In the US, the average homeowner spends over $1200 per year on electricity bills. This increases, even more, depending on the time of the year and personal habits. To keep your electricity bills low, installing a solar panel could be the best option for you.
Installing a solar panel in your home is a big investment, and you must have a reliable contractor. To be sure of that, you need to ask the right questions.
A solar panel contractor should have excellent references, exceptional customer reviews, and lots of experience in the field. Here are five questions you should ask before hiring a contractor.
Are you Licensed and Insured?
A solar panel contractor must be licensed and insured, so that is the first question you should ask before proceeding. If they do have a license, you can ask for the license number and check with your local government to see if the license is still valid. If a contractor is unwilling to provide this information, then you should look for another contractor.
Different contractors have different insurance policies to protect you from any liabilities. Make sure that the contractor has business insurance, as well as workers’ compensation to protect their employees. If they don’t have either policy, you may be financially responsible for damage.
Can You Provide Some References?
A reputable company will have a significant number of clients they’ve worked with, and providing references should not be a problem. Don’t be afraid to call references and ask for feedback about the contractor. You should also check online for reviews. If the reviews are mostly positive, the contractor responds to reviews, and they seem reputable, that particular contractor could be a great fit for you.
Do You Have Experience With Homes Like Mine?
A good contractor should have years of experience in the industry. They should be able to explain how they’ve installed equipment over the years, and how many clients have been satisfied. They should also be able to talk about the kinds of systems they’ve installed.
Another important question to ask the contractor is if they have worked on a home like yours. If they’ve worked on a roof designed like yours, they might be better able to anticipate problems that could occur in the long run. If a contractor is very unfamiliar with the design and slope of your roof, you may want to move on to another contractor.
Can You Explain How My Roof Will Be Protected?
Your roof will need to be slightly altered when installing a solar panel. Be sure to ask your contractor what they will do to protect your roof beforehand. An experienced contractor will explain the process in detail and give you past examples of work. You want to be sure the contractor you choose is taking the necessary precautions to protect your home from damage. If a contractor can’t give you these details and examples, it might be best you move on to someone else.
How Do You Want Me to Pay For the Installation?
On average, it costs between $15,000 to $20,000 to install a solar panel. For most homeowners, paying for a solar panel installation is a big undertaking. Ask the contractor about different payment options. If the company is reputable, they will be able to help you to spread the cost over a payment plan, and give you information about discounts and tax credits.
At All Solar Energy Solutions, we will install your solar panel with the help of our licensed experts. Our experienced professionals will explain the installation process to you, and answer any questions you may have. We offer standardized and competitive-priced solutions for all your solar panel needs. Additionally, we also provide generator services, heat pump installers, and services related to mini split installation in Portland, Brunswick and Topsham.
You can contact us today for a free estimate, and our experts will reach out to you in no time. For more information, call us on (207)536-5935.