Solar Power Companies Near Me: How Do I Choose the Best One?

From reducing energy bills to lowering carbon footprint and increasing home value, these are just some of the many benefits of going solar. To top it off, Congress has extended the 30% federal solar tax incentive until 2032. And thanks to this tax credit, switching to solar has become even more affordable.

That said, the next thing you probably want to know is, “How do I choose among solar power companies near me, then?” That’s an excellent question, considering there are over 11,000 solar companies in the U.S. as of 2023.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right page. This guide discusses how and what to look for when choosing a solar installation company, so read on.

Confirm the Extent of Services Provided

The actual installation of solar panels may only take a day or two. However, this is just the middle of the process: you must complete several steps before and after.

The first step is usually an on-site survey of your electrical system, energy needs, and roof. This is necessary to ensure:

Your electrical system can accommodate solar power
Your new energy system will have enough solar panels to meet your energy needs
Your roof can support the weight of the solar power system

The next step is to acquire all the proper permits for the installation. These include electrical, fire, building, interconnection, and zoning permits. Setting up the panels can only begin once you have all these documents.

After the installation, you must schedule inspections from your local government and utility company. They need to ensure it meets all building and safety codes.

Because of all the steps involved, some solar installers outsource parts of the process to other contractors. This can lengthen the timeline of the entire project.

So, to simplify the process, consider looking for solar companies providing full-service installation. This lets you delegate everything you would otherwise do yourself to them. They’ll handle the initial survey, permits, installation, and scheduling of post-installation inspections.

Search Only for “Certified Solar Power Companies Near Me”

Aside from looking for full-service solar companies, you must also consider their credentials. In the solar industry, several organizations certify solar installers, including the following:

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE)
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Solutions
Electrical Training Alliance

At the very least, solar installers must have NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification. This validates and proves an installer’s knowledge and experience in installing solar panels. As a result, you, the consumer, can rest easy knowing you’re dealing with someone who knows what they’re doing.

Verify the Type of Panels Provided

There are three primary types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

Of those three, monocrystalline, also called mono for short, is the most expensive. However, it’s also the most efficient.

Mono panels have an average efficiency rate of 17% to 22% and often have 25-year warranties. By contrast, polycrystalline (poly) panels have an average efficiency of 15% to 17% and often have 20-year warranties. As for thin film panels, their efficiency ranges from 10% to 13%, while their lifespan ranges from 10 to 20 years.

So, to maximize energy savings from your solar power system, look for a company offering mono panels. Aside from their high efficiencies, they’re also the coolest-looking, as they come in black. They cost the most, but the right financing program can make them more affordable.

Ensure They Offer Low-Cost Financing

Over the past decade, the cost of solar has decreased by around 40%. If you installed residential solar panels back then, you’d have paid about $40,000. Today, you can expect that price to be just around $25,000.

While today’s solar prices are far lower, $25,000 isn’t something many people can shell out in one go. And you don’t have to, provided you work with a solar company offering low-cost loans.

Solar Loan 101

Some of the best solar loans allow you to own solar panels without paying anything upfront. Instead, you’ll borrow the money to pay for the system and its installation.

You’ll then make affordable monthly payments to your solar provider. These payments include installments for the capital (the original loan amount) plus interest fees.

While you pay off your solar loan, your system will have a lien placed on it. However, you’re still technically its owner.

What About a Solar Lease?

With a lease, you’ll essentially “rent” the solar panels. You won’t be the owner unless you buy them from the lessor at the end of your contract. Still, not all solar leasing companies offer this “buy-off” option.

Solar Loan vs. Lease

A solar loan is often better than a lease, especially if you wish to apply for the federal solar tax credit. Qualifying for this incentive requires system ownership. So, if you go for a lease, you won’t be eligible for the credit since you won’t own the panels.

Warranties Provided

You’ll pay thousands for your solar panels, so you need assurance they won’t stop working within only a few years. So, pick a solar company that backs its products and services with lengthy warranties. These should include:

A manufacturer’s warranty
An output or production warranty
A service warranty
A roof penetration warranty

With those warranties, you can rest assured the provider will pay to fix or replace your panels if they don’t work as they should.

For example, your panels break down within two years due to a factory or material defect. The manufacturer’s warranty should kick in and pay for the panels’ repairs or replacement.

Another example is if your panels produce significantly less energy than they should within five years. The output or production warranty should take effect if the problem is due to a defective product or installation. Your solar provider should fix or replace your panels without charging you extra.

Time to Choose Your Solar Provider

And there you have it, the guide answering the question, “How do I choose among solar power companies near me?” Now you know that you should pick a full-service and certified company. You must also ensure they provide mono panels and back their products and services with warranties.

With that in mind, it’s time to start your search for the right solar provider to partner with.

Are you looking for more ideas on energy-efficient home updates? Check out our other informative guides for more tips and tricks, then!