Over the past decade, the solar industry has been booming in San Diego County, ranking year after year as one of the fastest growing industries. The financial benefits and increasing demand for solar power has made the solar industry an attractive business venture.
According to an Environment California 2014 report, San Diego ranks first for solar power per capita in the state. Wide open spaces, long periods of high temperatures and high electric bills make San Diego the ideal location to install solar power systems.
In San Diego County there are over 200 solar companies. With many options to choose from, not knowing what to look for makes difficult to determine the best company to contact for the job.
These tips will help you evaluate your options.
Establishing trustworthiness
The first thing you want to do is validate a company's years in business on the California State License Board website. We suggest using companies that have been in business for 10 years; the duration most companies provide on their workmanship warranty.
You can also look up a company's Better Business Bureau rating, and use companies without any complaints filed against them. Another thing to look into is a company's portfolio. If the firm has large businesses and government organizations that have trusted the company with their projects, best bets are that you can too.
Avoid aggressive solicitations
Be wary of pushy tactics. Credible solar companies will educate you on solar, not push you into it. You want to be educated on your options, not sold.
Go with a specialist
Solar is a highly specialized field that should be installed by state-licensed electricians (C-10 license). It is better to use a company that is focused on solar exclusively, and that is not also trying to sell you windows, alarms or air conditioning.
Buy vs. Lease
Solar can be purchased or leased. The main difference is that with a lease option, you don't receive a federal tax credit. A reputable solar company will make the payback period, return on investment and tax credits clear and understandable.
In-home appointment
At a home consultation, the company will provide you with a proposal. A proficient one will include details on your current electric consumption, what size system the company is suggesting, detailed information on the products they are proposing and all financing options available to you.
A roof inspection and shade analysis needs to happen before you sign a contract. A quality company will get on your roof and do a full design layout for you to approve.
By passing these qualifiers, you can be certain you are working with an ethically sound and secure company who will provide you with a quality solar power system for your home or business. The bottom line, do your research so that you know the company you are doing business with is going to be around for the next 25-years that your solar panels are under warranty.
Johnson can be reached at
[email protected]
According to an Environment California 2014 report, San Diego ranks first for solar power per capita in the state. Wide open spaces, long periods of high temperatures and high electric bills make San Diego the ideal location to install solar power systems.
In San Diego County there are over 200 solar companies. With many options to choose from, not knowing what to look for makes difficult to determine the best company to contact for the job.
These tips will help you evaluate your options.
Establishing trustworthiness
The first thing you want to do is validate a company's years in business on the California State License Board website. We suggest using companies that have been in business for 10 years; the duration most companies provide on their workmanship warranty.
You can also look up a company's Better Business Bureau rating, and use companies without any complaints filed against them. Another thing to look into is a company's portfolio. If the firm has large businesses and government organizations that have trusted the company with their projects, best bets are that you can too.
Avoid aggressive solicitations
Be wary of pushy tactics. Credible solar companies will educate you on solar, not push you into it. You want to be educated on your options, not sold.
Go with a specialist
Solar is a highly specialized field that should be installed by state-licensed electricians (C-10 license). It is better to use a company that is focused on solar exclusively, and that is not also trying to sell you windows, alarms or air conditioning.
Buy vs. Lease
Solar can be purchased or leased. The main difference is that with a lease option, you don't receive a federal tax credit. A reputable solar company will make the payback period, return on investment and tax credits clear and understandable.
In-home appointment
At a home consultation, the company will provide you with a proposal. A proficient one will include details on your current electric consumption, what size system the company is suggesting, detailed information on the products they are proposing and all financing options available to you.
A roof inspection and shade analysis needs to happen before you sign a contract. A quality company will get on your roof and do a full design layout for you to approve.
By passing these qualifiers, you can be certain you are working with an ethically sound and secure company who will provide you with a quality solar power system for your home or business. The bottom line, do your research so that you know the company you are doing business with is going to be around for the next 25-years that your solar panels are under warranty.
Johnson can be reached at
[email protected]