Solar energy promises to reduce grid electricity consumption and lower energy costs, all at a reasonable initial price and minimal maintenance requirements. By harnessing energy from the sun and converting it to electricity, solar systems indeed reduce reliance on grid power. However, how much one gains from installing solar energy is greatly dependent on getting the finding the right retailer to sell and install the system.
If you're on the market for new solar panels, here are a few things that you should focus on when looking for a retailer.
Approval by the CEC
There are numerous solar panel retailers in the market, but not all have the necessary approvals and certification. When shopping, find one who is accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). One key advantage of this accreditation is that customers are eligible for government rebates and incentives. Currently, solar rebates allow homeowners to claim up to 50% of the purchase cost of solar PV panels.
Homeowners who have never installed solar PV panels are eligible for the rebates. Additionally, your household should have a combined income of less than $180,000, and the property should be valued at under $3 million. By working with a CEC approved retailer, you get to enjoy these rebates on your new solar system installation.
Solar Panel Warranties and Maintenance
In addition to CEC accreditation, your prospective solar panel retailer should offer warranties and maintenance services for new solar PV panels. The standard industry warranty for solar panels is 25 years. Any retailer who doesn't provide a warranty may not be reliable. On the other hand, one who has warranties has confidence in their product, and this is the guarantee you need when buying a new system.
Additionally, a good retailer should offer maintenance services after installation. This is aimed at ensuring the new solar panels are working correctly. The retailer should return after installation to test the system and conduct necessary tweaks to enhance performance. Before committing to a purchase, ask about the maintenance services.
Commitment to Quality Installations
A lot of work goes into the installation of new solar panels. Shoddy installation work can undermine the performance of the system. As such, the installer needs to undertake the following:
- Inspect the roof for any defects and ensure it's stable enough to handle the weight of solar panels
- Check the orientation of the home and slope of the roof to determine the tilt of the solar panels
- Properly mount the system on the house and install cables and solar inverter away from the damaging heat of the sun
If possible, ask to see previous installations of the retailer as this can give you insight into what to expect. Settle for a retailer with excellent recommendations from previous homeowners.
The performance of your solar panels depends on finding the best retailer for a quality unit and professional installations. Ask for relevant documentation and work portfolio to ascertain the reliability of the retailer before committing to a purchase.
