How to Evaluate the Quality of a Solar Panel Installation Supplier

When it comes to solar panel installation, a lot of paperwork is involved. This includes applying for the proper federal and local solar rebates and incentives. It also requires a local inspection by your town government and a utility interconnection with the grid.

As with other big-ticket purchases, it’s a good idea to comparison shop. Compare up to 3 quotes from local suppliers for free by filling in the form below.

Reputation

It is essential to evaluate the reputation of your potential solar panel installation supplier. This includes the solar equipment they use and how it performs in real life versus the performance that it is tested under lab conditions. The best way to do this is by looking at unbiased third-party solar reviews validated as authentic such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

In the relatively young solar industry, many new companies come and go. Finding a solar panel installation in New Jersey that has been around for at least ten years and has a proven track record of manufacturing and installing PV systems is vital. They should also have an established history of being financially stable. This is important because your PV system will last 25-30 years, and you need to ensure that the company will still be around to honor the warranties on their panels.

You also need to ensure they have a reputation for using the most advanced and practical equipment, including a robust warranty program, high-quality inverters, and batteries. This will help your PV system to deliver on its full power potential. Finally, you want to be sure that the solar panels they manufacture will meet the needs of your specific project location. This can include things like durability, water resistance, and temperature tolerance.

Certifications

When shopping for solar panels, it’s essential to consider whether the equipment you’re looking at has passed relevant testing and certification standards. These tests evaluate the solar panels’ safety, durability, and compliance with their intended use. State and local codes require some tests, while others are optional but useful for specific applications. For example, if you’re interested in installing solar panels near livestock or farms, you can check to ensure the board passes a test for resistance to ammonia corrosion.

Another essential factor to look for is the quality inspection conducted on each solar panel at its factory of origin. These inspections typically involve a visual assessment and a flash test. The visual evaluation looks for scratches, glue marks, and the montage frame. The flash test involves exposing the panel to an intense light source and assessing for a “flash” effect.

Ideally, the manufacturer should also have documented proof that they regularly audit their production facility and products to ensure compliance with ongoing safety and performance standards. This is a crucial step to help protect against defective solar modules, which can cause significant financial losses for homeowners, installers, and the energy companies they install for. Additionally, many local utility companies now require that any grid-tied solar systems are installed with certified solar panels to qualify for their rebates and incentives.

Experience

As solar adoption has surged worldwide, ensuring installation equipment meets specific quality standards has become increasingly important. Questions arise regarding the durability of solar components such as panels, inverters, and batteries. Choosing a solar installer with experience will ensure that your energy system is built to last and backed by solid warranty coverage.

A good solar company will be able to answer your questions about the performance of the equipment they use and will be able to explain why they chose the specific brand of equipment they did. They will also be able to tell you about their company’s history, including any solar projects they have done. It is also great to ask for testimonials from past clients, as they can share their experiences with the installer.

In addition, you should understand how your solar quote is calculated. Make sure that the rate of utility increases is accurately represented. This will give you a better sense of how quickly your savings are expected to add up and will help you with your decision-making process. You should also ensure that your quotes account for any differences in power output due to temperature changes, as this will influence your energy production estimates.

Warranty

Many potential issues can arise in a solar installation. These problems can reduce your system’s energy production and cost you money. The best way to protect yourself against future costs is to look for a warranty that covers your investment.

A good quality installer will offer a warranty on their work. This can cover damage that occurs during the installation process, as well as any problems that arise after it is complete. This warranty is essential because it can save you much money in the long run.

Similarly, you should ensure that your solar panel manufacturer offers a product warranty. These warranties typically last anywhere between 10-25 years. The most common type of warranty is a power and performance warranty. The power warranty guarantees that the panels will continue to produce a certain amount of electricity throughout their lifespan. The performance warranty will guarantee that the panels will not degrade by more than 5% in the first 25 years of operation.

Other types of warranties include product, installation, and artistry warranties. You should find out how long these warranties last and what they cover. A good contract should give you peace of mind that your investment is protected for as long as you own your home.