Praise rather than a complaint was the theme of one post from a Delaware homeowner whose installer advised against expanding a solar setup if the only goal was to add more panels.
In a post on Reddit in r/solar, the Reddit user said that kind of honesty mattered just as much as the original installation did.
Here's what to know
While discussing a possible roof or pergola over their deck with added panels, the installer's first instinct was to suggest that the project wasn't worth it if the only aim was more solar generation.
That wasn't the original poster's first positive experience with their solar installer, either.
"My job earlier this year went very well, and all commitments were honored," their post noted.
"When solar panels are installed right they're solid, boring, and do what they're supposed to," a contractor observed.
Because others in the thread recommended getting multiple quotes, homeowners should know that going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy — and that EnergySage offers free solar installation estimates and hassle-free, competitive quote comparisons.
More background
In the replies, some users described the industry as split between people focused on building systems well and those focused on profit.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
"On one side you've got builders and on the other you've got corporate profits," replied a Reddit user who said they worked in the industry.
Another agreed that there are "[a lot] of sales companies masquerading as installers."
A Las Vegas owner reported that Robco Electric had been great for 11 years, including when dealing with warranty claims involving eight failed units, and that their latest service request was handled for free even though it fell outside the installer's 10-year labor warranty.
Other commenters focused on how to evaluate companies before signing anything binding.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
"This is why you want to get multiple quotes. They usually bubble up fairly quickly," a Redditor observed, emphasizing the value of competitive bids.
"It's also why word of mouth and personal recommendations beat sales pitches and cute ads," a commenter added.
What can be done?
Using free tools from EnergySage, homeowners can curate highly competitive bids from local installers without those companies getting any of their contact information unless they choose to move forward with installation.
The savings potential can be substantial: With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
Meanwhile, EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar system by state, along with details on solar incentives for each state.
Together, those tools can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access all available incentives. Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid.
Homeowners can further explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
What most impressed the homeowner was that the installer didn't push for a bigger sale when the numbers didn't work.
"I think it's great that he was looking out for me first and getting business second."
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners weighing solar projects often run into the same questions about trust, costs, and long-term savings. These articles look at how solar is priced, how to find a good installer, and customer service in the solar industry.
• EnergySage's COO helped unpack the mystery of solar costs for homeowners comparing installation bids.
• One new homeowner asked Reddit how to find a company that's legit after predatory calls.
• A wary homeowner sought advice after hearing customer service horror stories from solar shoppers.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
