Solar Search 101

How to Find the Right Solar Companies Near You


When beginning your home solar project, one of the first things you’ll likely do is for search “Solar Providers Near Me.” You’ll likely be presented with dozens of different solar companies to choose from. All of these installers will vary in size, service, equipment and panel offerings, and more. The best way to find solar providers near you is to use Solar.com and receive multiple quotes from our networks of solar installers in your area. We’ve thoroughly vetted dozens of solar companies who will competitively bid on your home solar project through our online platform. This competitive process was proven by the Department of Energy to save homeowners on average $2,800 on their project versus going directly to solar installers. At Solar.com we believe in equipping you with as much information as you need to make an informed decision about the solar provider you may choose. We want you to go solar with confidence! Here is a comprehensive list of the critical things to look for when searching for solar providers near you.

Certifications and Licensing

The most important thing to look for when searching for solar providers in your area is whether or not they have the proper licenses and certifications. An electrical license is an absolute requirement. An installer with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification is also a major plus (and a requirement to be on Solar.com’s platform).

Online Customer Reviews

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a handful of solar companies, you’ll want to take a look at their online reviews. We’ve found that Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau are the best resources for reviews of solar providers.  As with any service provider, use your best judgement when reading online reviews — some can be overly negative or positive depending on where you look. Be sure to read through a few different review sites to develop a decent sense of how the installer performs. Evaluate not just the installation and solar equipment they provide, but also the installer’s workmanship warranty and customer service. If you want to go an extra step, you may request to speak with customers who worked with the given solar installer in the past and are willing to act as a reference. This can give you more insight into the experience with that provider.

Solar Panels, Equipment and Finance Offerings

Depending on what stage you’re in, you may want to narrow the list of solar providers near you down to ones that offer specific types of solar panels or financing options. Solar equipment and finance offerings will vary per installer. For instance, only certified installers can install SunPower panels. If that’s an important factor for you, be sure to review the installer’s website to see which solar panel offerings they provide. Certifications, reviews, and offerings are key things to pay attention to when searching for ‘Solar Providers Near Me’. We highly recommend obtaining a few different quotes from solar companies before making a decision. This will help guarantee that you’re getting a good quote. If you already have a quote in hand, you can use Solar.com to get additional quotes from our network of vetter solar companies. We’ll work with you to compare your offers, and find the best solar provider for you. 


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Advertising and referrals are the two major ways that solar installers get customers