Switching to solar energy is a significant decision for most homeowners. To ensure a smooth transition, you must choose the right solar provider. It’s important to remember that not all solar companies are created equal. Blue Raven Solar has put together five things that every homeowner should know when looking for solar power.
No or limited social media presence
Social media presence and a robust online experience are signals that businesses have the interests of their customers at heart. You can expect your feedback and concerns to be taken seriously when information is easily accessible and several touchpoints allow for open communication.
Look at the social media pages of the companies you’re considering working with. See how they interact with their audience. Do they respond to customer concerns and promote transparency in their business practices? How a company responds to customers online, particularly when they have a negative experience, can reveal much about the business.
This factor doesn’t indicate the company’s priorities or value, but it is an excellent place to start your due diligence.
Review sites with low scores
Review sites can be a great resource when looking for a solar provider. Review sites like Google, Better Business Bureau, or Best Company can provide an unbiased view of solar companies’ business practices.
The most important thing to check on review sites is how a company responds to negative comments. Customers may avoid working with a company that consistently gets low ratings and doesn’t take responsibility for miscommunications and mistakes. If they don’t respond, it could be a sign that their customers are not in the company’s best interest.
Insufficient warranties
Reputable solar companies will offer a comprehensive guarantee to back up their services. However, homeowners must research to understand any warranty they receive fully. Solar companies may offer warranties that only cover solar panels. However, a solar system has many other components, including the monitoring system, the racks on which the panels are mounted, and the solar inverters. You are left with several companies if your solar provider only covers solar panels. SunPower provides a single warranty that covers the entire system.
Solar energy is not limited to the components of the system. It also includes the power generated. SunPower’s leading warranty ensures that your solar panel won’t lose over 8% of its original DC output in 25 years.
Many homeowners want peace of mind; the correct warranty will help them achieve this.
Low-quality products
You get what you spend. This is especially true in solar. Solar panels offered at low prices might seem appealing, but if you look closer, you will find they may need to be of better quality or have a low-efficiency level. It could also reduce the life of your solar system, preventing it from maximizing your utility savings.
Check the degradation rate of a solar panel as a general rule. SunPower solar panels have a degradation rate that is 0.25% – a record. The industry standard is 0.5%. The lower the degradation, the better. Your solar system will produce more power over a longer time.
It is also essential to consider efficiency. The efficiency of a solar panel can make the difference between saving pennies and making a dent in your electric bill. Solar panels with higher efficiency are better able to absorb and produce solar rays.
Minimum industry experience
When choosing a solar installer, it is essential to consider their experience in the industry. Solar panels of high quality, such as those that SunPower offers to homeowners, can last for decades. You’ll need a company that will stand behind its warranty and provide support when needed. SunPower has been the oldest solar company in business for over 37 years. Blue Raven Solar, which was acquired by SunPower in 2016, now has the same leading experience.
The right provider will ensure that homeowners are aware of the situation. They can be assured that their solar system and company will last as long as the solar company. Both companies were voted the top solar companies in Forbes Advisor’s poll.
These five tips will give homeowners peace of mind as they go solar. After some research, it’s clear that SunPower and Blue Raven Solar are the best choices for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their utility bills. Take a look at the reviews. Choose a solar installer who Americans trust to avoid red flags.