By Garrett Keiser

Residential solar installations have boomed not only in our area but around the country in the past few years. The price of solar equipment has finally reached a point where it has become more readily accessible for the average residential home. Along with this, solar installation companies have been popping up all over. Like any industry there are good installers and there are not so good installers. 

We believe that you have the right to make an informed decision about your energy options, so we have put together some tips to help you navigate the process of shopping around for solar installers. The guide includes things to consider when evaluating each company’s services and products. 

When comparing solar companies, here are some key points to consider: 

Quality of Products & Services

Ask each company what type of solar system they recommend based on your home’s energy needs, and also inquire about any warranties provided with their product. Then, find out how long it takes for installation and what type of customer service is available after installation.

Cost

Find out the total cost of purchasing and installing the system, including recurring costs such as maintenance, monitoring and taxes. Compare quotes from multiple companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money.

Reputation

Check reviews from other customers who have used the company’s services in the past. It’s also a good idea to inquire about references so that you can talk to other customers directly about their experience with the company. 

As with most things in life, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Keep this saying in mind when researching and speaking with solar installers. Also, if you plan to interconnect your service to the Heartland REMC lines, you will need to follow our interconnection policies and agreements, which can be found on our website at heartlandremc.com.

If you have questions, concerns or would like some help going over your estimates, please give me a call at the office. I am happy to help walk you through the solar research process and help you make the most informed decision. 

GARRETT KEISER is energy advisor at Heartland REMC