The process of going solar can seem daunting, so you’ll want to hire the right professionals that are capable and know what they are doing. So how do you choose a qualified, certified, and experienced professional solar installer who uses high-quality solar panels?

Here are some of the most important factors to consider as you embark on your residential solar journey:

• Credentials
• Transparency
• Talk to Friends and Neighbors
• Credibility and Expertise – Seek out installers who have experience installing solar equipment and are knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. A good rule of thumb is to work with installers who have at least three years of experience. Also, ask as many questions as possible.
• Pricing – Installers are likely to have different rates for the same job.  Most experienced installers will come look at your home and then give you a price proposal based on your home’s size, energy usage, and other factors. For an idea of what customers usually pay nationwide, please see the following report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Tracking the Sun(link is external).

For more information on going solar, check out the resources available from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, including the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar, which demystifies the installation process.