After weeks, months, or even years of research, let’s say you’ve finally made the decision: you’re going solar. That’s great news! The benefits of solar energy are going to pay off in so many ways over the lifetime of your system. But after that decision, there’s another one you need to make: who is going to be your solar installer? How can you choose among local solar companies?
Going with a local solar installer is a decision that will impact your community in more ways than one. But it’s true that there are likely several different solar installation companies on the market in your hometown. And you want to make sure you make the right choice. At KC Solar, we work to be the best solar company in Kansas City, our hometown. Because we know how important it is to provide high-quality solar panel installation and great customer service for our clients.
When you’re ready to find a local solar company, be sure to keep the following in mind.
Solar Knowledge and Expertise
A solar project can be a big undertaking, and you want to make sure you hire someone who’s going to do it right. Your solar installer should be an expert in the field and passionate about solar energy.
When comparing solar companies, a good place to start is by looking at their websites. Which ones are polished, professional, and take pride in their work? You can learn a lot just by considering their online presence.
When you begin to contact different companies to get a quote for your solar project, ask as many questions as you can think of. Discuss any concerns and share any of your unique needs. You’ll quickly find out which installers truly know what they’re doing. And which ones care about establishing a great relationship with their customers.
Project History and Experience
Similarly, when you’re choosing a local solar company, you’ll want to know about their histories as solar installers. What kinds of projects have they worked on in the past? If the contractors from their company work on many different types of projects — rather than exclusively on solar energy systems — it may be a sign that solar isn’t their focus.
Find out as much as you can about the background and experience of those who work for the local solar company. How long have they been in the industry? Also, it’s a good idea to ask questions about past solar projects they’ve completed for other clients — or even look at photos or videos. That can help you picture yourself as a future solar client of that company.
Licenses, Certificates, and Insurance
Just like those in other fields, solar panel installers should carry the necessary business licenses and insurance for your state and/or local jurisdiction. Typically, these include general contracting, electrician, home improvement, or other contracting licenses. However, they should also have general liability insurance.
Solar panel installers can also become certified through a national board. The gold standard for this is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ (NABCEP’s) Solar PV Installation Professional Certification. With this and other professional certifications, you can be sure you’re working with a knowledgeable industry expert.
Reputation in the Local Market
Before making a major purchase — or even a small one — do you pay attention to reviews? If so, you’re not alone. In 2020, 93% of consumers read online reviews to help make purchasing decisions, according to a study by Qualtrics. When it comes to choosing a local solar company, the same logic applies.
However, it’s true that designing a home solar system is almost always a custom solution for each customer. And not all online reviewers are reliable. But you can get a general idea of some of a local solar installation company’s characteristics, such as professionalism, from reading those reviews.
Also, be sure to ask your friends, family, and neighbors in your local community: Have any of them ever had a solar system installation? Which companies did they use? Are they happy with the final result? Local solar companies with good reputations are more likely to give you good results.
Honesty and Trustworthiness
Most of us have experienced this at some point in our lives: We come away from an interaction with someone… and we feel like something just wasn’t right. Whether it was bad vibes or a general feeling of discomfort, it’s usually a good idea to trust our intuition.
The same is true when it comes to working with a local company for your local solar installation process. Especially considering how big of an investment the whole project is. You don’t want to work with a company that you don’t feel like you can trust. How can you be sure they’re being honest with you about the cost of your system?
When choosing a local solar company, it’s important to feel comfortable with your project team. Are they more focused on making a sale, or will they tell you the truth about the best solar equipment for your specific situation? A good solar company will want to be your partner through the whole process — and they’ll put your needs first, always.
KC Solar — Your Hometown Team, Your Neighbor
If you are looking for the best solar company in Kansas City, look no further than KC Solar. They are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business.
KC Solar is the only local solar company in Kansas City with KC natives who own and operate the daily activities of the business. What does that mean for you? We care about you because we care about this city, and we only want the best for it.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
We look forward to serving you!
