The number of companies offering solar equipment is rapidly increasing. Each solar professional you speak with will have certain products they recommend, and they usually have very convincing reasons for recommending those products. This can make it a challenge for consumers to know whose opinion to trust, and which products are truly the best.
So how do you choose? As with any major purchase, you will want to do your homework. With all the focus on renewable energy, it is easier than ever to get reliable information on manufacturers and specific technologies, but this can also leave you with an overwhelming pile of information to sort through.
Our best suggestion is to find a solar professional you trust, and allow them to guide you through the ever-changing maze of renewable technology. Because renewables are a major investment, it is always a good idea to talk with someone professional and experience to be sure you are receiving information that is accurate, pertinent and complete.
Once you have recommendations on products to choose, you can also do some research online to see what others are saying about those products. Check out each manufacturer’s website or give them a call. Check out one of the many industry blogs, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and industry publications. (Remember, the manufacturer will naturally tell you the best about their products, so don’t rely solely on the information they provide to make your decision.) Because of the increased demand for renewable, third party testing agencies such as Consumer Reports are also starting to offer consumers with quality information.
From our experience, here are some things you’ll want to consider as you’re shopping for products and choosing brands:
How long has the manufacturer been making renewable energy products?
There are a plethora of new companies getting into the industry, and we have found many of them use “the new math” when they calculate their industry experience. Don’t just take their word for it – ask around to find out if they really know what it takes to make good products.
What is the track record of their products?
Ask around about a manufacturer’s reputation and about how their products perform in the field. You can find online sources for this information, or you can talk with consumers who are using their products. Main Street Solar can help you find end-users to talk with you about the products you are considering.
Is it proven technology, or will you be “field testing” something new?
We get calls all the time with people asking about the latest and greatest products available on the market. Though there are many new and exciting renewable energy products being introduced, we prefer to take a somewhat cautious approach when considering something we haven’t tried before.
So first we look at who is introducing the product. We are much more confident when trying out something new from the industry leaders like OutBack Power, SMA, Xantrex, Sharp Solar or BP Solar, than we are about trying something from XYZ Company, who we have never hear of. It doesn’t mean XYZ’s product isn’t good, it just means that we don’t have history with them to rely on. We know that OutBack, etc., will be there should their product not perform as they’ve expected, and we know they will make it right. We don’t know if XYZ Company will.
Another reason we are cautious is because sometimes a new technology has insufficient field performance data for us to be confident recommending it.
Another thought about new renewable energy technology: It often seems that the marketing and sales folks get all excited and start talking about new products that are either in the early stages of research and development and/or far from actual production. The most common one we hear about is new solar panel technology that will cost almost nothing and make gigawatts of power. So far, (unfortunately) none of those products have actually shown up in the market.
Is it the right product to do the job?
Sometimes you may hear of a couple of different products that have proven track records and that are made by reputable companies. So how do you know which one is right? Obviously the first consideration is whether or not they will do the job you need them to do. Again our best recommendation is to talk with the professionals, or at least chat with folks who are using the different products, to get their thoughts on the subject. Assuming each of the solar products you’re considering will do the job, then it naturally comes down to practical details such as price, warranty, and extra features.
Which products does your solar contractor use at their home and/or business?
This is a great question to ask. It not only tells you something about the products, but also helps you determine if your solar professional has practical experience with the products they sell.
