Navigating the Solar Installer Minefield
I’ve been in the solar industry for over a decade, and one thing I’ve learned is that finding the right solar installer can be like navigating a minefield. With so many companies out there, all promising the best deals and the highest-quality workmanship, it can be downright overwhelming to figure out who to trust with your rooftop solar project.
Recently, I was working with a solar installer who had a ton of experience under their belt – they’d done tens of millions of dollars’ worth of solar installations. But when it came to providing the sales tools and support that the solar sales organizations needed, they fell flat on their face. They were great at the installation part, but they just didn’t understand the full scope of what their customers were looking for.
That experience, combined with the endless requests I see online for “EPC recommendations,” is what inspired me to put together this guide. I want to share with you the top qualities to look for in a rooftop solar installer, so you can make an informed decision and avoid the pitfalls that so many homeowners and solar sales organizations have fallen into.
The Importance of a Full-Service Solar Solution
Let’s start with the most crucial quality to look for: a solar installer that offers a comprehensive, full-service solution. Gone are the days when you could just hand a solar installer a fully sold project and expect them to handle the rest. Today’s solar customers, whether they’re homeowners or solar sales organizations, need a lot more than just installation services.
As I mentioned in my previous article, the solar installer I worked with was using a great design tool like Aurora, but they didn’t have the closing documentation built-in. That meant the sales teams had to manually enter all the customer information, solar equipment, and pricing into their own DocuSign templates for every single deal. Talk about a headache!
A truly top-notch solar installer should have a full suite of sales tools and services, including:
- A user-friendly solar platform with multiple financing options
- Pre-populated closing documents that are customizable to the customer’s needs
- Streamlined permitting and interconnection processes
- Comprehensive project management from start to finish
This kind of one-stop-shop approach not only makes the sales process smoother and more efficient, but it also ensures that your solar project is in good hands from beginning to end.
Size Matters (But Not in the Way You Might Think)
When it comes to solar installers, size isn’t everything. In fact, there are generally four different size categories of solar installers: national companies operating in multiple states, larger statewide companies, local installers, and the dreaded “Chuck-in-a-Truck” type.
You might think that the bigger the solar installer, the better, but that’s not always the case. National companies, for example, can sometimes be too bureaucratic and impersonal, with a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t always serve the unique needs of individual customers.
On the other hand, smaller local installers can often provide a more personalized, hands-on experience, with a deeper understanding of the local market and regulations. And while the “Chuck-in-a-Truck” type might be tempting due to their low prices, they often lack the resources, expertise, and quality control to deliver a truly satisfactory solar installation.
The sweet spot is usually a larger statewide company or a well-established local installer with a proven track record of happy customers. These companies have the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex solar projects, but they also maintain a personal touch and a deep understanding of their local market.
The Importance of the Redline
Now, let’s talk about the all-important “redline” – the base price that the solar installer sets for you to sell. This is where a lot of homeowners and solar sales organizations can get tripped up.
As explained on Reddit, the redline is the starting point for the solar installer’s pricing. If the redline is set at $250 per watt, for example, the solar sales organization can sell the deal at anything above that number – and they’ll make a profit on the difference.
But here’s the thing: the redline isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s also a reflection of the solar installer’s efficiency, their overhead costs, and their commitment to providing value to their customers. A solar installer with a high redline might have a lot of hidden costs or inefficiencies baked into their process, while a lower redline could indicate a lean, well-run operation that’s passing the savings on to you.
When you’re evaluating solar installers, don’t just focus on the lowest redline – take the time to understand what’s driving that number, and how it aligns with the other qualities you’re looking for in a solar partner.
The Importance of Experience and Expertise
Of course, no discussion of the best rooftop solar installer would be complete without talking about experience and expertise. After all, you’re entrusting these folks with one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your home – your solar energy system.
As I mentioned earlier, the solar installer I worked with had a ton of experience under their belt – they’d done tens of millions of dollars’ worth of solar installations. But when it came to the sales and customer support side of things, they just didn’t have the right expertise.
The truth is, solar installation is only one piece of the puzzle. A truly top-notch solar installer should also have a deep understanding of solar sales, financing, permitting, and project management. They should be able to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to final interconnection, and provide expert advice and support along the way.
Look for solar installers with a proven track record of satisfied customers, industry certifications, and a strong reputation in the local community. And don’t be afraid to ask for references and case studies – a confident, experienced solar installer should be more than happy to share their success stories.
The Importance of a Collaborative Approach
Finally, one of the most important qualities to look for in a rooftop solar installer is a collaborative, customer-centric approach. After all, this is a major investment in your home and your energy future – you deserve to be treated like a valued partner, not just another job on the schedule.
The best solar installers will take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, and work with you to create a customized solar solution that fits your budget and your lifestyle. They’ll be transparent about the process, keeping you informed every step of the way, and they’ll be available to answer any questions or concerns you might have.
They’ll also be willing to work closely with your local solar sales organization, if you’re working with one, to ensure a seamless and efficient installation process. Remember, the solar sales team is your customer, too – and a good solar installer will treat them with the same level of care and attention as they would a homeowner.
At the end of the day, choosing the right rooftop solar installer is about more than just finding the cheapest option. It’s about finding a partner you can trust, who will work tirelessly to ensure that your solar energy project is a resounding success.
And if you’re in the market for a solar energy solution, I’d encourage you to check out Solar A Systems Inc – a company that embodies all of the qualities we’ve discussed here, and more. With their comprehensive suite of sales tools, their commitment to customer service, and their deep expertise in the solar industry, they’re the perfect partner for your rooftop solar journey.
