There are hundreds of reasons why homeowners choose to switch to solar. This reason alone has likewise increased the number of solar companies that offer solar installation and maintenance services.
If you are planning to go solar, you should take choosing a solar system company in New Orleans LA seriously. The best solar company will be the one that will provide you the best returns on your investment without charging you high installation costs.
Obtaining bids and site assessments from premier solar system installers is one of the crucial steps when you are planning a home solar electric system in NOLA.
If you are having a hard time choosing a premier solar system company, you have come to the right place. Here are useful tips in finding qualified and insured professionals:
- Proper Certification
The solar standard certification is from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. They are the most recognized organization that gives esteemed certification for the solar industry.
NABCEP is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy.
Your chosen solar company should be NABCEP-certified which assures you that you are working with skilled professionals and specialists working in the areas of solar photovoltaics and solar heating.
- Proper Licensing
Make sure that the solar company installer you choose has the licenses that the state of Louisiana requires from the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board before you make any commitments. The licenses held by legitimate solar companies in New Orleans LA include:
- General licensing — Louisiana offers a specialty classification of ‘Solar Energy Equipment’
- Photovoltaic licensing — State Electrical Contractor’s License and a ‘Solar Energy Equipment’ classification
A solar energy system should always be installed by an appropriately licensed installer. You can ask the state electrical board whether the solar company you choose to work with has a valid electrician’s license.
In New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana, a solar contractor is required to have a State Electrical Contractor’s License obtained independently under the classification of “Solar Energy Equipment”, along with other requirements so that you, as the customer, will be eligible for the solar tax credits that the state of Louisiana provides for homeowners who go solar.
- Excellent Customer Reviews or Referrals
Referrals from friends and family members who recently had an installation by a solar system company in New Orleans LA can give you honest feedback. You can also check online customer reviews of different solar companies.
Try using websites like Trustpilot that make it easier to find out the reputation of a company. Take the time to read the solar installation company reviews which can really help you find the best solar installer.
- Proper Bids
After you have short-listed solar companies obtain at least three bids for solar system installation. Make sure that the bids are based on the same characteristics and metrics so that you can wisely compare and choose which one gives the best offer in meeting your solar needs.
Bids should include the total cost of getting the solar energy system up and running with the following:
- Hardware/ Equipment cost
- Installation cost
- Connection to the grid
- Permitting
- Sales tax
- Warranty
Remember that installers may use different equipment or offer quotes for systems of different sizes, hence, cost/watt and estimated cost/kWh are the most useful metrics for comparing prices across different installers.
- Ask the Following Questions
When interviewing installers, Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable technologies at home, suggests asking these questions:
- Is your company familiar with the local permitting and interconnection processes?
- Can the company provide references from other customers in the area?
- Is the company properly licensed or certified?
- What is the warranty for this system like?
- Does the company have any pending or active judgments or liens against it?
Getting the Best From a Solar System Company in New Orleans, LA
Before doing business with a solar system company make sure that they are in compliance with all levels of government certifications and licensing. This will assure you that their equipment and installation services have been tested and proven by professionals in the industry.
Get the best quality service and equipment from a trusted solar company in New Orleans so that you will enjoy the great benefits of going solar.