How to Identify Red Flags When Selecting a Solar Company

Solar energy can reduce your electricity bill and your carbon footprint. The wrong solar company could lead to expensive mistakes, poor installations and a frustrating customer experience. It’s important to recognize red flags when choosing a provider before you sign any contract. What to look out for when choosing a solar company

1. Inadequate Licensing & Certification

A reputable company installing solar panels should be licensed and certified. Verify that the company has been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, which is the gold standard for the industry. Verify that the company has all of the necessary state and local licensing. Consider it a red flag if a company is reluctant to show proof of licensing.

2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Beware of companies who use aggressive sales tactics in order to force you to make a decision quickly. Take a step back if a salesperson insists you sign a contract immediately to get a “limited time offer”. A reputable company will allow you to compare the options and review all details.

3. Unrealistic pricing and hidden fees

A deal that sounds too good to true is probably not. Some companies will offer prices that are significantly lower than their competitors only to shock customers later with hidden charges. Some companies overcharge for simple installations. Compare multiple quotes to ensure that you understand the full pricing breakdown including labor costs, equipment costs, and warranty.

4. Poor online reviews and customer complaints

Checking online reviews is one of the best ways to assess a solar company. Check out platforms such as Google Reviews, BBB and Trustpilot for what previous customers have said. Red flags include frequent complaints about poor craftsmanship, unresponsive service or misleading contracts.

5. No clear warranty or poor after-sales support

A reputable company will offer a solid warranty on both the equipment and labor. You should look for:

• Panel performance: 25 Years of Excellence
• Inverters can last 10-12 years
• Workmanship: 5-10 Years

Reconsider your purchase if a company is unwilling to provide clear warranty conditions or avoids answering questions regarding post-installation assistance.

6. Subcontracting without Transparency

Solar companies sometimes outsource their installation to third-party contractors. Subcontracting may not be a bad thing, but it can become a problem when the company fails to disclose information or does not ensure quality control. Check the credentials of anyone who is handling your installation.

7. No physical office or local presence

If there are any problems, it may be hard to contact a solar company that has no office or a vague presence online. Select a solar company that has a verified address and is well-known in your community.

Select the Right Solar Provider

Selecting a reliable company is important because solar investment is a long term commitment. You can avoid a bad solar experience by avoiding these red flags: lack of licenses and certifications, aggressive sales tactics, hidden costs, poor reviews, weak warranties, issues with subcontractors, and no local presence.

Contact us for a no-obligation consultation if you are looking for a certified, trusted solar company. Our experts will help you throughout the process to ensure that you receive the right system for you. Start now with a trusted solar partner!

This article was written by an EHS professional. Efficient Home Services of St. Petersburg FL offers a wide range of solar energy services. Our mission at Efficient Home Services of Florida is to help you save money on your home energy costs. Solar companies in St. Petersburg, FL . We offer a wide range of energy-saving options that no other company in Florida can match. EHS offers services that address all aspects of energy efficiency in your home. Other businesses may focus on a single component, like solar panel installation or HVAC installation. Our team is made up of professionals with extensive knowledge who have come together to provide homeowners with what other companies could not – relief from high electricity bills.