How Can You Find A Solar Panel Installer You Can Trust?

Selecting the right installer will be one of the most important things that you will do. The solar power industry is like any other industry: there are experienced installers and inexperienced ones; honest ones and, well, not-so-honest ones; and there are good guys and bad guys. So, how can you tell the good guys from the bad guys? There are several things to look for:

• Is the installer NABCEP certified?

NABCEP (National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is considered the standard national certification program for solar installers. In order for an installer to get certified, they must pass a written test and have at least two years of experience in the field. NABCEP offers an installer locator directory.

• Does the installer have a lot of references?

Not all good solar panel installers will NABCEP-certified. Experience and happy customers are a good indication that your installer is one of the good guys. If this is the case, he should have a lot of references to offer to you. How many? We think installers should provide references for 10 roofs or more.

• Any recorded complaints?

Check with the local Better Business Bureau to find any customers who were unhappy with your potential installer. Check the Internet as well.

• Is the installer licensed, bonded and insured?

Make sure that whoever you hire is a licensed contractor who has insurance covering injury or property damage and also has workers comp coverage.

• You should get at least three competitive quotes

This is an important step. Don’t be afraid to let everyone know who they are bidding against. Sometimes you will learn the most about your project when you get three installers competing for your business. Choose the solar installer with whom you are most comfortable.

WholeSolar is constantly creating relationships with quality solar installers throughout the United States. If we don’t know who the good guys are in your area, we are able to make that determination in a relatively short period of time. We are committed to being a part of creating solar power ubiquity and helping you find the right solar panel installer is a part of that commitment.

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