CNET''s top-ranked solar installer is Palmetto Solar. It gained the top spot thanks in part to its reputation for customer service. See how other solar installers ranked.
Finding the right solar installer is both an art and a science.
The solar industry has a crowded playing field right now and winnowing it down can feel daunting. The good news is that finding a solar installer isn't all that different from finding a contractor for another home improvement job. You'll ask your friends, read reviews and talk to a few.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to finding, vetting and signing with the right solar installer for your home.
"Finding an installer to go solar isn't such a different process from other kinds of home improvement projects," said Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the US Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
You can start with a simple Google search. That will give you a broad overview of the companies that operate in your area. You'll likely find some national installers, like Sunrun, as well as some smaller outfits specific to your city. "Every area will have different companies that work in that business," Jones-Albertus said.
You can also consult directories that allow you to compare multiple providers (and sometimes even quotes) all at once.
If a local installer approaches you, feel free to consider them, but vet them just the same as you would any other contractor. "There are a lot of good companies in many industries that do proactive customer engagement, and of course there are also scams that come that way as well," Jones-Albertus said.
You'll also want to have a good handle on the potential discounts available in your state, which an installer should help you take advantage of.
For example, the federal government now offers a tax credit worth up to 30% of the total cost of your solar system. On top of that, each state offers its own incentive programs, such as sales tax and property tax exemptions.
You can learn about the incentives in your state by consulting your local energy utility's website or checking out CNET's state-by-state guides.
Like any service, solar installers are subject to public reviews and complaints.
"It's similar to looking at reviews for your favorite restaurant. It can be valuable. It can also be swayed a lot by who has chosen to write those reviews. So it's just one piece of information along with other pieces of information," Jones-Albertus said.
Start by checking out the Better Business Bureau and plug in a specific installer to see their reviews. As Jones-Albertus advises, take any specific instance with a grain of salt and focus instead on broader trends you notice.
The people you know who've already installed home solar panels can be a great resource. Seek them out to learn more about their first-hand experience with an installer.
Jones-Albertus recommends you ask them some questions like:
There are a few key licenses and certifications that can also help give you confidence that you're choosing a reputable solar installer.
Jones-Albertus said the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification is one common license to look for. Each state has its own licensing requirements as well, but ultimately if an installer has a license, "it means that they have met certain requirements to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency," Jones-Albertus said.
If you're not sure which licenses apply to a certain installer, ask the company which licensing framework they follow, and they can point you to the state requirements that they abide by.
Once you've got a list of potential solar installers you're considering, you'll want to seek out a few quotes to compare prices. This will ensure you're not getting ripped off by one installer who's charging significantly more than market rates.
You can get quotes in a few different ways. Some installers will offer quotes online or over the phone -- without a home visit -- by looking at satellite imagery of your roof. (Be warned: If you choose this method, make sure the satellite images show the current state of your roof and how much shade it gets.) Other companies will want to visit your house in person.
Either way, seek out at least a few different quotes to compare not only the overall sticker price but also the warranties offered and the different financing options.
Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best best foldable solar panels and solar generators.
Choosing the right installer could be the most important step in going solar.
Comparing quotes isn't the last step before you settle on an installer. Jones-Albertus also recommends you have a conversation with each contractor and ask them any questions you might have. Those might include:
You can also use this process to get a sense of the installer's communication style and how comfortable you feel working with them.
The solar installers you seek quotes from should also help you understand the potential energy cost savings of a solar system.
This largely depends on how you finance the solar panels; with cash, a loan or by leasing the panels from the installer. The company should be able to estimate how much money you'll save by reducing your energy bill.
CNET's top-ranked solar installer is Palmetto Solar. It gained the top spot thanks in part to its reputation for customer service. See how other solar installers ranked.
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Choosing the right solar installer is difficult, especially when it comes to picking between a local or a national company.
It is a bit counterintuitive: Economies of scale for national installers don't always translate into lower project costs. This might be due to the fact that national companies often work with subcontractors, which can drive up the price, said Gilbert Michaud, an assistant professor in the School of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago.
Local installers tend to have more personal customer service or slightly lower costs. But national installers might offer a bigger range of solar products as well as more financing options.
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