As the sun shines around the world, solar power remains a global solution to generate renewable energy. And with installations in every hemisphere, the international market for solar panels and services is extremely wide, with some developers looking to cut costs wherever possible.
When considering a new set of solar panels, however, there are a few important things to consider besides price alone. In this article, we’ll look at why brand matters, as well as how locally-sourced solar panels and reputable installers are critical for long-term success.
Look for an Established Solar Brand
If you're investing in decades worth of electricity generation, you’ll want to ensure that the equipment you purchase is up for the task. In today’s market, high-quality solar panels are typically sold with:
Long warranty periods
High-efficiency ratings
And a proven track record of brand success
And while first-time solar buyers are unlikely to recognize long-standing industry brand names such as Silfab Solar and Mission Solar Energy, there are a few well-known panel manufacturers with a global presence in markets other than solar energy alone.
Oftentimes, customers are more likely to initially trust well-known brands such as LG or Panasonic. However, large multi-faceted companies often go in and out of industries, and LG recently announced they are going to stop making solar panels all together
When considering your warranty, homeowners should recognize that a leading solar brand is the best way to secure access to ongoing post-installation service.
Local is Always Better
Over the last two years, we’ve seen global energy markets disrupted by geopolitical conflict and supply chain issues driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re working with a solar developer who uses internationally sourced panels or parts, installations have a better chance of being delayed due to outside influences.
As the time between a contract and installation increases, project costs may even rise if parts and prices are affected by geopolitical conflicts or shipping restraints.
Knowing this, one of the most important questions to ask a solar company is where their solar panels are coming from. The more locally you can source your solar panels, the less likely your installation cost or timeline will be affected by delays from world issues.
If you've decided to start by finding your panels first and a contractor later, most top-tier manufacturers already have a vetted list of reputable installers to choose from. When analyzing your choices, be sure to look out for companies that subcontract, as businesses that install their own systems are more likely to be there when things go wrong.
Find the Right Installer
On top of your solar panels’ production guarantee, a high-quality installation is critical to ensure access to long-term energy without any added complications.
If you’re planning to cut costs with a discount contractor, shotty installations could lead to headaches down the road. Besides protection against obvious nightmares such as roof leaks and broken systems, high-quality solar providers can maximize the value of your installation with every part of the system chosen precisely to maximize energy production.
While many national installers disappeared and reappeared during the pandemic, the first step to finding the right contractor is a lot like finding the right solar panels: local is always better.
By using a local solar provider near you, you can minimize your installation's price and carbon footprint by cutting back on costs and emissions associated with out-of-state travel. Plus, if a company has all of its resources within the area, customers can expect quick turnaround times for installation and post-installation service.
Here in Colorado, it has never been a better time to consider a PV solar installation. In April of 2022, Xcel Energy will raise residential electric bills by 6.4%, with two more rate hikes planned soon.
Apollo Energy is a locally owned and operated B-Corporation, installing solar panels in Colorado and Southern WY. Our team predominantly installs American-manufactured Silfab solar panels, with 25-year workmanship and 30-year performance warranties on every system.
Learn more about going solar with Apolo Energy.
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