How To Select A Solar Installer
Buying solar panels is a significant investment. So, selecting the right installer is vital in getting a quality product and service. It can be challenging to find the right installer. There are many installers in the market, but some may not suit your requirements.
Here are some tips for choosing the right solar installer.
1. Clean Energy Council Accredited
This is an essential factor to consider when looking for a reliable solar installer. With this qualification, your installation can receive rebates (STC Certificates) from the government. It shows an installer has undergone training to perform safe solar panel installation.
2. Cost
Installation costs play an important part in selecting an installer. Different companies have different quotations. It’s wise for a customer to get look at a few options from different installers for comparison. Ensure the quote includes all costs. For example, some installations need more work on a roof. Otherwise, you can end up paying more than you anticipated, stretching your budget.
A client should never choose an installer simply because their prices are low. A super cheap solar deal could mean the solar panels are low quality or the installer isn’t an expert. This could result in a poor installation.
3. Warranties/maintenance
Does the solar installer provide warranties? A reliable solar installer provides both performance warranties and solar panel product warranty. A warranty can cover solar system performance for up to 25 years. This is important since solar panels generally degrade in performance each year.
As for solar product warranties, ensure an Australian entity covers them. The last thing a customer wants is to have to ship back their solar panels to China or the US for testing.
4. Experience
A solar installer with years of experience has the expertise to install a system well. If possible, ask to look at previous similar installations to check their quality. Asking the homeowners about their experience will shed more light on the installer.
Asking for references can also help a client assess the credibility of a solar installer. An installer that has been operational for a while won’t have a problem giving out references.
5. Craftsmanship
What kind of mounting system does an installer use? Does it allow airflow under the panels? And how does it look? These are some of the questions a customer needs to ask to find an excellent installer.
Heat can damage unprotected cables. So make sure the installer will route external cables in conduits. This will help a solar panel system to last.
6. Reputation in the market
Solar company reviews from previous customers are a great way to check a solar installer. You can often safely ignore a few negative reviews, but look for a pattern. A set of bad reviews and low ratings is sometimes a sign of an unreliable solar installer.
7. Compatibility
A good relationship between a solar installer and a client is important. The installer is likely to quickly fix problems. An installer that is responsive to enquiries builds trust and confidence.
Choosing the right installer is essential in ensuring the installation process is smooth.