The world a’ la COVID…everything has gone virtual.
When it comes to ordering groceries online and having them delivered, sign us up!
However, the digital trend suddenly even includes more long-term decisions—like choosing your solar provider. And to be honest, we’re not a huge fan of that.
Here’s why.
There are 3 key things you should know about your solar installer before hiring them to be your solar energy system provider. Whether you’re buying residential solar for your home, agricultural solar for your farm, or commercial solar for your business, the following rings true.
Choosing a Solar Provider is a Long-term Investment
The main reason you should get to know your solar installer before you hire them is because solar is a long-term investment. The solar provider you choose should be someone you:
- feel comfortable with
- trust
- respect
- can build a solid relationship with
There are three key areas to check into before you contract with any solar company. Make sure that your preferred solar installation professional is:
A Trusted Solar Energy Advisor
First things first, make sure that the solar company you’re talking to actually installs their own panels. A new industry trend is a large, national company will hire smaller, local solar providers to do their installs.
While this typically works out okay, you’ll ultimately have a solar provider who doesn’t actually know much about your project because they’re not doing the work themselves. Instead, why not go directly to the source—the local source, at that—and hire the “little guy” for the job they’ll end up doing for you anyway? They likely know your market better and will absolutely understand your needs better than a large, national chain might.
Important Note: Be careful when clicking solar ads on social media or giving out personal information over the phone or online. Never do this unless you fully trust that the person you’re talking with or the site you’re on is safe and reputable.
Also, you should trust that your solar provider has your best interests at heart. They will be helping you to design a solar energy system that fits your needs, choose the right types (and brands) of panels and placement for your property, and maximize your savings.
These are very important matters with long-term consequences!
Reputable and Customer Service Focused
You’ll want to check references, read reviews, and ask around about the solar company’s reputation.
If there’s one or two unsavory reviews floating out there, take them with a grain of salt…but if you’re consistently hearing and seeing bad things about the company, you might want to go another direction.
Also, ask about their customer service before, during, and after the sale. You’ll want to make sure you hire a professional provider that takes your project—no matter how big or small—seriously, and one who truly values your business.
For example, when you buy your solar panels from us, you become part of the Solar Sam fam! We even offer our customers free* solar panel cleaning services for both residential and commercial solar arrays (click that link for more details).
Experienced, Licensed, and Certified
This often goes hand-in-hand with a company’s reputation. Just make sure that you’re hiring a solar installer with great experience in the industry, someone who knows your local area and has installed there before, and who holds all the proper licenses and certifications.
If you’re looking for a particular brand of panels, you might want to check that your provider is a certified installer for that brand. Solar Sam is a certified Enphase solar installer, for example.
Solar Sam: Your Local Residential, Agricultural, and Commercial Solar Installer
Even though we’re growing fast and service the entire continental US, Solar Sam is your local, Midwest-based solar provider. We expertly install residential solar, agricultural solar, and commercial solar projects of all sizes.
We’re conveniently, centrally located in Columbia, Missouri. If you live in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, or any other Midwest state, give us a call at 833-RU-SOLAR (833-787-6527) to get a free quote!
Visit our website for deals that are out of this world. Solar Sam is here to help you power your life, farm, or business with green energy run by the sun!
