Over the past few years, we have seen a considerable increase in the number of people choosing to install solar panels on their property. One of the main reasons for this is because of the cost-of-living crisis. Many people are finding that heating their homes using conventional means such as electricity and gas is becoming increasingly expensive and they wish to find a cheaper alternative. In addition, with a desire to switch to more climate-friendly heating alternatives becoming a priority, solar panels tick a lot of boxes.

While installing solar panels can cost a large amount of money, they have been proven to save money in the long run. In fact, research suggests that after ten years, it is possible to earn money from your solar panels. And this isn't the only benefit of solar panels. Evidence indicates that they are also much better for the environment compared to traditional heating systems.

However, while solar panels are a wise investment, they have one big downside. This downside is that they are extremely difficult to install. In fact, only professional solar panel installers should attempt this job, and trying to install photovoltaic panels as a DIY installation might not be a great idea unless you are a qualified solar panel installer.

Unfortunately, over the last few years, we have seen an enormous increase in companies claiming to be solar panel installers. Many of these companies do not have the proper training or qualifications to do the job well. The good news is that it's easy to spot a good solar panel installer. If you're looking for a good solar panel installer for your home or business, here are some of our top tips to help you choose the right one.

1. Make Sure They Have Licensing and/or Certification

When searching for a solar panel installer, you first should check whether they have the correct accreditation to do the job. If they do not have this, don't allow them to do any work on your property.

In some states, professional and reputable solar panel installers must be licensed. Check this by visiting the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) website. If in doubt, talk with your local building department to verify whether photovoltaic installers in your state need to be licensed, and if so, what you should be asking an installer.

There is also a voluntary certification program for photovoltaic installers. Any installer with a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification will have passed a rigorous exam and have plenty of relevant experience in the field. This is a good indicator that they are a reputable contractor. Visit the Solar Energy International website to learn more about this certification.

2. Check They Have Insurance

One of the most important things you should look for when searching for a solar panel installer is whether they have insurance. A good installer will have a contractor's general liability insurance cover that will protect both them and you should any accidents occur while they fit your solar panels. If you are installing photovoltaic panels at home or for a business, you can’t afford to hire an installer without the correct insurance cover in place. If an accident occurs, you could end up being the subject of a lawsuit, which nobody wants.

3. They Won't Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics

A good solar panel installer will not use high-pressure sales tactics such as on-the-spot discounts to get you to buy their products. These include tactics such as calling a manager to ask for a discount or telling you that unless you sign on the dotted line immediately, the discount they are offering won’t be valid. Reputable installers will do a site survey and let you have a quote at a later date, usually sent via email. Then it’s up to you whether you go ahead and place the order. Nobody will call and place pressure on you to go ahead and order the solar panel installation.

If you feel like the installer is putting pressure on you, it's probably best to look for someone else.

4. Do Your Research

Another good tip is to do some research into the different solar installers near you. Don't let a flashy website fool you into thinking that an installer is legitimate. Instead, read reviews and testimonials from previous customers to see whether they were happy with the quality of the installation. Ideally, choose an installer that has done work for a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor. That way you can verify that their work is good quality, and that they aren’t going to disappear into the night with your money.

5. Get Multiple Quotations

Getting more than one quotation will allow you to compare prices from different installers. If one of the quotes is much lower than the others, it's probably too good to be true. Ideally, obtain at least three separate quotes from a mix of contractors: some local, some national.

6. Don’t Accept Over-the-Phone Quotations

Some less reputable solar panel installers will happily offer to provide a quotation over the phone, without actually visiting your property. However, while this might seem easier for all concerned, it usually indicates the installer isn’t interested in providing a good service; they just want your money.

A reputable installer will need to do a site survey so they can be certain the roof is suitable for a photovoltaic panel installation. They’ll also need to check your lifestyle, to find out how many solar panels are needed to supply the right amount of electricity for your home or business. Other things like the structural integrity of the roof are important, as well as light readings.

Solar panels have many benefits. Not only are they better for the environment, but they can also help save you money. However, finding a highly qualified and capable solar panel installer isn't always as easy as you'd expect. The good news is that if you follow our tips above, you won't go wrong.

About the Author:

Sally Giles ran her own successful importing business for many years. She's now living the dream as a freelance writer, walking her dogs through the forest most days.

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