What is a Solar Energy Contractor and When You May Need One?

So you’ve decided to get with the times and switch to solar power. This is a great choice for you, your home, and the planet, but which contractor should you pick to get the job done? Even as it has grown the solar energy industry remains relatively small, and it can be hard to find much information. 

Indeed there are a lot of things to take into account when considering any certified contractor for a major job. The most important thing from the get-go is to first know what the contractor can do for you, and when you might need them. This is equally true for solar energy contractors, so let’s dive right in and explore what these technicians are all about, and what you can do to ensure you hire the best person for the job.  

What Does a Solar Energy Contractor Do?

In brief, solar energy contractors are seasoned experts who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar energy systems. Depending on their qualifications in sustainable architecture, this means they can help you with the installation of solar panels, solar water heaters, and solar heating systems. Moreover, these professionals will possess the expertise to be able to assess your home’s energy needs and to determine what type of solar energy unit is the best fit to meet them. 

Not all homes will need the same solar energy configurations and in some cases, homes can get away with fairly simple and affordable solar power setups, so it is crucial to have a certified contractor on the case who can make that determination. A seasoned solar energy contractor will also be able to give you detailed timelines and cost approximations.

Solar energy contractors specialize in the installation of home solar energy systems.

When Might You Need a Solar Contractor? 

As you might expect, you will need a solar contractor for virtually any kind of solar energy-related project in and around the house. To be sure, a DIYer can complete solar energy installation on their own, but it is not recommended. This is because solar energy projects generally require significant technical skill and precision, meaning it is always better to have someone who has received vocational training to get things right. 

For this reason, the rule of thumb is that you should get a solar energy contractor for your solar project as this will ensure you get the right equipment to make your home more sustainable. Hiring a professional also means that you are more likely to have warranties to fall back on if your new solar panels malfunction for any reason. 

How Do They Fit in With the Larger Project? 

As with other contractors, solar energy installers are trained to work with other home contractors as needed so that all work is well coordinated. For example, if your solar project is being done alongside a general sustainable construction materials retrofit project, different experts such as solar contractors and roofing contractors must coordinate together to bring the project to a successful conclusion. 

This will be no problem for a good solar contractor as they will know just how to achieve that. Solar contractors can also be a part of other projects such as HVAC upgrades or plumbing renovation projects since solar heating unit installation can be a part of these projects. 

Solar energy contractors are just one part of a team of experts that can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

How Much Do Solar Contractors Charge? 

Solar power contractor costs are going to depend a lot on what kind of system you are installing, your energy needs, and even labor costs in your area. On average, solar roof contractors and other installers charge $20,490 for the typical solar panel installation. This cost factors in tax credits from the federal government. As of August 2022, solar panel installations are eligible for a 30% tax credit, meaning you’ll get a significant discount.

On the low side, your final bill might be as low as $17,538, although more high-end solar panel contractors will charge about $23,458. However, because solar panels save you money on energy bills, you stand to break even on this cost in just under nine years. This makes solar panel installation a rather good long-term investment for your home.   

How to Choose the Best Solar Contractor For You

While finding the best solar contractor for your project can take time, it is typically not that much harder than say, finding a contractor for some plumbing work. Because solar energy installations are becoming more popular, there are more and more options for you to choose from every year. All that’s required is a little bit of legwork and good research, and you’ll be well on your way to getting the solar installation contractor that fulfills your requirements. 

It is always best to verify whether your solar roof contractor uses subcontractors and what kind of quality control policies they have in place.

Brush Up on Subcontractor Qualifications

This is really only relevant if your solar contractor works with subcontractors, but it’s nevertheless an important detail. Subcontractors can be somewhat harder to do background checks on as they will not be from the same solar roof company as your solar installer. 

This means you will need to first determine whether your company intends to use subcontractors, and then ask about quality control processes in place to ensure that those subcontractors do a good job. If you come across a company that does not want to be forthright about the fact that they use subcontractors, this is a red flag and likely means you need to find another solar roof company. 

Always Opt For a Certified Expert

It is always best to hire someone who has credentials relevant to the industry they are working in. Ensure that your prospective solar energy contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded as required per your state’s regulations. 

For solar contractors working in the United States, another essential is industry-standard certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This organization is considered the gold standard among solar energy contractors, so a professional with NABCEP certification is an excellent choice for your project. 

It is always a good policy to go with a solar contractor that has NABCEP certification on top of all the required licenses and insurance.

Buy Local

Whether you’re doing a full solar panel roof installation or just adding a solar attic fan, choosing local can make a big difference with solar power contractors. This all comes down to your ability to do research and get an idea of a company’s track record. With a local company, it is much easier for you to do research on individual contractors and get referrals from others in the area who have used that company. 

By contrast, it can be much harder to do the same when you’re dealing with a large national installation company that has many different subsidiaries. You’re also much more likely to get timely customer support from a local company since you won’t have to jump through as many hoops as you would with a nationwide customer service department. So when doing your research, be sure to start with “solar contractors near me” and go from there. 

Inquire About Brands

In today’s growing solar panel industry there are a wide array of manufacturers each with varying levels of quality and price points. However, cost should not be the sole determiner of which solar panels you choose to have installed. Furthermore, while the unit cost may vary for different solar panels, the more important cost to bear in mind is the total wattage as your cost-per-watt ratio is what matters most. 

Some systems will offer more wattage for relatively less cost and vice versa. A solar panel expert can help you look over these choices and determine what works best for you. 

Ask About Their Experience 

Your best bet for project success is to go with a seasoned company that already has plenty of solar panel installations under its belt. A good company will be happy to provide you with details of their previous jobs and the types of solar power systems they have worked with in the past.

You can also go the extra mile by reading reviews from the contractor’s site as well as independent reviews from elsewhere. Do not hesitate to request referrals from previous customers as this gives you a good idea of the solar roofing panel company’s track record.