If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live more green, there are few better ways to do it than installing solar panels. You’ll rely less on non-renewable sources of energy, and they’re a great investment, too. Over time, they’ll more than pay for themselves in saved electric bills.
If you’re wanting to get solar panels installed on your house, you’ll need a good contractor. There are a few things that set apart good solar contractors from the rest. Read on to learn more about how to find a reliable solar contractor.
Ask About Solar Panel Brands
One of the first steps you’ll want to take when you’re getting solar panels is to research solar panel brands. Not all panels are made the same, and you want to make sure you wind up with a brand that will work well for your needs. But you also need to make sure the contractor you work with will support those brands.
Look into which brands your solar panel contractor works with, and do some research. Learn more about the brands they carry, and determine if those brands are reputable and will work well for you. It’s also a good idea to check what kind of warranty the manufacturers may offer in addition to any contractor warranties.
Look at Certifications
You want to make sure the person installing your solar panels is well-qualified to do the job. There’s more to installing a solar panel than just screwing a brace onto a roof. You have to work with wiring, make sure you maintain structural integrity, and ensure that everything is securely installed.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers a solar installation certification. The Pre-Screened Solar Pro is also a newer certification your contractor may have. Ask about which certifications they hold, and if it’s not one you’ve heard of, research it to make sure it’s reputable.
Find Out About Financing
Solar panels are worth every penny it takes to install them, but even so, they aren’t cheap. Unless you’ve got some serious savings, you probably won’t be able to pay for your panels out of pocket. This means you’ll need to look into financing options.
Some solar panel installers offer a deal where the amount you pay on your loan for the panels is the same amount as whatever your panels offset from your electric bill. So you keep paying the same amount for your electric bill, but some of that money goes towards paying off your panels. Ask your contractor what sort of financing options they offer, and see if they’ll work with your needs.
Hire the Best Solar Contractors
Getting solar panels installed is a great investment for both your home and the earth. But you want to make sure you have the best people working on your house. Spending time shopping around with solar contractors to find the best will be well worth your time.
If you’re looking for the best solar contractors in the Midwest, check out the rest of our site at Browning Electric. We are a small company with big experience, and we adhere to the highest standards of quality. Contact us today to get started on your solar panel installation.
