Whether you’re looking to design and install a new solar system or maintain the one you already own, it’s important to have the help of a reliable solar service company. Over the past several years, solar power has grown in popularity. According to the Wall Street Journal, global solar power rose by roughly 22% in 2020 alone. As such, there are a variety of sources out there looking for your business. Don’t trust your solar system with just anyone! Here’s how to ensure that the solar services you receive are from a reliable source.

1. Look for Reviews

You may know someone personally who has just installed a solar system of their own. If so, be sure to ask them about their experience! If they happen to have positive things to say about their contractor, then you’ll have a great lead to look into. On the other hand, any horror stories they share can help you avoid hiring someone who, historically, hasn’t done quality work. That said, keep in mind that our friends and family usually account for a small survey pool compared to what you can find online. Most businesses have a website page dedicated to customer reviews where you can read about how their previous projects have gone. It’s worth noting that customers rarely post here unless something went particularly well or terribly, though. These reviews can give a biased impression without taking that into account.

With anecdotes from friends and family and reviews from customers online, you can start to get a better understanding of your options. Keep this information in mind while browsing the contractor’s website for additional context. Once you get a better idea of how these businesses operate, you’ll have a better idea of which one you want to work with.

2. Evaluate Their Experience

While you’re on the company’s website, keep your eye out for sections that mention years of service or a date of establishment. As you might imagine, the amount of time a company has spent doing business in the solar industry has a positive correlation with how equipped they are to be of assistance. It takes a substantial customer base to stay in business for long, after all. The amount of time spent in business is also a good indicator of how prepared they are for unusual issues that might come up. Ideally, you’ll want to find someone who knows how to handle any job no matter the challenges.

Another good way to evaluate the knowledge of a business is to check its website for authoritative content. Do they have a blog or an FAQ section? Do they seem open to answering questions? The more educational a website is, the more likely it is that it belongs to a trustworthy source.

3. Compare Quotes

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider their rates. That said, always make sure that they’re comparing projects of the same size! The rates you get might not be calculated the same way. Some quotes may include services that others don’t. When you contact the company for the quote, make sure to get as much information about how it’s calculated as possible. This is also another opportunity to see what the builders know and how open they are to helping their clients learn. Knowledge and approachability are great indicators of reliable service.

One thing to keep in mind is that the best quote may not be the cheapest option. Don’t simply pick the one with the smallest number. When it comes to cheap services, you run the risk of having to get the job done twice. At that point, it certainly won’t be the cheap option anymore. In short, do your best to balance the pros and cons appropriately. Take into account the company’s reviews and experience when determining the real value of the service.

Don’t let anyone rush you into a contract when it comes to your solar services. For the longevity of your installation, it’s important to make an educated decision. A truly reliable contractor will be much more interested in securing your business for the long term. Are you in the market for reliable solar services? Give us a call at United Solar Group Corporation today to learn more about what we have to offer. We’d be happy to help!