5 Essential Questions to Ask Solar Companies
1. How Many Years have You been Installing Solar?
Experience matters in the solar industry.
Here’s 2 reasons why:
1. Quality of design, installation, and service - “Repetition is the mother of skill."
2. An eye for pitfalls - installing electricity generating systems on top of pre-existing structures can often be an intricate process. You want to be sure you work with someone who’s seen it all.
Energy Concepts has been in the business since 1992, offering 30+ years of expertise and refined processes.
2. Do You use Subcontractors? (Install, Engineering, and Service)
Ask whether the company uses its own, in-house team or outsources to subcontractors or 3rd party service providers.
Knowing who will handle the installation is important.
Is it the company you are meeting with?
Or is it a faceless company with no reputation and no reviews?
With Energy Concepts, everything is done in-house. No subcontractors. We take full responsibility for the entire project.
3. What do Your Customers Think about You?
Online reviews can provide insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.
**Pro tip: be sure to check local reviews, even if a location shows as “permanently closed,” it reflects the company’s history of operating locally.
Energy Concepts boasts a 4.9-star rating from 437 reviews, reflecting strong customer approval.
4. Are You a Local Company?
This is a big one that trips up a lot of homeowners.
When it comes to construction projects like solar, bigger isn't always better.
A local company is going to be the most familiar with the local government regulations and unique guidelines imposed by the local utilities PG&E and SCE, which are among the most stringent nationally.
Energy Concepts is based in Fresno and is specialized in serving PG&E and SCE customers in the Central Valley
5. What Warranties do You provide?
Warranties protect your solar investment, be sure to opt for a hassle-free warranty.
Not all warranties are created equal. Some cover only parts, leaving you to pay for repairs or shipping.
Additionally, ask if they are providing a warranty includes labor costs and if there's a "workmanship" or "roof warranty" to cover any roof punctures or damage caused during installation. Clarifying these details can save you from unexpected costs and headaches in the future.
Energy Concepts offers a lifetime plus one year warranty on our workmanship that covers anything relating to the installation. Should your roof develop a leak around one of the penetrations that’s necessary for mounting your solar panels onto your roof, we’ll take care of fixing the leak at no cost to you. Your roof will stay protected for as long as you have your panels installed.
Our systems come with 25 year end-to-end warranties, meaning that everything on your roof is covered. If something were to ever break or malfunction, you won’t be charged for assessment, parts, shipping, or labor.
Going Solar is a Big Deal
We encourage you to take your time in the process to vet a reputable, local company.
Energy Concepts can handle all of your residential solar needs. Click the button below to Schedule a pressure-free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar still worth it?
Absolutely! With some caveats.
1. You average electric bill is over $200 a month and the home is not receiving a discount from the utility.
2. You want to save money.
Can I make my electric bill $0?
Since the state-wide changes in April 2023, it is near impossible to make an electric bill $0. You can expect to pay a small amount to the utility every month. We take this amount into account when designing and will be able to give you an estimate for an amount the utility will charge.
Do I need a battery?
Getting a battery is going to allow you to keep more of the energy you produce, meaning you give less to the grid while requiring less from the grid.
When we meet with you, our consultant can share different options.
How many batteries options do you carry?
We are proud to offer 4 different battery options to best suit the needs of our clients. When we assess the site, we will be able to share which is going to work best for your home, system size, and goals.
Are you going to force me into a lease?
Not at all!
Lately, leases are becoming the more financially beneficial option for homeowners but we do not push any option. After we assess your needs, we share all relevant options with you and are available to help you determine what aligns best with your goals.
Do you subcontract your work?
Nope!
Everything from sales, to design, to installation, to servicing is done right here in our office. This allows us to facilitate a quick install and smooth client experience.
How long does it take to install?
Generally about 8-12 weeks depending on the jurisdiction.
What is your warranty?
Our systems come with a 25 year end-to-end warranty.
We are really proud to offer our own lifetime (+1 year if you sell) warranty on our workmanship.
If an installer punctures your roof, you might not find out about it until years down the road when water damage has taken a huge toll.
This warranty covers anything like that.
