out to knock on doors or make phone calls. They try to sale a program and often do not have the experience to educate a client, enabling them to make an informed decision. Do not fall for the gimmicks of “free solar panels”, “partnering with the local electricity company”, “cash back”, etc. There should be no pressure like trying to get you to immediately sign up for their financing that seems too good to be true.
Such considerations and questions are the basic starting point in selecting a solar installation company. One could also ask about warranties, the training of employees, and visit the place of business.
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