If you’re searching for a solar energy system, a lot of questions will come up, including which solar company you should go with. Of course, you will want to find the company that offers the best service at a great price, does quality work, and has generous warranties. But will that be a local or national solar company? When trying to decide between going with a national or local solar installation company, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Price Comparison
Price is one of the biggest factors that people look at when searching for a solar energy system. Most people are looking for the least expensive, highest quality option. So if, like most people, price is important to you, be aware that typically local companies will offer lower prices than national companies.
National companies will have more resources, and more projects, therefore their price will be a little higher 70% of the time compared to smaller, local installers. Not only that, but national companies base their pricing on the company’s market share and financial goals, unlike smaller companies that face less pressure and aren’t publicly traded, so they can offer better pricing.
Work Comparison
Another factor to consider when choosing between a local and national company is who will do better work for your home or business. The first thing you’ll want to do when making a decision is to check out how experienced and qualified the installation company is based on its certification and registration.
Next, look into how both national and local installers contract their work. National installers will have more projects, but they may not be the ones that are doing the installation of the solar panel system in your home or business. They might have regional offices, but they don’t always have a team of installers at these locations, so they will usually hire subcontractors.
Local solar installation teams will have a central office, alongside regional offices, that will be fully staffed. And unlike subcontractors, a local business will have a full staff at their locations, and will be held accountable by the owner of the company.
Financing Options
Generally, you have two options when financing your solar panel system: solar ownership or solar leasing. Long-term, solar ownership will benefit you more and offers a better return on investment. But solar leasing is a viable option in order to save money.
Larger national installers will offer you the option to lease your solar panel system or will offer a power purchasing agreement (PPA). With the PPA, the company will pay to have the solar energy system installed on your property, and then in return, your electricity will be generated by their system for a price lower than your electric bill. So, instead of paying the utility company, you’re paying the leasing company for that electricity. The agreement typically lasts between 20 and 25 years, but the price could change if the price of electricity goes up.
With local installers, typically you will only have an ownership option, and not a leasing option.
Who Should You Go With?
Deciding between a local and national installer can be a big decision, and there’s a lot to think about. So if you are trying to decide which option is best for you, come to Go Solar Energy. We’ll do all the work and comparisons for you. Our agents are highly trained and knowledgeable in the solar industry and can assist you with any questions you have.
If you are interested in installing a solar energy system in your home or business, we can compare quotes from the top-rated companies in your area and find you the best plan with the most efficient solar panels – and we’ll save you money. Get started by entering your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or for free quotes and guidance from one of our licensed agents, call 888-290-3112.
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