Finding the perfect company to set you up with your home solar system can be a big challenge. Follow the steps in this article to make the right choice.
With so many companies selling solar these days, how do you choose?
Many homeowners feel nervous or uncertain about this choice, in part because solar technology is not well understood by most people. Instead of getting pressured into going with the company with a smooth talking salesman, take your time to make the right decision for you.
Here are four areas to consider when looking for a solar company:
- Price and Financing Opportunities
- Quality, Reviews, and Warranties
- Own, Lease or PPA Agreement
- Customer Service
Price and Financing Opportunities
If you have the financial position to do so, buying your system outright is always going to be the easiest option. You can own your system outright, still get the 26% federal tax credit (at the time of this writing, 9/6/2020), and wipe out huge amount of your electricity bill (if not the entire thing).
Many homeowners are looking to finance a system. If you are considering financing, consider who the financing is offered through, and the reputation of that bank. It will also be a better experience for you if the lender has specific experience in the solar industry.
When you are looking at the interest rates offered, look at the total price of the system and the monthly payments, instead of fixating on the interest rate.
Some companies offer low interest rate, but your payments increase by 2-5% every year. This makes the initial payment look low, but in actuality you may end up paying much more over the course of the loan.
Many homeowners in Northern California or the greater Sacramento area are able to finance a solar system for significantly less money per month than they were previously paying for electricity.
If you home is in this situation, it’s a no-brainer, because you own the solar system, and one it’s paid off, you will own 100% of the production.
Quality, Reviews, and Warranties
Since a solar system is a multi-decade investment, the premium of a job well done can not be under emphasized. Your solar company should pay close attention to the details of each and every project they are involved with.
It’s better to build a lasting relationship with a company that cares about your satisfaction – and in some cases that is willing to guarantee it.
You should check reviews, but be wary of putting too much stock into reviews. Look into the company and see if they are offering a warranty on their system or their components.
Own, Lease, or PPA Agreement
The biggest solar installers, usually don’t want to sell you a solar system, instead they want you to either get on a solar lease or a Power Purchase Agreement.
Projects like these give more money back to the company, and less money back to you. You should check if the lease agreement includes an escalator clause that automatically raises your rate every year.
Many of the largest national installers have poor reviews, and some have even faced lawsuits by state governments.
This is a topic that could be discussed in much more depth, but it is important to stress that we believe you are better off owning your system outright. Do your own research, but you will find that most if not all agree with us.
Customer Service
When it’s all said and done, customer service means peace of mind. It means knowing that you are taken care of, if you need to talk to someone, you know how to reach them and you know they’ll be responsive.
This is something that all companies say they do very well, but you can only truly know by being in business with them. At VEVO Electric, we treat each home owner as an individual, and pay close attention to their needs and concerns, to make sure they are a happy customer at every step of the way.
We are a local company, proudly serving the Great Sacramento area, and have been helping homeowners with successful electrical projects for over 35 years.