As solar energy has grown, you may have noticed more and more solar energy installation companies popping up in your area. Solar energy is a long-term investment, so it’s essential to choose a solar installer who will be a reliable partner for the long run. Carefully select a local company with in-house expertise that can handle your project from design to installation and provide prompt maintenance support when needed. Additionally, it’s important to choose an installer that stands behind their work with added warranties and guarantees beyond the standard ones offered by equipment manufacturers.
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What Makes a Good Solar Company?
There are a few characteristics that typically mark a solid, reputable solar company. If you evaluate your options based on the following, you’ll be able to pick out a top installer in no time.
1. Durability
You know when a solar company has been installing systems for over a decade, it’s a good sign they’re doing solar projects the right way. That said, solar is a relatively new industry, so you won’t see installers with a century of experience.
If they’ve been around for a decade or more, they’ve likely proven their approach and have a significant catalog of successful installs. To see our portfolio of installations visit our website here: https://srinergy.com/commercial-gallery/
2. Profitability
A profitable company is a marker of capable leaders who make good decisions to guide their skilled team. This stability means they’re doing things right and will be around to honor warranties.
3. Satisfied Clients
If the vast majority of their customers are satisfied solar owners this shows you that the company is doing good work for it’s clients.
4. Industry Certifications & Endorsements
Srinergy partners with numerous manufacturers in the solar industry each with its own electrical design and communication protocol. It’s important that the installation company you work with has the Industry certifications for the products they are installing. Manufacturers often require a certification to access installer tools needed to commission systems. Manufacturers will only warranty installations that are done by certified installers. Certifications are also markers that a solar installer invests in developing its team. They also suggest that the team knows how to do its job and is committed to continuously improving.
5. Quality Solar Equipment Brands
The panels, inverters, and other equipment that make up your system can have a huge impact on performance. That said, most solar companies will only install equipment from a select collection of manufacturers.
You want to be sure you’re partnering with a solar company that installs equipment that performs well, lasts long, and delivers real value.
For insight into the process Srinergy uses to select equipment for your project check out our post here: https://srinergy.com/blog/reducing-your-companys-fixed-cost-using-solar-2/
6. Full-Service Turn-key Approach:
If you take the time to select the best solar installer, you want to be sure they’re the ones actually doing the work. Some solar companies may rely on local or regional subcontractors to do the design and/or installation of the system.
While there are plenty of subcontractors that do fantastic work, relying too heavily on outside labor can introduce unknown variables to the project. Srinergy has gone through the process of developing in house electrical and roof technicians that are trained specifically in the needed expertise to efficiently complete solar projects that are high quality. We take it a step further by warranting our work and servicing your system if anything ever comes up.
Is Srinergy the Right Solar Company For You?
How To Evaluate Your Solar Proposals?
Each solar company approaches its proposals differently. However, several key items should appear consistently in all the proposals you receive.
Here are the essential items that Srinergy will present to you for you to consider:
1. The size and placement of the system
The overall system size is determined by your energy usage and the number of panels needed to meet your energy needs. Typically, your solar proposal will indicate the size of the system in kilowatts or kW.
2. The system components
The proposal will include a detailed list of components, including the quantity and brand of the solar panels and inverters.
3. The full cost and available incentives
Srinergy will include a detailed breakdown of costs, incentives, potential tax savings, and state or local grants.
4. A full financial analysis
Srinergy will present a cash flow analysis with ROI and payback.
5. The energy offset
Srinergy will show you how much energy your system will produce and how much of your usage will be offset by that production.
6. The warranties and guarantees
Srinergy proposals will include two types of warranties: manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties for the actual work of the solar installation.
7. The project scope
Srinergy will provide the full scope, including what is included, what is not included, and any provisions for unforeseen costs or additions. We will be transparent if there are any additional costs associated with the project and make sure there are no surprised at the end.
8. The installation schedule
Srinergy will provide a timeline for installing a solar system varies depending on the size of the project. On average, it takes 8 to 10 weeks to design and permit the project, and then a couple of weeks to several months for larger commercial installations.
9. The payment terms
Srinergy will provide the ayment terms in the proposal to avoid any surprises for your project. We are experts in financing solar projects and have various options to finance the project.
The Process For Installing A Commercial Solar Panel System?
Srinergy provides a full turnkey service, including all permitting, interconnection with utility, engineering design and installation. What this means is similar to any other product, you should expect us to take the project from conception all the way to handing over the keys to your brand new, 100% operational solar plant. No business owner or facility manager needs another complex task added to their day-to-day schedule. Thankfully, installing a solar system with Srinergy is relatively hands-off and can be completed in six simple steps.
Seven steps to the solar installation process:
1. Custom Evaluation:
You’ll meet with a solar consultant to discuss your questions and energy goals. A solar consultant will examine your recent electric bills and assess your property to determine the optimal size and location for the solar system.
a. Through a mix of site assessment through an on–site evaluation of your property and remote design services using design software, such as, Aurora we will analyze the solar potential of your property. We use historical utility data for your building combined with our analysis to generate a quote.
2. Quote Delivery:
After 2-3 days, you’ll receive a quote detailing costs, Return on Investment (ROI), & payback.
3. Contract Signing:
If you decide to move forward, you’ll sign a contract & discuss the nuts & bolts, preparing for construction.
4. Engineering and Permitting:
After contract signing, we will initiate the engineering phase of the project. This will involve developing a final site plan and electric diagram. During this phase, we will secure the required system engineering, including the structural and electrical engineering required for building and electric permits. Once we finalize the details & take care of all the paperwork, we will submit it to the local jurisdiction for building and electric permits. We also will file for an interconnection agreement with the utility.
5. Construction Begins:
The project will proceed with little to no disruptions to your business, & we’ll keep you updated on everything. Construction can take a few weeks to several months depending on the system size.
6. Activation and Commissioning:
Once your project’s construction is completed, we will commission the system, register the site to a monitoring portal that you will have access to and verify that the system is 100% functional.
7. Inspections and Final Interconnection with the Utility:
Following installation and commissioning we will schedule inspections with the local jurisdiction for both building and electrical permits required for the project. After inspections are completed with the local jurisdiction we notify the utility. The utility will then review final submittals and activate the system.
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YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY?
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