What to Look for When Searching for the Best Solar Company in California
California is one of the country’s hottest markets for solar, so it follows that there are a ton of companies offering solar panel installation to the state’s nearly 40 million residents. If you’re in the market for solar panels, you may be wondering how to wade through all of your many options and choose the right solar installer. With everyone claiming to be the best solar company in California, what should you, as a discerning consumer, believe? We’d like to help clear up some of the confusion.
How Do I Choose a Good Solar Company?
Here is a list of 5 considerations to keep in mind when selecting a solar company in California:
- Qualifications
- Experience
- Reputation
- Affordability
- Availability
Let’s break each of these down in detail.
Qualifications
When researching the best solar companies in California, one of the first things you should look for is the company’s qualifications.
Qualifications may include:
- Years of experience in the solar industry
- Industry certifications, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Board Certification
- Certifications from solar manufacturers whose products the company specializes in installing
- Professional qualifications, such as the BBB’s Accredited Business designation and rating system
- Appropriate state licensing and insurance
That last one is very important. As with any home improvement project, going with an unlicensed and/or uninsured company can be a recipe for disaster. In the event that anything goes wrong due to poor installation or a worker injury on your property, for example, you could end up being liable for any associated costs. A trustworthy, licensed solar company will always stand by its work and its products to protect not only its own reputation but its customers as well.
Years of Experience
While you’re researching, it’s also very important to look for California solar companies that have ample experience. You may find that companies that have been around for many years are still around precisely because they are good. As in any industry, excellent products and excellent service translate to consumer trust and, as a result, business longevity.
That said, while the number of years in business isn’t always the most important factor, you’ll want to select a company that is well-established in your area and employs a team with many years of combined experience. Don’t get us wrong; there are many great companies out there providing excellent solar services that have not been in business for very long, but it’s still a good idea to take this with a grain of salt and ensure you take a look at other relevant considerations like customer reviews, affordability, and the full scope of their services to get a more clear picture of the company.
Reviews & Reputation
This is perhaps one of the simplest and most useful things you can do when researching a California solar company. In addition to checking the company’s website and reading customer reviews there, do a simple internet search of the company’s name to pull up an abundance of online review sites and take a look at what you find. Google Business Profiles, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and social media sites like Facebook are great places to check for feedback from some of the company’s former customers.
While you’re browsing reviews, look for the following:
- Are the reviews generally positive?
- Do the reviews contain helpful information on specific services?
- Does the company respond to any negative reviews?
If you’ve gone through several sites and the testimonials you have read make you feel confident, give the company a call!
Affordability & Financing Options
Solar panels are an investment, so naturally, costs are a legitimate concern when searching for a prospective solar company. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of companies based on their qualifications, experience, and reputation, schedule some project estimate appointments. An in-person estimate is usually the only way to get an accurate idea of how much your project will cost, as it takes into consideration all kinds of things like the square footage of your home, which direction your roof is facing, how many panels you might need, whether you want to also include a battery backup system, etc. During your appointment, you can also get more information on available state and government incentives as well as financing options that can make your purchase easier.
It may be tempting to consider price as the strongest factor when choosing a solar company, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Be warned: if you get a very low bid that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Since solar is such a big and important investment in your home, be wary of any company that seems like they are undercutting every other solar installer in your area.
Availability in Your Area
Finally, make sure the company you choose services your area. It may seem obvious, but there are several solar companies with a national presence that will show up in just about any internet search, even if they don’t have an office near you. While this is certainly not a bad thing, we encourage you to also look into smaller, locally owned and operated companies that service your city or town.
Take the First Step Towards Clean Energy Today
In a sea of choices, choosing the best solar company doesn’t have to be difficult. If you have questions about this post, feel free to call Mega Power Electric Inc. today at (888) 557-2249. We are a REC Certified solar company serving homes and businesses throughout the entire state of California. You may also click below to get in touch with us online!