Solar panels are expensive, but that’s not all you’ll spend on solar energy for your home. Residential power system installation, including manpower and mounting components, can cost as much as $10,000 on certain rooftops. Considering the magnitude of your investment, it is in your best interest to learn as much as possible about the person or business to whom you would entrust the installation of your costly panels.
Most of the time, you’ll only have to deal with Contra Costa County solar companies from start to finish, from purchasing solar panels to having them installed. There are advantages and disadvantages to having everything you need in one place when you shop.
The most noticeable advantage is the increased ease of use
You can get everything you need in one convenient location. Financing options are often made available by multifaceted corporations like these, which are another distinct benefit. Most major solar companies provide affordable financing alternatives if you have a good credit history. In addition, you can save money on the manpower required to have solar panels installed if you purchase the panels from the same firm that will do the installation.
The tendency to stop “shopping around” once one has found a company that gives all the features simultaneously is a major negative. Large solar companies typically charge more for the panels themselves but offer discounts on the labour required to install them. While purchasing the panels as a set may seem like a good deal at first, you may find that purchasing them individually is more cost effective. The installation price can rise significantly if you decide to go this route. Totaling between $25,000 and $40,000, this is the price range that most homeowners can expect to pay for a solar energy system for their home.
Finding a company that does outstanding work installing solar panels should be your first concern. It is possible for installation to go off without a hitch. Assuming, of course, that everything is put in place correctly and in the correct order. Anyone offering installation services also needs to maintain current bonds and insurance. The company should not rely on contract workers who have received installation training; rather, it should have a full-time installation crew.
Is it risky to use an unqualified installation, and what are the risks?
To begin, you run the risk of causing structural damage to your roof. Water can enter your roofing system through the mounting brackets if you don’t flash them properly and install them correctly, which is an art form in and of itself. This can cause thousands of dollars in damage, which is probably not covered by your homeowner’s insurance. If an employee of a company you contract with doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance and has an injury on the job, you could be held financially responsible. Furthermore, a company that is properly insured will reimburse for the damages their installation caused to your property if something goes wrong in the future (such as a roof leak or a panel collapsing).
You should also think about how much the installation will cost
The ancient adage “you get what you pay for” is as true today as it was back then. If you choose with the cheapest supplier, there’s a chance you won’t get all you were promised or that the work won’t be up to grade. Find a company with not only a lot of experience (at least 10 years’ worth), but also one that is willing to show you examples of their previous work. A reliable business would even let you get in touch with prior clients to get their feedback.
The most expensive part of a solar energy system is having it installed. There are a number of potential problems that can arise during installation that could cause your panels to fail. If you don’t want your money wasted on a subpar installation, do some research on the various companies that offer this service.