If you’ve recently made the decision to switch to solar power at home by having solar panels installed on your roof or mounted in your yard, here are some helpful tips to ensure you get a great deal from the most reliable provider:
No insignificant investment, you should aim to get at least 3 quotes from reputable solar providers in your locality before deciding which one to go with, especially if you want to avoid inflated prices offered by many of the bigger installers in the country.
2. Don’t automatically go with a bigger company
While it might be tempting to opt for a bigger, more well-known solar installer, recent government reports have shown that this could cost you as much as $2,000 to $5,000 more than if you were to choose a smaller, local company.
3. Look carefully at the equipment
It might cost you more initially to buy a solar system of a higher quality, but the warranties that often come with can end up saving you a significant amount of money. You might find that some of the bigger solar installers offer products of a lower quality to their customers, and then charge them more for the installation. Be cautious and ask plenty of questions about the equipment to determine its true worth.
4. Understand how to calculate price per watt (PPW)
Within the solar industry, prices are based upon the Price Per Watt (PPW), and when receiving quotes from local solar installers, it can be helpful to know the PPW so that you can get a better deal on your solar system. Here is how to calculate it:
Total system cost divided by system size in watt.
To find the number of kilowatts (KW) in a solar system, you need to multiply the size of the system by 1000. For a 5 KW solar system, for example, it would be 5000 watts.
5. Check their reputation
Online reviews are the best way of checking whether the solar installer you’re considering working with, is reputable and has the relevant credentials and experience. As a fast growing industry, there are many solar companies all vying for your attention and ultimately, your money, and knowing which ones to avoid, and which ones are worth considering, is important.
If in doubt, you can always take a walk or a drive around your neighborhood and when you spot a solar installation (and you will!), stop and ask the homeowner for their recommendations.
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