If you’re considering installing new solar panels on to your house, you may find it hard to select a solar company that is right for you. Knowledge and reliability are the most important aspects when it comes to searching for a renewable energy electrician. It’s important to do some research before you make a decision, in order to choose the best installation team for your home or business. To assist in the process, we have listed some of the most important things to look for when selecting a solar installation company.
Make sure they are a Clean Energy Council Member
The clean energy council have created the approved solar retailer program in order to help solar retailers showcase their commitment and knowledge within the industry. If a solar retailer is certified through this program, it indicates to customers that they are dedicated to providing reliable service.
The program aims to go above and beyond the government requirements and regulations, bringing about a more efficient and effective industry. Any solar company which has been certified through the program must also commit to the code of conduct, which outlines exactly how the company should handle sales, quoting, contracts and much more.
If the company breaches the requirements of the code of conduct, the Clean Energy Council will request that their practices change immediately, or they may remove the company’s certification entirely. This provides solar customers with the peace of mind that their retailer is obligated to follow the code of conduct and therefore provide high quality service.
The Clean Energy Council have also created an accredited installer program which acknowledges renewable energy electricians with a high level of training and knowledge in the area of solar. These installers are capable of designing, installing and maintaining solar panel and battery storage systems. Any installer who is accredited will always strive to produce high quality work. They are capable of installing systems that are safe and reliable, meaning that the solar system you installed functions exactly how it should.
Consider Pricing
Consider the cost that different solar companies are charging for installation by requesting a quote. Cost is important to factor in, but it should not determine which solar installer you choose.
Often, a more expensive installation will be much higher quality than the cheapest option on the market. This system will provide you with energy for the next 20 – 30 years, so it is important to install high quality systems that will last. Ensure that you are happy with the system and how it will perform, because a cheap system may break down earlier than expected.
Determine the Warranty
A good solar company will provide you with a lengthy warranty and a written performance guarantee which will cover the mechanics of the panels for at least 25 years. However, different components of the system may be under different warranties.
To gauge a true understanding of their policy, ask the installer for the solar panel product warranty. This will give you a more accurate idea on the actual warranty that the company will provide. This should be at least 10 years. A solar inverter should ideally have the same 10-year warranty, as this is one of the most common parts to break down inside the system over time.
Choose Local
Choose a local company to install your solar, as they are smaller and often more dedicated to their clients. Choosing larger companies can sometimes mean that the service is less reliable. It’s also harder to get into contact with the solar electrician who is working for you, as you may have to contact other company representatives first.
Selecting a local solar professional means they will never be too far away should you need them to come back for solar maintenance or to install additional products. If you’re searching for a local company for solar panel installation in Bayside or the surrounding areas, contact our team of experts today. Our renewable energy electricians have years of knowledge and experience in the industry, and only install high quality, reliable solar systems in Bayside and surrounding suburbs.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Before signing any contracts, ensure your chosen solar company provides maintenance and support. The system may work perfectly one day, and one of the parts may break the next, due to unexpected issues like storm damage or dust storms. If you end up in this situation, you will be in safe hands with a company that provides system support.
Simply contact your solar company and ask them to send out a renewable energy electrician to repair your system as soon as possible. Your chosen solar company should be able to provide you with support or preventative maintenance for the duration of the system’s lifetime.
Research the Company’s Reputation
Read online reviews and ask the installer to put you in touch with a previous customer. If they refuse, it could be a sign that they have not been meeting their customers’ expectations.
If they put you into contact with an existing customer, ask them if they have ever experienced any issues, whether the system is good quality and whether the company communicated well. Prior experiences can tell you a lot about a solar company, so make sure to take some time to do your research. At Erg Energy we pride ourselves on our customer service. You can read some of our reviews at any time.
Be Aware of Solar Leases
Avoid solar leases at all costs. Some of the major solar companies will not try and sell you a system, rather they will convince you to rent a system using financial products such as a solar lease. This will ultimately result in higher profits for the solar company, and lower financial returns for the customer.
These contracts will often contain a clause which allows the company to automatically increase the rate charged for electricity each year. Many Melbourne homeowners have solar installed under these contracts and end up saving less money than those who purchase their solar systems outright.
Summary
If you are interested in starting your own sustainable energy journey, considering solar panel installation is a great way to start protecting the environment and reduce your energy costs, but it is a large investment. To make the most of your investment in our planet, make sure you follow our guide to choosing the right solar installer for you.
Get into contact with our team of solar electricians for any solar enquiries in Bayside Melbourne and surrounds. We are dedicated to providing our customers with high quality, reliable solar systems that will reduce bill costs and provide you all the power you need to run your home.
