Things to Look For in a Solar Power System Manufacturer
Solar companies that have an excellent industry track record and stellar customer service tend to rank high on lists. But, they aren’t immune to complaints.
Look for a company that offers a manufacturer warranty and power production guarantee. This is a standard feature that protects consumers from installation defects and other issues.
1. Experience
In the solar industry, reputation is everything. Solar companies that prioritize quality customer experiences and always provide clear communication will build relationships with new customers, close deals faster, and generate a steady stream of referrals.
Homeowners will often talk about their solar experience with their friends, family, and neighbors, so it’s important that a company can deliver a positive customer experience from start to finish. Customers should feel confident in the knowledge of the company and its representatives, as well as their understanding of how their solar energy system will work for years to come.
During the sales process, it’s also important to understand how local utility companies handle the interconnection of home solar energy systems with their grid. A company that has years of experience navigating the different requirements of local utilities will help make sure your project goes smoothly. Also, a company that works with reputable, accredited installers will ensure your PV system is installed correctly.
3. Warranty
A solar warranty is an important component to look for in a provider. The warranty covers the products and parts used in the solar power system installation, so having it helps protect your client from any costly repairs or replacements after the install is complete.
Most manufacturers offer a product warranty which covers manufacturer parts for 10-25 years, and then a performance guarantee or tier-1 warranty which guarantees a level of energy production for the lifetime of the panel(s). Solar panels naturally degrade over time but only marginally with the average degradation less than 0.25 – 0.5% per year.
Some additional components like inverters and racking systems may require separate warranties, so be sure to find out which ones your solar company offers. Also, a labor or workmanship warranty is a must. By linking documentation like warranties to a project in Scoop, you can streamline the process and be ready for any customer requests at a moment’s notice.
4. Customer Service
A reliable solar company will consistently communicate what their customers can expect from the installation process. This allows the customer to feel confident that they are making a smart investment. This also ensures that the project will be completed on time, and that the work will be done well.
Solar companies that provide regular updates on the status of their projects will have a much better reputation than those that make promises in sales meetings and don’t deliver. They’ll also be able to generate more referrals from happy customers.
For example, a good solar installer will offer an Operations and Maintenance service package like Palmetto Protect. This program helps homeowners with their maintenance, cleaning, and pest control needs. It can even help cover costs for unexpected repairs or replacements, if necessary. Having this additional peace of mind can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and can save them money in the long run. This is why it’s worth the extra cost to choose a company with a solid track record of delivering excellent customer service.
