A Reputable Solar Company: How Do You Find Yours?

A Message From The CEO

Dear Fellow Solar Supporters,

Eagle Point Solar has been in business for over a decade and during this period we have seen the energy landscape change and evolve into an innovative and complex marketplace. Solar energy equipment manufacturers, resellers, design, and engineering firms, installation contractors, and consultants have sprung up throughout the Midwest and the result is job creation and economic growth. Consumers now have a viable option to take control of their electricity costs in an environmentally responsible way. Simply put, the burgeoning solar industry is proving to be successful in many ways.

History tells us any time a new industry begins to flourish we run the risk of people entering the market who have less than genuine intentions seeking to make a “quick buck” and unfortunately this mentality is beginning to creep into the Midwest market. As a consumer, you owe it to yourself to do your due diligence as you consider investing in a solar array. Please keep in mind, solar is not just a transaction, it is a long-term energy partnership, and you must be comfortable with the installer you choose. I believe there are advantages to dealing with a “local” company, which is our model at Eagle Point Solar. However, there is no question reputable solar company national organizations exist which have operations cutting across state lines.

Selecting A Reputable Solar Company as Your Partner

I recommend when reviewing solar energy providers, you work with a company that is willing to meet with you in person. We certainly live in a world of electronic communication tools, but in my opinion, in order for a solar project to achieve all of your goals and perform properly for decades, the installer you choose needs to visit your home or business in order to design and engineer a system which will meet your energy production and consumption needs. Be skeptical of solar companies who offer instant online quotes with just a few clicks of a mouse and general information without taking the time to learn about your energy needs and scheduling time to assess your home or business.

Please be aware there are many factors that determine the success of your project when designing and engineering a custom solar array. These factors include your utility policy & interconnection rules, building, zoning, & electrical permitting regulations, as well as local fire codes, just to mention a few. A reputable solar company will know how to handle all of these things for you, so don’t be afraid to ask any company you meet with to share their experience in these areas. The best thing you can do to ensure you will be a satisfied solar customer is; ask questions, check out the company you are working with, and don’t allow anyone to pressure you into signing a contract before you are ready to move forward.

Equipment Should Be Tailored To Meet Your Energy Production Expectations

There is a multitude of choices when it comes to solar equipment and a reputable installer will offer various equipment options to best fit your wants and needs. As I mentioned above, there are many variables that need to be considered when engineering a solar project and those variables should drive the selection of proper equipment. Be wary of any company who tells you the equipment they are installing is better or more efficient than what another installer may be using. For the most part, as long as you confirm the equipment you are buying is “Tier 1” equipment, there is very little difference in equipment. Also, be suspicious of any company that proposes a “cookie-cutter” project. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to solar projects. Proper design and engineering is required to achieve optimal results in your solar purchase.

Financing Versus Cash Price

The basis of the economics of a solar project for your home or business is simply taking the money you are paying to your utility every month and diverting it to pay for your own energy generation equipment. I am frequently asked if it makes sense to borrow money to pay for a solar project? The answer is almost always, yes. I understand many people do not want to finance anything, but in this case, your choice is to keep paying your utility indefinitely or take control of your energy costs and make payments on a solar array for a finite amount of time. If you choose to finance your project I would highly recommend also ask for a cash price from your installer. This will ensure they are not price gouging you simply because you are financing your investment.

In Conclusion

As you begin your solar journey, provide yourself adequate time to learn and understand how solar works. Do not be afraid to seek answers to all your questions such as incentive and grant availability to understanding the production expectations, financing options, equipment warranties, and engineering process. Ask what licenses, certifications, and experience the solar company has to ensure your system will meet all the necessary local, state, and federal requirements. Ask if your project will be subcontracted to any other entities. Obtain quotes from multiple companies and do some research about the firm before signing an agreement. Reach out to your network of friends, neighbors, relatives, or work professionals for additional recommendations. Lastly, do not feel pressured to do anything before you read all the way through and understand any documents.

As a solar advocate and business owner with a stake in the future of the industry, I wish for all solar owners to have a pleasant experience no matter who they choose to purchase from. The solar industry does so much good for reducing our energy costs, creating economic growth in our communities, and improving our environment that accessibility, adoption, and advocacy of this technology should continue to prosper for generations to come.

Jim Pullen
President/CEO
Eagle Point Solar