Choosing the Right Solar Installation Company Near Me: What to Look For

If you’ve decided to take the leap of faith and transition to solar, the next thing on your agenda would be to find solar installers who will provide quality services, helping you turn your living space into an energy-efficient home. With all the information available online, it can get challenging, but you don’t need to stress; with our tips on choosing the right solar installation company near you, you’ll be able to run on sunshine in no time!

What should you look for in a solar installation company?

Starting with the basics, knowing what to watch for will help you avoid an over-heated mind. A simple online search for ‘solar installers near me’ is a good place to start. There will be plenty of options, including reputable companies offering free quotes or consultations to get you off on the right foot. Though solar is a costly investment, it’s also a lifelong one, so it’s imperative that you don’t just focus on price but other factors too. Here are some questions you should be asking:

• How long has the contractor been in business?

• Do they have testimonials, references or reviews?

• What does the installation process look like?

• Are they offering any financial incentives or other programs?

• Do they have testimonials, references or reviews?

The consultation process is the first step to clarifying these factors; it is also the best time to get your home assessed and determine its eligibility for solar panels. At Future West Solar, we offer a free resource that you can use to check your home’s eligibility even before we get talking.

What should you expect from the first solar consultation and quote?

The first thing you need to do is apply for a consultation with the solar installer through their website. Keep in mind that this step should be free from any obligations on your part. When you meet with the installers, they will assess your home as a candidate for solar energy, clarify your energy requirements, and assess the structural integrity of your roof and the amount of sun exposure your home gets based on its orientation and location. This will result in information on what you need to convert to solar energy, timelines, cost estimates, and potential savings that the switch to solar energy might bring you. The company must be willing to get into the nitty-gritty details with you if you need clarification about certain aspects.

With Future West Solar, the solar installation process is simple: You answer a few questions so we can assess your home’s eligibility. We then obtain information on your energy usage, model your home using our 3D modelling software, and put together a custom plan that’ll suit your home, needs, and lifestyle. We’ll also let you know what your solar system will look like, the cost of your solar plan and how much you can expect to save via net metering.

Is the solar company licensed and insured?

The solar installation company you choose must be certified, insured, and have the appropriate license. If the company utilizes subcontractors, they must also have valid licenses and insurance. If something goes wrong, liability concerns affect all parties involved, so as it’s commonly held, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Future West Solar is a full-service company with a bonded, insured, and licensed team. We don’t subcontract our services and provide a one-stop solution for all things solar so you can relax and leave your stress behind!

Are they credible and experienced? 

The best way to check if a solar installation company is reliable and has a good standing in the industry is to go through their reviews, ratings, and expertise in the field. This is public knowledge and will usually be present on the company’s website and Google business profile or by contacting Better Business Bureau (BBB). Another way of gauging the rapport they share with their audience is to source their social media profiles.

A point to note when you meet an installer is that a good installer will be able to give you in-depth details on their experience with various solar components, including panels, inverters, and mounting systems. You could also ask the solar contractor for local referrals that you can contact directly. Input from referrals will help you make a well-rounded choice in hiring a trustworthy contractor.

Can you avail of grants or rebates?

A knowledgeable solar installation contractor near you will be able to provide you with information on: 

• Grants: Funding for solar installation projects that do not need to be repaid)  

• Rebates: These programs give you money back after purchasing solar panels, inverters, and other products. Your solar installation contractor may be willing to discount their services if they receive any rebates.

They will be aware of grants or rebates specific to your region and governing body that you can use to help finance your solar installation project, which is a massive investment.

Future West Solar will walk you through the entire process of securing available government incentives to optimize your project. For residential solar projects, government programs help with initial equipment and installation costs. Meanwhile, the federal government has launched an investment tax credit for commercial solar projects, allowing business owners and building owners to receive up to 30% of their project value as a tax credit.

Workmanship & warranties

To determine if a solar installation company is best qualified to work on your home or commercial space, it is vital to inquire about experience in the industry, warranties, and guarantees. Apart from checking their licencing, reputation, and financial incentives, this information is essential to have on hand.

Our trained team of professionals is highly passionate about helping the planet go green, has industry knowledge spanning nearly two decades, and is tech-savvy. We will ensure that your transition to solar is not just efficient but designed to fulfil your needs. We even offer the industry’s most trusted equipment backed up with a 25-year warranty.

What do their past projects include, and what are their customers saying?

Every solar installation project differs because every home’s layout and energy usage vary. When scouting for solar installation companies, you need to look for a company that has completed various projects in localities near you; this will give you a good idea of their capabilities in handling your requirements. Moreover, you will gain a grasp of how they handle unforeseen circumstances and whether they can be trusted to complete your project on time and within budget. 

Reading what past customers say about their experience working with a company will strengthen your understanding and help you know what to expect regarding communication styles, service delivery, and satisfaction.

Future West Solar has completed hundreds of installations across the Okanagan region, and the results are brilliant! Take a look at our past projects and read through what our happy customers have said in their testimonials. We are committed to being transparent and supporting you before, during, and after your project to ensure quality work and smiling faces at the end of every install.

Future West Solar is a full-service team with in-house contractors and extensive local experience, especially in the Kelowna and Chilliwack regions. We’re ready to answer any question you may have about solar energy. Thinking of making the big switch? Contact us to learn more about powering your life through sunshine!