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The price of electricity is going up and the cost of renewable energy is going down, so much so that many Utah homeowners are choosing to go with solar over the conventional utility power. This is a relatively new option that has been fuel by technology breakthroughs and rapidly falling prices over the last 10 years.
The increased popularity of solar has given rise to many more choices for the consumer, not just in what equipment is available, but also the solar providers they can choose from.
The three main ways people acquire solar now is going through a solar sales firm, a solar contractor or choosing to DIY. Each of these options has pros and cons and a homeowner should seek to find which option is the best for them.
“Many people are excited at the prospect of getting solar for their home” Says Nick Flowers, a PV design engineer for a local solar engineering company, “Unfortunately, they don’t always know where to start”.
Before you start the solar process, it’s a good idea to contact an independent solar professional for an unbiased assessment and then find the solar provider that fits your needs.
Solar sales firms
These are usually large companies that have expansive networks and use their size to provide excellent value to their clients. This can make solar even more affordable than you thought. Unfortunately, they often only provide a small catalog of equipment that they are most comfortable working with and can be prone to delays since they have so many clients.
Local solar contractors
These are usually a local roofing or electrical contractor that has taken the time to train a team of solar installers. They can provide excellent customer services and are typically very responsive to their clients’ needs. In addition, they are better suited at installing a more customized solar solution to their clients. However, they often lack the same means of distribution and suppliers so they are often unable to provide the low pricing you may be looking for.
Do-it-yourself
Though solar PV is a complex technology, with the right know-how and experience it is relatively easy to install a solar system on your house without the need of going through other contractors. There are many professional support services that can aid a homeowner in the design and permitting process for their solar installation. Building your own system is not for everyone, but will allow you complete control over the look and function of your solar PV system.
This is just a general guide that demonstrates some general pros and cons of certain types of services. It is important for you to find the solar provider that works for you and inform yourself as much as possible. Solar is a great technology but it isn’t for everyone; you want to make sure you know if it is really right for you and your home. And because of the several options, they are just more reason to use online resources to your advantage and don’t rush into a hasty decision.
