Before Buying Solar Panels, Get A Free Assessment And Advice Through This Program
Perhaps you're interested in adding solar panels that earn you a credit on your energy bill, or to gain a green source of energy for your house. However, once you start digging into the actual steps you need to follow and the products required to do so, adding solar can seem like an almost unending and insurmountable process. At the very least, homeowners need a basic understanding of things like solar panels, batteries, inverters, wiring, and more before they can tackle a solar installation. You might also need to determine whether your roof can support the weight of the materials and what local regulations you need to follow. Suffice to say, everyone could use a little help.
If it feels like you end up in the middle of a sales pitch every time you start to ask solar installation experts any basic questions that can help you understand the process better, you're not alone. If you're curious about how many solar panels would be needed to power your home or what kind of longevity you can receive from the equipment, a potentially helpful option is EnergySage.
This organization, which has an affiliation with the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to help homeowners review their situations and determine whether the installation of solar panels would be good for their particular properties. EnergySage's advisors are completely free to contact and speak with. They will answer any relevant questions you may have and can review any price quotes you receive from installers to be certain you're being treated fairly.
Steps that occur when you work with EnergySage
To start the process of working with EnergySage, you have to create a profile on the organization's website. You'll need to provide information like your home address, the age of your roof, the financing plans for your project, and your desired timeline. You will be asked to attach a copy of your electric bill, which helps bidding companies determine which type of solar installation will best fit your needs and potentially save you money. You can decide whether you want installers to contact you by phone directly or filter all information through EnergySage.
Should you decide that you want to go forward with a solar project, EnergySage doesn't do the physical work, but it has a network of companies it works with to help homeowners continue with the project. EnergySage will put you in contact with installers to receive price quotes. If no companies are interested in installing solar power at your property, the EnergySage advisors will work with you to gather more information to try to make your request more appealing to local installers. EnergySage even offers a price quote comparison tool through your account, allowing you to more easily select the best company for your project.
The organization's advisors will walk you through the process of comparing and potentially accepting a quote, helping you avoid mistakes when purchasing solar panels and having them installed. If you decide not to accept any of the quotes, just let EnergySage know, and the advisors will contact the installers for you.
EnergySage almost sounds too good to be true, but is it?
If you're looking for the basics when it comes to starting a solar panel project at your home, EnergySage seems like an extremely helpful tool. Many online reviewers noted that it is a nice resource for consumers, especially newcomers to the world of solar. By working with the advisors at EnergySage, you can obtain key information about solar and gain confidence in how the process works.
One of the best features of EnergySage is that you don't have to wade through advertising and marketing from solar panel installers on your own. You're also protected from receiving direct calls (if desired) and spam from solar installers, all while protecting your personal information until you're ready to reveal it. By making direct comparisons among those who submit bids, one Reddit user said it's easier to find companies that you'll want to work with, writing, "From the consumer side, my experience with energysage was great."
Most Reddit reviewers reported positive experiences with using EnergySage, although some reviewers inferred that high-quality contractors seem to avoid working with EnergySage. It's important to note that simply using EnergySage doesn't guarantee a successful solar installation. You have to take the time to research the installers who provide price quotes, ensuring they will deliver the results they're promising. EnergySage can only protect you during the process up to a point, as you'll be signing a contract with the local installer, not EnergySage. You should always verify references, examples of past work the company has done, licenses, and insurance coverage, and not just trust EnergySage, even if they can be extremely helpful.