As demand for solar technologies increases, there are more solar developers in the solar industry than ever before. For educational institutions looking to start generating electricity using solar panels, you need to make sure you choose a solar electric partner that has your best interests in mind.
If you’re still trying to decide which company to go with, here are some qualities you should be looking for before making a decision.
Experience
How long has the contractor been in business? Modern solar panels can easily last 30 to 40 years, so you need a solar partner that you can start building a long-term relationship with. If a contractor has remained in business for a decade or more, you can be confident that they know what it takes to stay in business and will be able to service your system for years to come.
Maintaining a long-term partnership with the same solar provider means that you’ll receive more consistent and efficient service and a longer-lasting system simply because the company who installed your system understands it better than anyone.
Full-Service Solutions
There are many ways to go about planning, installing, and deploying a solar energy system. But in our experience, the most successful projects are generally those that remain the simplest. The more parties that are involved in one project, the greater the chance for miscommunication, delayed timelines, and other inefficiencies.
When you partner with a full-service solar partner, you can be confident that experts will handle every aspect of your project from start to finish. This approach also allows you to form a strong relationship with one team of experts instead of fragmentary relationships with several contractors. With one company to call, you’ll know exactly where to go with any questions later on.
A Local Partner
While not always the case, choosing a local solar partner can make a significant difference in the long run. A local contractor understands the codes, regulations, policies, and incentives that are unique to your region. They’re generally able to better help you leverage finance options and tax incentives.
At the same time, you can be confident that regulatory compliance requirements are being met and that your system is optimized for your particular region. A local contractor can provide ongoing maintenance and service, and you’ll experience faster response times than with a partner who’s farther away.
One of the best parts about working with a local contractor is that you’re supporting the local economy. You can make a decision based on word-of-mouth referrals, and you can even take a look at local projects your contractor has completed in your area recently. That way, you can get a more concrete idea of what they can do for you.
If you have any questions about the solar development process or how Verogy can work with you to start harnessing electric power from the energy of the sun, contact our experts today.