The companies you choose to do business with say a lot about you. You’ll undoubtedly want to forge long-term working relationships with companies that have a strong commitment to your community and a healthy sense of professional ethics. When it’s time to choose a solar company to install solar panels, a solar water heater, or a solar pool heater, you should do your due diligence. Take the time to research different solar companies in Tucson. As you do so, keep the following tips in mind.
Check for NABCEP certification and licensure.
One of the first things to look for in solar companies in Tucson is proper and up-to-date licensure. The State of Arizona requires all contractors performing solar construction work to meet regulatory, experience, and training requirements, as evidenced by the possession of a license. In Arizona, different types of licenses can meet these requirements, such as the following:
- General engineering: A-General, B-4 General, and KA-General
- Electrical: A-17, R-11, C-11, and CR-11
- Swimming pools, including solar heaters: A-19, B-6, and KA-6
- Solar boilers: R-4, C-74, and CR-74
While licensure is a must-have, it’s also a good idea to look for a solar company that has certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Obtaining a NABCEP certification is a voluntary effort. Certified practitioners must meet certain standards and pass a rigorous exam to demonstrate their industry knowledge. NABCEP certification does have an expiration date. Solar energy professionals are required to successfully complete continuing education units (CEUs) in order to maintain their certification.
Look for a company with award-winning service.
Once you’ve found a solar company with licensed and certified technicians, consider whether it has been awarded any professional recognitions. Choosing an award-winning company can give you the confidence you need to move forward with your solar panel installation. As an example, Custom Solar and Leisure in Tucson has won the Angie’s List Super Service Award on four separate years, and has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Look for a company vetted by other professional organizations.
While it makes sense to choose a company with award-winning service, you can also go a step further and look for a solar contractor that has been thoroughly vetted by other organizations in the industry. As an example, consider Tucson Electric Power (TEP). In 2015, TEP started a residential solar program. It launched an extensive application and thorough vetting process to select its solar power subcontractors. From a pool of 13 solar companies, TEP chose just three, including Custom Solar and Leisure, to forge a partnership to provide clean energy to Tucson.
Check for testimonials from previous customers.
It’s always a good idea to check a company’s reviews online. Reading the testimonials from previous customers can give you a strong sense of how the company treats its customers. You can also get an idea of how professionally the solar company’s technicians conduct themselves at the customers’ properties, as well as how knowledgeable and willing to answer questions they are. Choose a solar company with a long track record of fully satisfied customers in Southern Arizona.
Consider the types of products offered.
If you’re going to invest a substantial sum in solar panels, you’ll certainly want to be sure you pick the right products. Consider looking for a solar company that sells and installs solar energy products manufactured by LG Electronics, Enphase, SolarEdge Technologies, Inc., or Trina Solar Limited. These manufacturers have a solid reputation for producing quality solar energy products, including solar panels, micro-inverters, and single phase inverters.
In addition, if you’re thinking about installing solar panels to supply your home with free electricity, you might also want to invest in a solar water heater and a solar pool heater. Look for a company that can take care of all of your solar energy needs. A full-service solar company should be able to handle the following:
- Passive and active solar water heating systems
- Direct water and indirect propylene glycol solar water heating systems
- On-grid and off-grid solar electric systems
- Circular and rectangular panels for solar pool heating systems
Ask if the solar company will provide a free estimate.
One last factor to consider is whether the solar company offers free estimates. Complimentary, no-obligation estimates are customary throughout much of the service industry. They give you the flexibility to accurately compare different solar companies.
Custom Solar and Leisure is proud to deliver award-winning service and clean, green energy to Tucson and all of Southern Arizona. Our licensed and NABCEP-certified technicians will be happy to provide a free estimate for your solar electric panels, solar water heater, or solar pool heater. Get in touch with us today at (520) 367-3699.
