Solar Company in Phoenix: How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Solar Installation
Many homeowners recognize the financial and environmental value proposition solar energy provides and want to team up with a qualified solar company in Phoenix. Knowing solar will save them money; homeowners also want to get the most affordable system and best service possible. A well qualified solar contractor will help you get the right system for your home , will apply all available incentives to your purchase, and will stand behind your system for years to come.
So how do you find the best solar company in Phoenix for your installation? The first step is to educate yourself on solar energy. Next, thoroughly evaluate potential solar contractors. Finally, select the solar company in Phoenix who can deliver what you need, as well as become a real partner throughout the life of your system.
Evaluate Your Situation and Requirements
It's probably best for you to do some of the legwork on your own. Although a qualified solar company in Phoenix will educate you on all aspects of a solar electric installation, you should identify a few things prior to your first meeting. Here are some things you may want to initially explore:
Meet with Prospective Solar Contractors
After you've thought about the issues surrounding a solar installation, it's time to contact reputable contractors. Professional solar system installers will help expand on the information you've already collected, as well as educate you further on the right system for your home.
Here are just a few things your solar company in Phoenix can provide:
Solar system size and configuration. Solar system configurations are somewhat complex and it's important your solar company in Phoenix walks you through all of the system components. The contractor should advise you on the steps taken to determine the right system size and explain exactly how each component in the system will perform. You should come away knowing about solar panel size, system wattage and energy output, for example.
Solar system cost. After learning about the right-sized system for your home, you need to know how much that system will cost. Your solar contractor will explain in detail the cost factors involved, how they relate to your desired utility offset expectations and the total cost of the recommended system. Through careful analysis of all trade-offs, you can arrive at the best system configuration for your budget and expectations.
Financial incentives. Once you know the total system cost, your solar company in Phoenix will outline all available incentives. You'll receive a prepared analysis of utility rebates and other incentives applied directly to your initial cost. Your solar contractor will also provide you with information on tax credits and sales tax exemptions that further lower your investment cost. You can expect your final system cost to be drastically lower after these incentives are applied.
System life. You need to know how long you can expect your solar system to last to determine the return on your investment. A competent solar company will provide you with an expected system life time that is backed-up by a warranty. Most solar panels last between 25 and 30 years.
Service. Although solar systems are very reliable, you still want your solar company in Phoenix to be around when you need them. Learn about service policies and what's covered under warranties.
Narrowing Your Prospects
Finding the right solar contractor can make the difference in whether your project is successful or not. Here are some important questions to ask when meeting with each potential solar contractor:
What's the contractor's experience level in terms of years in business and number of systems installed? Obviously, you want a solar company who knows what they're doing. The more time spent in the industry, the more the company is likely to have learned.
Also, determine if your potential solar installers are experienced with roofing and know how a solar system will affect your existing roof. Are they licensed roofing contractors?
Have they installed thousands of systems or just a few? Have they been around for a long time and are they likely to be around for the foreseeable future? An experienced contractor will know all the ins and outs of system selection, installation, permitting, incentives, service and more.
What about their background? Is the solar company licensed and insured? A quick look at the Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau can ensure you're working with a properly credentialed business. Are they on various recommendation lists as qualified contractors?
Are they financially viable? You want to make sure your contractor is likely to be around for the life of your system. Solid financial performance can help signify staying power.
Do they offer multiple financing opportunities? To provide the best flexibility for your budget, you might want to explore additional financing arrangements besides paying cash. Does your solar company have relationships with various financial institutions and leasing companies?
If you thoroughly consider your requirements and conduct the proper due diligence when selecting the final solar company in Phoenix, you should be well on your way to saving money with solar energy. With the right solar partner, you should meet your expectations and achieve the desired level of success with your solar energy system.
So how do you find the best solar company in Phoenix for your installation? The first step is to educate yourself on solar energy. Next, thoroughly evaluate potential solar contractors. Finally, select the solar company in Phoenix who can deliver what you need, as well as become a real partner throughout the life of your system.
Evaluate Your Situation and Requirements
It's probably best for you to do some of the legwork on your own. Although a qualified solar company in Phoenix will educate you on all aspects of a solar electric installation, you should identify a few things prior to your first meeting. Here are some things you may want to initially explore:
- What is your current energy usage? Collect your past 12 months of utility bills to analyze usage.
- What are your available funds for your solar project? Would you like a minimal investment or a larger upfront investment?
- Do you know understand solar energy works? Many online resources exist for you to learn about solar. You can get as detailed as you want in learning about how solar energy works.
- Have you looked at your home and evaluated whether it's conducive for solar? In other words, do you have anything like trees or buildings that shade a significant part of your home? Do you have roof space to house panels?
- What are your expectations with a solar installation? By how much do you want to off-set your utility bills? Most solar applications will offset utility costs between 25 and 75 percent, depending upon individual circumstances. Having realistic expectations will help ensure a successful installation.
Meet with Prospective Solar Contractors
After you've thought about the issues surrounding a solar installation, it's time to contact reputable contractors. Professional solar system installers will help expand on the information you've already collected, as well as educate you further on the right system for your home.
Here are just a few things your solar company in Phoenix can provide:
Solar system size and configuration. Solar system configurations are somewhat complex and it's important your solar company in Phoenix walks you through all of the system components. The contractor should advise you on the steps taken to determine the right system size and explain exactly how each component in the system will perform. You should come away knowing about solar panel size, system wattage and energy output, for example.
Solar system cost. After learning about the right-sized system for your home, you need to know how much that system will cost. Your solar contractor will explain in detail the cost factors involved, how they relate to your desired utility offset expectations and the total cost of the recommended system. Through careful analysis of all trade-offs, you can arrive at the best system configuration for your budget and expectations.
Financial incentives. Once you know the total system cost, your solar company in Phoenix will outline all available incentives. You'll receive a prepared analysis of utility rebates and other incentives applied directly to your initial cost. Your solar contractor will also provide you with information on tax credits and sales tax exemptions that further lower your investment cost. You can expect your final system cost to be drastically lower after these incentives are applied.
System life. You need to know how long you can expect your solar system to last to determine the return on your investment. A competent solar company will provide you with an expected system life time that is backed-up by a warranty. Most solar panels last between 25 and 30 years.
Service. Although solar systems are very reliable, you still want your solar company in Phoenix to be around when you need them. Learn about service policies and what's covered under warranties.
Narrowing Your Prospects
Finding the right solar contractor can make the difference in whether your project is successful or not. Here are some important questions to ask when meeting with each potential solar contractor:
What's the contractor's experience level in terms of years in business and number of systems installed? Obviously, you want a solar company who knows what they're doing. The more time spent in the industry, the more the company is likely to have learned.
Also, determine if your potential solar installers are experienced with roofing and know how a solar system will affect your existing roof. Are they licensed roofing contractors?
Have they installed thousands of systems or just a few? Have they been around for a long time and are they likely to be around for the foreseeable future? An experienced contractor will know all the ins and outs of system selection, installation, permitting, incentives, service and more.
What about their background? Is the solar company licensed and insured? A quick look at the Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau can ensure you're working with a properly credentialed business. Are they on various recommendation lists as qualified contractors?
Are they financially viable? You want to make sure your contractor is likely to be around for the life of your system. Solid financial performance can help signify staying power.
Do they offer multiple financing opportunities? To provide the best flexibility for your budget, you might want to explore additional financing arrangements besides paying cash. Does your solar company have relationships with various financial institutions and leasing companies?
If you thoroughly consider your requirements and conduct the proper due diligence when selecting the final solar company in Phoenix, you should be well on your way to saving money with solar energy. With the right solar partner, you should meet your expectations and achieve the desired level of success with your solar energy system.
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