Questions to Ask Local Solar Companies and Their References

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/07/Freedom-Solar-1.png" alt="class=attachment-post-thumbnail" style="height: ;width: "/> <h3>Questions to Ask a Solar Power Company</h3> Before hiring a contractor to handle the <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/chase-the-sun-why-now-is-the-right-time-to-install-solar/" target="_self">installation of your solar array</a>, take stock of your hiring options. Do some research and choose a handful of qualified local companies to contact via phone or email. Ask them some or all of the following questions: <ul> <li>How will the solar site assessment work?</li> <li>Is my home or business better suited to one type of solar power over another? If so, why?</li> <li>If the site is suitable for solar thermal, how much work will be required to make the array deliver heating, cooling and hot water beyond simply getting the array onto my roof or other part of my property?</li> <li>How does selling back electricity work?</li> <li>How long does an installation take to complete?</li> <li>When can I receive a written estimate for the solar panels and installation?</li> </ul> The responses you receive to these questions (as well as your inquiry in general) will help guide your final hiring decision. <h3>Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor’s References</h3> In addition to interviewing solar contractors directly, ask each for a list of references—past customers who can tell you about their experience with the company. Any quality solar contractor should be happy to provide a list of references. Expect to receive a list of five to 10 recent customers whom you can contact. Here are some sample questions to ask a solar contractor’s references: <ul> <li>Did you have a solar array installed at your home or business by the company? What kind was it?</li> <li>Did you receive a site assessment from the company?</li> <li>How satisfied were you with the work?</li> <li>Has the solar array operated the way you expected?</li> <li>Have your energy bills been reduced as much as you expected?</li> <li>Are you selling electricity back to the utility? If so, how has the experience been for you? </li> <li>Are you making as much money as you expected? </li> <li>How does payment for excess electricity work for you?</li> <li>Would you recommend that someone else invest in a PV array large enough to sell electricity back to the utility company?</li> <li>How did the federal and state incentives figure into your decision to invest in solar?</li> <li>How did the federal and state incentives affect your ability to pay for the solar system?</li> <li>Do you have any advice or information we haven’t touched on yet?</li> </ul> Keep in mind that references provided by solar companies can be cherry-picked or even fake, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when researching them. To get greater assurance, consider hiring a Diamond Certified solar contractor. All Diamond Certified companies have passed an in-depth <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/ratings-process/" target="_self">rating process</a> that most other companies can’t pass. Part of this process involves conducting telephone interviews of actual customers. References provided by a solar power company are not equal in value to the large, random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified rating process. So, if you want quality, you’ll have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-solar/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Solar Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-solar/" target="_self">San Francisco Solar Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-solar/" target="_self">Alameda County Solar Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-solar/" target="_self">Marin County Solar Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-solar/" target="_self">San Mateo County Solar Companies</a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Solar/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Solar</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>