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10 Tips on choosing Your Solar Power System Provider

02/23/2011 at 03:55:04 PM
I’ve been at a number of trade shows and home shows and have heard one common question. “How do I choose a solar power system provider?”

Here are a few things I looked at before I joined Grasshopper Solar and which other people have told me helped them choose the company they worked with or are working with.
  1. Check the company website. Look for the company affiliations, alliances and memberships. A company that is building a network of memberships, alliances and affiliations has to meet the criteria of those organizations.

  2. Check the company website for customer comments, pictures or videos of the types of installations the company has done.

  3. Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is registered and for any complaints. http://www.bbb.org/kitchener/business-reviews/solar-energy-equipment-and-systems-dealers/grasshopper-solar-in-toronto-on-1197703

  4. Do an internet search by the company name. Are there any articles about the company? Are there videos on YouTube?

  5. Call the company and speak with a solar consultant. Are they educated? Are they helpful? Do they take the time to understand your needs and wants?

  6. Will a consultant come to your property to do an assessment or only do an online assessment? Google maps is a great tool but it is not always accurate. A trained solar sales consultant will take the time to look at your property to understand what can be done to help you achieve your income goals.

  7. Will the company provide a written income estimate based on your property or just on provincial or system averages?

  8. Is the company trying to sell you panels and wires and inverters or are they offering a turnkey package? A turnkey package includes all the necessary permits, an inspection by an independent third party engineer and so much more. (If you want I can provide a check sheet for you to use when comparing solar power system providers, just email me at dan.beresford@grasshoppersolar.com).

  9. Does the company do other types of work or do they specialize in the green energy sector? A company that focuses on providing solar power systems as their primary business will be up to date on the numerous changes, guidelines and regulations that affect solar power system installations.

  10. The most important thing to consider is do you trust the company behind the installation. Only you can determine that factor.

I wish you all the best in your search for a qualified, professional solar power system provider.

Cheers,
Dan

10 Tips on choosing Your Solar Power System Provider

I’ve been at a number of trade shows and home shows and have heard one common question. “How do I choose a solar power system provider?”

Here are a few things I looked at before I joined Grasshopper Solar and which other people have told me helped them choose the company they worked with or are working with.

1.       Check the company website. Look for the company affiliations, alliances and memberships. A company that is building a network of memberships, alliances and affiliations has to meet the criteria of those organizations.

 

2.       Check the company website for customer comments, pictures or videos of the types of installations the company has done.

 

3.       Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is registered and for any complaints. http://www.bbb.org/kitchener/business-reviews/solar-energy-equipment-and-systems-dealers/grasshopper-solar-in-toronto-on-1197703

 

4.       Do an internet search by the company name. Are there any articles about the company? Are there videos on YouTube?

 

5.       Call the company and speak with a solar consultant. Are they educated? Are they helpful? Do they take the time to understand your needs and wants?

 

6.       Will a consultant come to your property to do an assessment or only do an online assessment? Google maps is a great tool but it is not always accurate. A trained solar sales consultant will take the time to look at your property to understand what can be done to help you achieve your income goals.

 

7.       Will the company provide a written income estimate based on your property or just on provincial or system averages?

 

8.       Is the company trying to sell you panels and wires and inverters or are they offering a turnkey package? A turnkey package includes all the necessary permits, an inspection by an independent third party engineer and so much more. (If you want I can provide a check sheet for you to use when comparing solar power system providers, just email me at dan.beresford@grasshoppersolar.com).

 

9.       Does the company do other types of work or do they specialize in the green energy sector? A company that focuses on providing solar power systems as their primary business will be up to date on the numerous changes, guidelines and regulations that affect solar power system installations.

 

10.   The most important thing to consider is do you trust the company behind the installation. Only you can determine that factor.

 

I wish you all the best in your search for a qualified, professional solar power system provider.

Cheers,

Dan

Aaron Bali

03/11/2011 at 08:59:08 PM
As well as check with your solar system provider, is it Installed by an accredited, certified and qualified ed BCSE installer, Administration fees, How Renewable Energy Certificates are handled? and Potential loss of electricity.
 

Dan Beresford

03/14/2011 at 06:43:04 AM
Hi Aaron, you raise some good points. All of our 39 installation teams are trained and experienced in solar power system installations. We provide a complete turnkey package that includes the various permits, certifications and inspections. All our systems are engineered to give the best return for the investment.
 
Cheers,
Dan

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