A solar or wind power system is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. If you’ve decided to install a renewable energy system, you’ll want to choose a reputable solar company in Pennsylvania. The solution is not going to the phone book and picking one randomly from the yellow pages.
Getting an independent list of reputable contractors in your area experienced in solar panel and wind turbine installation is the best way. Why? Because the internet makes it easy for shady contractors to tear you off by selling faulty parts or overcharging you for labor. Read on to find a contractor for your renewable energy system installation.
Experience Matters
The contractor you choose can make or break your project—and it’s not just their ability to do the work. It’s also about their experience and how they communicate with you throughout the process. A contractor who has worked on projects similar to yours has knowledge and skills.
A contractor with experience installing renewable energy systems knows what they’re doing and will recommend the best approach for your needs. They’ll also know how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your system gets installed correctly.
If you don’t have an experienced contractor, it can be hard to know what questions to ask or when something isn’t right with your system. Asking these questions saves time, money, and headaches.
Ask Contractor Referrals
If you have friends or family who have installed their renewable energy systems, ask them for the name of their contractor. If you don’t know anyone with a similar system, ask your neighbors to see if any of them has solar panels on the roof.
You can also look online for contractors in your area. Look up “renewable energy system installation” in your city or county and see what comes up. It’s best to use an online search engine like Google instead of local directories because they are more likely to be current and accurate.
Your utility company may also provide local contractors that they work with regularly. You can also contact your local government office or state’s department of energy for recommendations from their staff, who are experts.
Request Bids
You can start by listing companies you think would be a good fit for your needs and goals. Then, reach out to them and request bids for the project. You’ll need to ask them for the following:
- A detailed bid sheet outlining their services including pricing, labor, and equipment costs.
- A list of references with contact information; call the references.
- Copy of the company warranty or guarantee on work and materials used in the installation process.
Look for Local Companies
Local companies have long-standing relationships with local building departments and utility providers. It means they will know all the permits necessary for installing an energy system on your home or business property – something that can save time and money during construction.
Additionally, because these contractors have been doing business in the community for some time now, they have built up a reputation for being trustworthy and competent professionals.
Look for Licensed Contractors
The law requires licensed contractors and companies to have specific qualifications and training to safely and correctly install these systems. They also have insurance coverage to protect against any damages caused during installation.
If you hire an unlicensed contractor or company, you could end up with an unsafe system that doesn’t meet local codes or regulations and could potentially cause damage to your home.
You can check with your local government or utility company to see if they have a list of contractors licensed to install solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems.
Ask Questions
When choosing a contractor, your goal is to find the best. Here’s a list of common questions that people have when selecting a contractor:
- What are their qualifications? What training do they have, and where did they receive it? Are they certified in any renewable energy systems? Do they have references from previous clients who would be willing to speak with you about their experiences with this company?
- How long have they operated, and what experience does that give them?
- What kind of projects has the chosen contractor installed in the past, and how can you see examples of those installations?
Don’t let anyone rush you into deciding to hire a contractor. You have the right to request information, and you should use it. Keep the business end separate, and look at the projects objectively. Research to get what you pay for.
