Thinking about going solar? With the status of the industry, it is best to do your research
Over the past decade, the solar industry has been booming in San Diego County, ranking year after year as one of the fastest growing industries. The financial benefits and increasing demand for solar power has made the solar industry an attractive business venture.
In San Diego County there are now more than 200 companies installing solar. With a multitude of options to choose from, without knowing what to look for, it is difficult to determine which companies or solutions are right for property owners.
“Consumers are feeling inundated and overwhelmed by all the solar companies in the San Diego region,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, the largest integrator in the San Diego Gas & Electric territory, according to California Solar Initiative data.
Tired of cold calls and solar companies knocking on your door without knowing their credibility? “There are a lot of fly-by-night companies that have entered the market and consumers need to do their diligence with an investment like solar energy,” said Sullivan. The entrepreneur sat down to share his insight with The Paper to address property owners concerns as they are evaluating solar.
“How do I know a solar company is established and trustworthy?”
The first thing you want to do is validate a company’s years in business on the California State License Board website. “Many companies are claiming to have been in business for decades, but only just started doing solar. A homeowner wants to do some background research to confirm a company’s integrity on the front end.” Sullivan suggests using companies that have been in business for 10 years, which is the duration most companies provide on their workmanship warranty.
Sullivan suggested looking up a company’s Better Business Bureau rating, and using companies that have an A-plus rating without any complaints filed against them. “The BBB serves as a watchdog for consumers, if people are escalating complaints to the organization; there have been serious issues with the company.”
Third-party review sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List will also show feedback from other customers experience with the solar companies that you are evaluating.
Another thing to look into is a company’s portfolio. If the solar firm has large businesses and government organizations that have trusted the company with their projects, best bets are that you can too. These companies will also carry larger liability and insurance coverage.
“I am tired of pushy sales people and aggressive solicitations.”
Be wary of pushy tactics. Credible solar companies will educate you on solar, not push you into it. Sullivan warns property owners also to not be lured by gimmicks such as free iPads, sports tickets, gift cards or toasters. “You want to be educated on your options, not sold.”
“Can any contractor install solar panels?”
Solar is a highly specialized field that should be installed by state-licensed electricians (C-10 license). It is better to use a company that is focused on solar exclusively, and that is not trying to sell you windows, alarms, or air conditioning. “Jack of all trades – master of none,” claimed Sullivan, whose company has received several service calls for projects gone wrong.
“Should I lease or buy solar? What is the difference?”
Solar can be purchased or leased. The main difference is that with a lease option, you don’t receive a Federal tax credit since you don’t actually own the equipment. Be wary of companies not presenting all options available to you. “It is important that you are in control of the decision you are making,” said Sullivan. A reputable solar company will make the payback period, Return on Investment and tax credits clear and understandable.
“What should I expect at an in-home appointment with a solar company?”
At a home consultation, the company will provide you with a proposal. A proficient proposal will include details on your current electric consumption, what size system the company is suggesting (note whether they are talking in AC or DC watts, and compare apples-to-apples), detailed information on the products they are proposing and all financing options available to you. A roof inspection and shade analysis needs to happen before you sign a contract. “A quality company will get on your roof and do a full design layout for you to approve,” said Sullivan. He suggests signing off on a design layout, and making a copy of it, prior to construction to avoid surprises later down the line when a company decides to switch around what you agreed to.
By passing these qualifiers, you can be confident that you are working with an ethically sound and secure company who will provide you with a quality solar powered system for your home or business. The bottom line – do your research so that you know the company you are doing business with is going to be around for the next 25-years that your solar panels are under warranty.
Sullivan Solar Power will be hosting an educational solar workshop for Coronado residents. This presentation is free and open to the public and will be held at the Coronado Public Library (640 Orange Ave, Coronado) from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. It will cover solar technology, financial savings, owning vs leasing a system, how to evaluate solar companies and Sullivan Solar Society. To RSVP please call 1.800.SULLIVAN or email [email protected].
About Sullivan Solar Power
Sullivan Solar Power is a turnkey solar system provider that delivers solar electric projects from concept to completion. The company has installed over 19,300,000 watts of solar power ranging from small-scale residential to large-scale commercial and municipal systems. Sullivan Solar Power is headquartered in San Diego, CA and owned and operated by Dan Sullivan. Sullivan Solar Power has a longstanding A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed since the business began. The firm has been named one of the fastest growing energy companies in the nation by Inc. Magazine for three consecutive years and services all of Southern California. Regardless of project size and scope, Sullivan is committed to delivering the best products and the most qualified professionals to its customers. Visit http://www.sullivansolarpower.com for more information.
