The Different Types of Solar Companies

Navigating the diverse landscape of solar companies is vital in your journey toward adopting solar energy. The solar industry, flourishing with the rise of renewable energy, boasts a variety of companies, each playing a distinct role in delivering solar power to your doorstep. From manufacturers who innovate and produce solar cells and panels to installers who bring these technologies to life on your roof, understanding the different types of solar companies is key to making an informed decision. This article aims to shed light on the various players in the solar industry, their roles, and how they contribute to the overall process of equipping your home with solar energy, ensuring you can choose the right partner for your solar needs.

Key Takeaways

• There are various types of solar companies, including solar panel manufacturers, retailers, installers, financing companies, lead generation firms, dealers, and full-service providers.
• To choose the right solar company, follow a six-step process: get multiple quotes, consider expertise, check licenses and insurance, review track records, assess reputation through reviews and testimonials, and inquire about warranties and maintenance.
• Some top solar energy companies in the USA include SunPower, Zenernet, and Tesla Energy, each offering unique features and benefits for solar panel systems.

Different Types of Solar Companies

Before you can choose a solar energy company, you need to know the types of solar companies that you can choose from.

Since renewable energy has become such a movement, the solar industry has exploded. There are multiple solar companies that have cropped up. Each of these companies has different roles within the industry, and knowing which one to pick is essential to your continued solar efficiency.

Solar Panel Manufacturers

Solar equipment manufacturers produce solar cells and put together all the parts of the solar panels. When finished, these products go directly onto your roof.

Since they are part of the production, Solar panel manufacturers are often the pioneers of solar energy research and development. Any and all development leads to better production practices and higher efficiency solar panels.

The development is usually related to the solar cells being produced. But, the best solar panel manufacturers own everything from their supply chain to the warranty they offer on the solar cells they develop.

Solar Panel Retailers

Apart from the manufacturers, there are solar panel retailers. They’re like the middlemen of the solar industry. You’ll find them mediating between the solar panel manufacturers and installers. They usually work with a large network of suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, and installers.

Solar Installers

There’s no point in simply purchasing solar panels. You’ll need somebody to install them too. That’s where solar installers come into the picture.

The primary business of a solar installer is to get the panels you’ve purchased working on your roof. They’re meant to get the solar energy system supplying solar power to your home.

But, you don’t need to source a manufacturer and then a separate solar installer. Most solar installers source the panels for solar energy systems straight from the manufacturer (this is where the retailers come into the picture).

Solar Financing Companies

Renewable energy isn’t as affordable as it should be just yet. Just try getting high-end solar panels installed, and you’ll see what that means.

But, not all hope is lost. There are solar financing options that help people finance their solar panel systems. Financial help can come in the form of a solar lease, power purchase agreements, and loans.

With solar financing companies, it’s possible to outfit any home with solar panel systems for more energy efficiency.

Solar Lead Generation Companies

Within the solar industry itself, there are several companies that specialize in lead generation. These companies focus on generating sales for other types of businesses like a solar financing company or solar installation companies.

If you’re looking for solar providers then chances are you’re going to find one through a lead generation company.

Solar Panel Dealers

There are specific solar companies that get to sell and distribute a particular manufacturer’s products. These can be specific solar panels, solar cells, or whole set-ups. You’ll also find that the dealers have in-house installation teams.

Full-Service Solar Providers

If you’re not interested in looking for separate solar companies for every step, then there are full-service providers.

They manufacture, sell, install, and maintain solar systems for homeowners.

How Do I Choose a Solar Company?

So, you’ve located the solar company type of your choice and need to narrow it down to a particular solar company. How exactly do you do that? Well, there are 6 steps to follow.

Get Multiple Quotes

There are multiple solar companies that you’ll have to speak to. Why do you have to? It’s because different solar companies will offer you different rates for installation, purchase, and even maintenance.

Ideally, you want a company that offers a flat rate. So, they’d be charging you per watt, and therefore the cost would depend on the size of the system you require.

When you get multiple such quotes, you can choose the very best one because expensive does not always equal cost-effective.

When judging the cost, it’s best to ask a few more questions. It’s best to ask questions at this stage because most solar companies make the first appointment about price by coming to judge your home.

So, ask questions that’ll show you whether the panels are worth the price.

Expertise is Necessary

Once you have a quote in hand, look for expertise. It’ll help you narrow down your list.

Any company you choose should have at least 2-years of on-site experience in the solar-related field. If everybody in the company looks like they’re fresh out of college, don’t go for them.

If you’re not sure of expertise, then ask if they’ve got NABCEP certification. It’s the easiest way to judge how experienced they are.

License and Insurance

Once you’ve got their expertise covered, move on to licenses and insurance. No matter how safe solar panels may seem, there can still be accidents. You don’t want to be liable.

So, check for the required licenses according to your state. Generally, they’ll require at least a C-10 license along with a general electrician’s license.

For insurance, they need to be OSHA certified and have general liability insurance. Protect yourself.

Track Record

If a track record looks unnaturally good, it’s a red flag. But, don’t opt for the ones with more red in their ledger than green.

Too little work is a sign that they’re bad at what they do and too much means that they’re taking on too many accounts to focus on yours. It’s all about maintaining and choosing the company with the right balance.

Reputation Counts

Do you know the best way to ensure a solar company is trustworthy? Ask around and talk to other people. Check their reviews and testimonials. Yelp and Google reviews are public for a reason.

Past customers are the best judge of a solar company, don’t forget that. Too many bad reviews mean you should definitely stay away.

Warranties and Maintenance

A company that leaves you high and dry after installing your solar energy system is not one you want to purchase from. Check for warranties and post-installation maintenance.

Look for longer warranties and great customer service. You need to ensure that the company will stick around when you need them.

How to Identify a Good Solar Company?

It’s easy to identify a good solar company when you know what to look for. Much like any other type of company, a good solar company caters to the needs of its consumers. Everything from warranty to customer service matters.

So, apart from the above-mentioned factors, make sure that the company you’re choosing caters to your requirements as a customer. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the warranty good enough?
• Are there services for installing solar panels?
• Is the company known for good customer service?
• Are the reviews for this company good?
• Has the company been featured in articles?

It may not be the most scientific or comprehensive way to identify a good solar provider, but it’s definitely a good start. You can do additional research after.

What are the Best Solar Companies?

Despite knowing how to choose a solar company, it’s always nice to know who the very best providers are. It saves you a lot of time on research and lets you get the very best of technology. So, here are the top solar energy companies in the USA.

SunPower

SunPower is a well-known and established solar energy brand in the USA. They have a great minimalist design for all their solar panels, with their microinverters cleverly hidden behind every panel.

The company has kept up with modern technology, even creating an app to help monitor the solar panels.

Apart from the technology, they’ve got brilliant reviews and testimonials from multiple clients over the years.

Pros:

• Well-known brand
• Minimalist design
• Lost median cost
• Great customer service
• Multiple positive client testimonials
• App to help monitor solar panel
• Reduces electricity costs quickly and effectively

Zenernet

If you want something reasonable, then Zenernet offers great flat and modular pricing for all solar systems. It means that you can customize the components and upgrades in the solar panel system to help you control the price.

The company has great representatives that guide you through the buying process and solar panel installation. It’s even easier to sign up.

Pros:

• Modular pricing system
• Customizable plans
• High satisfaction rate
• Knowledgeable representatives
• Easy sign-up process
• Better prices than other solar companies

Tesla Energy

When you want to get with the times, you buy Tesla products – including their solar panels. In 2016, Tesla and Panasonic teamed up to start producing solar panels.

The very best part of Tesla Energy solar panels is how you can design your solar systems online before purchasing. There are multiple options, but it is a lot pricier than other companies.

Pros:

• Multiple customization options
• Easy ordering process
• Great customer reviews
• Easy, efficient solar system installation
• Effective customer service is available

Case Study: Solar Panel Installation

Background

The Greenwood family, residing in Topeka, Kansas, decided to transition to solar energy to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint. They were particularly interested in understanding the different types of solar companies, so they could make an informed decision.

Project Planning and Objectives

The Greenwood family’s objectives were:

• Select a reliable solar company with comprehensive services
• Maximize energy production and efficiency
• Take advantage of state and federal incentives for solar energy
• Ensure long-term reliability and minimal maintenance

They contacted Solar Panels Network USA to explore their options and receive expert guidance on the best approach for their solar installation.

Installation and Costs

After a thorough evaluation, a 7kW solar panel system was recommended, utilizing high-efficiency panels from a top-tier manufacturer. The cost breakdown included:

• High-Efficiency Solar Panels: $16,000
• Installation: $3,800
• Inverter and Battery: $2,900
• Permits and Inspections: $1,300
• Total Estimated Cost: $24,000

Financial Incentives:

• Federal Tax Credit (ITC): $7,200
• State Rebates: $2,100
• Adjusted Total Cost: $14,700

Installation Process

The installation process was completed over four days and included the following steps:

1. Site Assessment: Evaluating the roof’s condition, orientation, and shading to determine the best placement for the panels.
2. Panel Installation: Mounting 28 high-efficiency solar panels on the south-facing roof to maximize sunlight exposure.
3. System Integration: Connecting the panels to a high-efficiency inverter and a battery for energy storage.
4. Inspection and Activation: Conducting a final inspection and system activation to ensure optimal performance.

Results and Benefits

The Greenwood family’s solar power system now generates approximately 800 kWh per month, covering most of their energy needs and significantly reducing their reliance on the grid. The use of high-efficiency panels ensures maximum energy production within the available roof space.

Environmental and Financial Impact:

• Annual Savings: $2,200
• Payback Period: ~6.7 years
• Reduced CO2 Emissions: ~4.0 metric tons annually
• Enhanced Energy Independence: The family experiences fewer disruptions and a significant reduction in energy costs.

Summary

The Greenwood family’s experience in Topeka, Kansas, demonstrates the importance of selecting the right type of solar company. By choosing a full-service provider and leveraging financial incentives, they achieved significant financial savings and reduced their carbon footprint. Solar Panels Network USA’s expertise ensured a smooth installation process, highlighting the effectiveness of understanding the different types of solar companies. This project showcases how informed decisions can lead to a successful transition to solar energy, benefiting both the environment and the homeowner’s

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About The Different Types of Solar Companies

Choosing the right type of solar company can significantly impact your solar experience. A full-service provider offers a seamless process from manufacturing to installation, ensuring quality and reliability at every step.

Working with reputable solar panel manufacturers guarantees that you get high-quality panels that last longer and perform better. These companies often lead in innovation and efficiency improvements.

Solar financing companies make it possible for many homeowners to switch to solar energy without the upfront costs. They offer various financial options, including leases and loans, to suit different budgets.

Experience Solar Excellence with Us!

Trust in Solar Panels Network USA, where our seasoned experts deliver top-quality solar solutions for homes and businesses nationwide. With a legacy of countless successful installations and a commitment to sustainable energy, we’re your reliable partner in the solar journey. Ready for a brighter, eco-friendly future? Call us now at (855) 427-0058 and harness the power of the sun!

Wrapping Up

When you choose to switch to solar energy, you’re doing the environment and your wallet a great service. But, it can be a slight hassle. With this guide, at least you’ll know the kind of solar companies you’re approaching and what you’re getting out of them. In the best case scenario, you’ll have your home outfitted with the best solar energy system in no time.