The best solar installation companies can help you save money on energy bills. However, the services offered by the contractors and the price of the solar installation itself, often vary from one company to the other. Hence, the essence of solar installation cost comparison. Whether you are in Vermont or not, this guide could be helpful even before you engage any company.
This comparison is necessary because it gives you (the consumer) a clearer view of what each of these companies stands for and how well they can serve you.
It also enables consumers to discover the advantages or disadvantages of choosing one company over another. For instance, some companies sell solar panels cheaper than others while some bills higher than others for installation.
Comparing also helps you to discover the installation companies closest to you. This will ensure a stress-free purchase and installation, less spending, and more savings. In this guide, we’ll teach you how best to find a competent solar company in Vermont.
Factors To Consider When Looking To Compare Solar Installation Companies
Are you tired of spending so much on utility bills and decided to go solar? If so, your next step should be finding a suitable company. This exercise will require that you carefully compare solar installation companies in your area. This comparison will enable you to decide which of the companies is best suited for you.
To make a detailed comparison of solar installation companies, you will need to consider the difference in service fees. Admittedly, many people decide to go solar because they want a cheaper source of electricity and save on utility bills. However, before it is all set up, you will have to pay the initial cost of purchase and installation.
This initial cause can be quite pricey especially for those with high energy usage. To make it easier for customers, most companies now offer various payment options. These payment options include:
Buying the system outright
That means paying the total cost of purchase and installation all at once. This payment option enables you to save more than in other payment options. After fully paying for the system (normally costs around $15000-$30000 minus incentives and rebates) you start saving on your utility. Depending on energy usage and cost, you can save 45% – 75% on utility costs.
Paying for lease
This is like renting a house and paying monthly bills. You can use a system without total payment and every month, you pay in an agreed sum.
Power Purchase agreement
With this plan, customers are allowed to pay for solar energy on a per-kilowatt-hour basis. This agreement offers the least electricity-saving just like in the lease system, the agreement normally lasts up to 20 or 25 years. With PPA, you save 10- 30% on your electricity usage.
Common Solar Installation Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t always go for the biggest solar companies with big names. The prices of these solar installation companies are always outrageous. Sadly, high prices don’t necessarily mean efficiency. Remember that whenever you patronize such companies you do not only pay for their goods and services. You also pay for that name too.
Solar Company reviews have shown that large companies are more expensive than smaller ones. So you are more at an advantage if you patronize smaller installation companies. Additionally, customers tend to get more loan options from smaller companies.
Before you install any form of solar panel, make sure to fix your rooftop if it is damaged. If not, you are likely to spend all you have saved on uninstalling, fixing your roof, and reinstalling. This definitely is against the motive of going solar in the first place which is to save cost.
Carefully go through different tax discounts and incentives offered by the state for different solar systems. If you get to know how these things work, you are likely to save more and key into available opportunities.
Top Solar Installation Companies In Vermont
Sunrun
According to Solar company reviews, Sunrun is one of the biggest companies in the country. They provide residential solar installation and energy services. Since 2007, this company has continued to dominate the industry. With their solar-as-a-service standard, they have been able to supply residential homes with clean electricity.
Their number of customers has continued to grow over the years. This is because Americans are constantly seeking improved energy and that is what Sunrun offers. They offer rooftop solar services, storage, and energy services at a very affordable price.
With Sunrun, preserving the environment is a top priority. They ensure that the emission of carbon dioxide, a dangerous pollutant, is drastically reduced. Other services offered include solar installations, solar panel repairs, energy assessments, and other solar panel services.
Since they have the interest of customers at heart, they ensure smooth and easy transactions during the business. They do this by making different payment options available so that customers can choose from whichever one is more convenient. The payment options include credit cards, debit cards, cash payments, and cheques. They also offer loan options for customers who cannot afford the total cost initially.
Sunrun operates a 15-hour (5:00 AM – 8:00 PM) work time every day, except on weekends. On Saturdays, they work for 7.5 hours (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) while on Sundays they work for 10.5 hours. (7:00 AM – 5:30 PM).
Swich
Swich is a new solar installation company under the partnership of Sunrun. Just like their superordinate, their mission is geared towards transforming the planet to become Solar-Powered. They provide cheap and clean electricity for residential homes while ensuring that environmental pollution is reduced to the barest minimum.
They work 10 hours (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) every day, throughout the week. The company offers services such as PV panel installation, solar installation, and solar panel services. They might not be one of the top solar companies in the world but they install some of the best solar panels.
Swich believes in empowering its customers and they treat their customers as members of one big family. Their services help you take charge of your electricity cost and subscribe to a safer way of generating clean power.
This installer responds to emergency requests, another evidence that customer’s wellbeing is a top priority. Payments for purchases and services rendered can be made through debit cards, credit cards, and checkbooks. Also, they make loan options available for customers who cannot afford to pay straight away.
RGS Energy
With RSG energy, rest assured that your solar experience would be an exciting one. They apply their years of wide experience and knowledge towards ensuring that their customers are provided with the very best. The company is renowned for its ability to provide solar services while being community-minded.
RGS has been in the solar business for over 42 years and helps its customers save thousands of dollars on electricity bills. Some of their customers include St. Louis Housing Authority, Stop & Shop, Yale University, Aetna Insurance, and Timex. They are also known to provide solar services for residential buildings.
They install PV panels and solar panels, assess solar energy, clean solar panels, and provide general solar Maintenance. They accept cash payments for products purchased and services rendered.
With RGS Energy, everything is just in place. They have the best prices for their products and services, and the process of installation is smooth and hassle-free.
Every day except on weekends, they operate for 12 hours (usually from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). RGS works for 10 hours on Saturdays and does not work at all on Sundays.
SunCommon
SunCommon is yet another solar installation company in Vermont. It is a company built on strong values and dedication. With strong regard for their culture, they appreciate open and sincere creativity, commitment, high energy, hard work, communication, and good play.
Also known for deep networking and great team play, They acknowledge that every mistake is a lesson to be learned. They care about the interest of the local population, providing them with a cheaper and cleaner electricity supply.
SunCommon is reputable for its great customer service and, with just a call, you’ll have them at your doorstep. From the first visit to the whole process of installation to customer support, they maintain transparency. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to put you through any difficulty.
They have been in business for over 10 years and offer the following services; solar installation, PV Panel installation; solar panel services. They also assess solar energy, install tankless water heaters, and clean solar panels to promote the longevity of the solar system.
The work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every weekday and remain closed during the weekends
Alteris Renewables Inc.
Typically, the cost of going solar is cheaper than what you are spending now and that is what Alteris offers you. Alteris is a solar installation company in Vermont with a mission of providing the population with a better alternative source of electricity.
Alteris Renewables Inc. has been in existence for over 8 years offering solar Installation and solar Maintenance services. They also install PV panels and repair damaged solar panels.
Working hours run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, except on Sundays when they remain closed.
SolarCity
According to Solar energy experts reviews, SolarCity is one of the top solar companies in the world. They were initially a company that deals with the manufacture of electric cars. But today, they are now a renowned Solar installation company in the USA.
At first, Tesla had a hard time adjusting because the solar business isn’t as easy as manufacturing electric motors. Installers need to continually travel around the country, climbing rooftops and installing solar systems. This isn’t such an easy job and that is why there are very few solar installation companies offering nationwide services.
SolarCity’s rise to fame kicked off when they began leasing on a zero down payment offer. They were the first to initiate this strategy and it catapulted them to the top. They also began to award the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contracts. Both programs went a long way in helping people acquire their own solar system.
However, times have changed and solar panels are not as expensive as they used to be. People now prefer immediate and complete payment instead of being stuck with a 25-year payment period.
Solar Installation Companies in Vermont FAQs
Can you negotiate with solar companies?
Just like on every other business transaction, solar installation is negotiable. Before you agree to terms and conditions, make sure you have discussed your budget with your contractor and negotiate when necessary.
Can you really get solar panels for free?
Some companies can actually offer to mount free solar panels for your home. However, you will be required to sign up for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
What are the 2 main disadvantages of solar energy?
The first disadvantage of going Solar is the initial cost. They can be very pricey especially for large solar companies. The second downside of solar energy is that it is dependent on the weather.
What happens to solar panels after 25 years?
Best solar panels are expected to last for over 25 years. Studies have shown that even after 25 years these solar panels still function but at reduced efficiency.
Are solar panels bad for your roof?
A: As long as they are properly installed by experts, solar panels won’t cause any damages to your rooftop.
Conclusion
It is not enough to just settle for the biggest companies when you want to go solar. Apart from being expensive, that brand might not even be what you need.
Make a detailed comparison of installation contractors and take the time to consider the difference in installation fees. It is common knowledge that many people decide to go solar because they want a cheaper source of electricity and save on utility bills.
But before doing so, endeavor to compare solar installation companies first before you decide on what’s best for you.
Related: Best Solar Power Generator For House