Switching to solar energy is a smart way to save money on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact. However, installing a solar system requires more than just buying high-quality panels. Choosing the right solar panel installers is equally important.
A skilled installer ensures the system works efficiently and lasts for years. Poor installation can cause frequent breakdowns, lower energy output, and safety risks.
To make the best choice, evaluate your needs, research different installers, and compare their services. This guide will help you select the right professionals for solar panel installation at your home.
Understanding Your Solar Needs
Before you initiate your search for solar panel installers, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the ins and outs of the solar system that suits your home.Â
Evaluate Your Energy Consumption Pattern
You should ideally begin by thoroughly assessing the energy needs of your household. Review your electricity bills over the past year to determine your average monthly consumption.
 This particular data will largely help you in deciding the type and size of solar panel for your home that will fulfil your requirements ideally.
If you use more electricity during the day, then a solar panel system can very significantly reduce your reliance on the grid.
Determine the Type of Solar System
Various types of solar systems are available, & choosing the right one largely depends on your location, budget, & patterns of energy consumption.
- On-Grid Solar System – This system is directly connected to the local electricity grid, allowing you to send excess power generated by your solar panels back to the grid in exchange for credits, which can be used when your panels are not producing enough energy.Â
- Off-Grid Solar System – This system operates independently of the conventional electricity grid and requires battery storage to provide electricity at night or even during the cloudy days when the sunlight is faint and inadequate.Â
- Hybrid Solar System – This system combines both on-grid & off-grid features, providing reliable grid connectivity and battery storage for maximizing output.Â
Finding the Right Solar Panel Installers
Finding the perfect solar panel installers requires a very judicious and careful research. The following important factors will help you in narrowing down the best professionals for your project.Â
Check Credentials & Certifications
It is always wise to choose an installer with the necessary licenses as well as required qualifications.
In India, you should search for companies that are accredited by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Checking all the credentials largely ensures that you are working with a team of qualified professionals who completely adhere to safety as well as performance standards.
Experience & Track Record
The experience of an installer is a good indicator of their expertise. You ought to search for companies that have been in the business for a minimum tenure of 5-10 years & have completed multiple installations successfully.
You should preferably ask for case studies, customer testimonials, and references. An experienced installer is more likely to handle unexpected challenges & provide better after-sales support.
Read Reviews & Testimonials
Customer reviews provide the most valuable insights into the service quality that an installer offers. Websites like Google Reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) can considerably help you in assessing customer satisfaction.
You should preferably look for companies that enjoy consistently high ratings as well as positive feedback.
Evaluating Proposals of Installation
Once you have shortlisted a few installers, you should request detailed proposals from each. Compare them on the basis of the following crucial factors:
Assessment of Site
A reliable installer will conduct a thorough on-site evaluation before providing a quote. They will assess the important factors like:
- Orientation of roof & shadingÂ
- Structural strength of your roofÂ
- Require grid connections and permitsÂ
- Local climate conditionsÂ
In case your installer offers a quotation without visiting your site, then it may indicate poor quality of service.
Transparent Pricing
A well-detailed proposal should necessarily outline the cost of:
- Inverters & BatteriesÂ
- Solar panelsÂ
- Materials for mounting & installationÂ
- Permits and LaborÂ
- Maintenance servicesÂ
Equipment’s Quality
The performance of your solar power system depends largely on the quality of the panels and inverters that are being used.
You should make it a point to research the brands & models that are suggested by the installer. Reputable Indian brands like Premier Energies, Adani Solar, and Saatvik Green Energy offer efficient and durable panels.
You should ask the installer regarding the efficiency rating of the panel that is being installed, which should ideally be above 20%, and the warranty period should be at least 25 years.
Understanding Warranties & Maintenance
A good and commendable solar panel installation is well-equipped with strong warranties in order to protect your investment. There are three major types of warranties:Â
Product & Performance Warranties
Most of the manufacturers offer two types of warranties, which are as follows:
- Product Warranty – It covers all manufacturing defects for a period of 10-25 years.Â
- Performance Warranty – This warranty ensures that the installed solar panels will still produce at least 80% of their original output even after a long period of 25 years.
Maintenance Services
Regular maintenance always ensures long-term efficiency of your system. You should check with your installer if they offer annual inspections, performance monitoring, and cleaning services. It is wise to go ahead with them if only they offer these in their service package.
Understanding Financing Options
The installation of solar panels can prove to be a very significant investment, but different kinds of financing options are now available, like the following:
- Outright Purchase – Purchasing the system upfront, which leads to maximum savings over a period of time.Â
- Solar Loans – Borrowing money to pay for the solar system installments.Â
- Leasing & Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – Paying a fixed monthly fee for using the system without ownership is another option that you can opt for.Â
You can choose one of the above financing options that aligns with your budget as well as long-term goals.
Importance of Local Knowledge
It is ideal to choose a local installer who can offer several benefits like the following:
- Familiarity with local building codes as well as permit requirements.Â
- Knowledge of prevailing regional weather conditions.Â
- As they have their teams deployed locally, it leads to faster customer support & maintenance services.Â
Homeowners in Kerala can resort to solar panel installers like ELSOL Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd. We have the experience of handling large-scale projects successfully.Â
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Beware of Unregulated Installers
It is always wiser to verify an installer’s credentials & avoid companies with poor reputations.
Verify Installer Credentials
You should necessarily check the registration of the company, certifications, as well as history of complaints before you finally sign any contract with them.
Conclusion
Choosing the right solar panel installers is as important as selecting the best solar panel for your home. To make a smart decision, assess your energy needs, research reliable installers, compare proposals, and check warranties.
If you are in Kerala, working with ELSOL Power Solutions, the best solar company in Kerala, ensures a reliable and efficient solar system.
Investing in solar energy is a long-term commitment. The right installer makes a big difference. Our team at ELSOL Power Solutions is skilled and trustworthy. Choose us for a smooth solar installation experience!
