With so many solar companies out there, it can be really tough to figure out who is the best candidate for you and your home. For some, it is a stressful decision trying to sift between dozens of providers. Fortunately, there are several steps that simplify the process of selecting a solar energy company.

Do Some Searching and Create a List of Potential Companies

Check out what companies are available in your area. Determine if you will be working with a national or local company. It is often recommended that you choose a local company as they are better able to cater to your specific needs and provide quick, personalized assistance. In your online searches, take a look at what benefits are available in your area. For example, you could search “advantages of solar energy in Boise” if you are looking for Boise solar. With a search like this that is personalized to your location, you will be able to find a number of resources that will give you a good idea about what incentives and perks are available to you.

Ensure Credibility

Take a look at the credibility of each of the companies that you are thinking about working with. Make sure that they are credible and licensed providers. One of the important things to look for is a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Companies with this certification are a safe bet which will help you to know that you are investing in a company that is credible and dependable.

Evaluate Cost

While cost often takes the priority in any buying decision for many people, do not exclusively look at price. Evaluate the cost in comparison with the quality of service that you will receive from the company. The decision that you are making will be an investment no matter what. A slightly larger initial investment could save money down the road when installations from lower quality companies would have issues and require maintenance.

Online Reviews

If you haven’t already looked at reviews, look at them at this point. Read these reviews with the understanding that some might not be completely voluntary. Go to trusted, third-party sources for reliable reviews. Some of these sites could include Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google. Online reviews can often be very helpful in deciphering who is reliable and true to their word. But remember, some companies offer incentives to those who write reviews, so be careful when using these reviews in your decision making process.

Get a Quote

Contact several of the companies that you are considering to receive a quote for the cost of installation. This is a very important step in the decision making process. As an example, a search for “Boise Solar Quote,” (in connection with our previous example) would show you a number of companies that you could call. The companies will give you a personalized estimate of the cost of solar panels for your home. Once you get this quote, you can better evaluate all the different options to find out which company is best for you.