Selecting the right solar panel company is the most critical decision a prospective buyer has to make. In this article, we present 8 tips for choosing the right company to handle your solar installation.
Key Points of the Article:
– Look for experience, past projects, and a proven track record.
– Companies with significant partnerships can offer better guidance.
– Avoid overly cheap solutions.
– Inquire about after-sales service and look for added value.
– Ask about financing options.
– Don't limit your choice geographically.
– Talk to people you trust.
Investing in a solar panel system is a big decision, and the final choice is anything but simple.
Whether it’s for a home, a business, or a solar farm, if you're interested in solar, you have many decisions to make. Ultimately, you’ll need to assess the investment costs, run the numbers, and decide whether and how to proceed.
Most people think the first step is choosing the type of solar panels. However, the reality is quite different. The most challenging decision is which solar company to choose for the study, licensing, and installation of the project.
This company will guide you in selecting the solar system. It will propose and determine the kW, inverters, mounting systems, and all other details of the project.
The choice is far from easy, and extensive market research is required before settling on which solar system to install.
Choosing the people responsible for the project is the most important factor. The success of your solar installation is in their hands—from the study and licensing to installation, delivery, and even after-sales support.
In this article, we will show you how to choose the best solar company for the study, licensing, solar installation, and purchase of solar equipment.
Experience, a proven track record, and expertise are the three most important characteristics.
1. Experience & Projects
You may have noticed in any market and industry that companies try to boost their credibility by showcasing their experience.
Some companies emphasize their longevity in the market by often highlighting their founding date, while others display the number of projects they have completed.
Experience in any industry is essential as it shows that the company has endured and managed to meet market demands over time.
The same holds in the solar industry. Experienced companies that have undertaken numerous projects rightfully stand out and are preferred by those interested in purchasing, studying, and installing solar systems.
A company with substantial market experience and a good number of completed projects should be the first factor to consider in choosing the right company.
Additionally, companies that showcase their projects, allowing you to see what they have created, will help you get a sense of the quality and aesthetic appeal of their work. This way, you can better understand if their style matches yours.
2. Proven Track Record
A proven track record complements experience and completed projects. The fact that a company may have been in the market for 20 or 30 years and has, for example, completed over 100 projects certainly indicates significant experience. However, considerable experience does not necessarily mean quality work.
Especially in the solar industry, how many times will someone install solar panels in their home or business in their lifetime? If a company does not perform well, it's unlikely customers would choose them again.
Let’s assume the company performed a poor study, resulting in significant shading on the solar installation, which means it will not deliver maximum efficiency. The company may remain in the market, and that particular project will still add to its portfolio.
Fortunately, in today’s age, electronic reviews of companies are available. This allows you to examine customer reviews of a company. However, pay close attention to ensure there is a sufficient sample of reviews. Feedback—whether positive or negative—from only 1-2 customers does not necessarily mean the company is good or bad. Several reviews are needed to draw a well-informed conclusion.
Another approach we would recommend is to thoroughly research the background and activities of the company. If you manage to find information online about these specific companies and their partnerships, they will certainly stand out on your list.
Example of a company with a proven track record
For example, let us mention our business group, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ. When someone searches online for ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables and its partnerships, they will undoubtedly come across the group’s engineering company, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering.
They will then realize that ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering has collaborated with major industries in Greece and abroad, such as SUNLIGHT, at the level of construction, design, and supervision.
Therefore, in this case, you will realize that the engineers of the ΙΩΝΙΚΗ group (ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, etc.) have extensive experience in large-scale industrial projects and that major industries have trusted them. Quite reasonably and correctly, you will conclude that, since these specific engineers are capable of setting up entire industries, they will certainly be able to set up photovoltaic parks and residential or commercial solar installations efficiently and effectively.
Specialized Advice and Guidance from the Solar Company
The trio of essential features is completed with specialized advice and proper guidance.
These characteristics come as the next step after points 1 and 2. They are, in essence, the continuation of experience, completed projects, and proven track record.
As we mentioned with the example of the ΙΩΝΙΚΗ group, the engineers have demonstrated their experience and effectiveness in their projects. This is evident from the size of the industries they have collaborated with, as well as the frequency of these partnerships. In the example of SUNLIGHT, there have been three collaborations in Greece, Italy and the USA. Would such a company ever choose to collaborate multiple times with a firm that didn’t do its job well?
Of course, engineers of such skill are also capable of providing specialized advice to a client and guiding them to make the right decision.
The partnerships prove it, and this is the key. Everyone will tell you they have experience and expertise in studies, licensing, etc. We don’t deny it, but you need to seek out a proven track record. This way, you will understand the level of experience and the degree of specialization.
Thus, you will know that you are speaking with the right people. You can have peace of mind even if the project costs you a bit more.
Financial Factors and After-Sales Service from the Solar Company
4. Avoid Very Cheap Solutions
Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Too good to be true’? This precisely applies to photovoltaics. And when we are talking about an investment of several thousand euros, we do not recommend risking quality.
Certainly, the cost is, if not the most important factor, one of the most important ones. However, it should not be the most critical factor.
Usually, those who choose slightly more expensive and quality products and services achieve better results. ‘You get what you pay for,’ as the saying goes, and it applies here as well.
An Example from Financial Investments
Speaking of photovoltaic investments, let’s use an example from financial investments.
A client tells a financial advisor that they want to earn €5,000 per year and will invest €20,000. The advisor informs them that to achieve this, the annual return on the investment must be 25%. He continues by saying that they will need to purchase certain stocks with high risk but with expectations of high returns. The advisor adds that he knows which stocks these are. Excited, the client hears that they will be given stocks with high prospects and can make €5,000 annually with just €20,000. They agree. The outcome is that these stocks experience massive fluctuations, mostly downward. In the end, the client loses a substantial portion of their capital. You must have heard stories like this around you. Indeed, what the client wanted and what was presented to them sounded too good to be true.
However, the same advisor spoke with another investor who also wanted to earn €5,000 per year but could invest €100,000. In this case, the advisor suggested focusing on very large companies that offer dividends and on income portfolios with very low risk. The result in this case is that the investor consistently earns an annual return of 5%, which amounts to €5,000 on the initial capital.
Photovoltaics Are Also an Investment
We mention these specific examples because photovoltaics are also a long-term investment. Residential solar installations save households money, which means that the difference that would otherwise be paid on bills without solar can be saved and create liquidity. Commercial solar installations save businesses money in the same way. Finally, photovoltaic parks provide specific annual returns every year.
If the investment in photovoltaics sounds too good to be true, then that’s a sign to avoid it.
5. After Sales Service and Added Value from the Photovoltaic Company
Another very important factor in choosing the right company to undertake your photovoltaic project is after sales service and added value.
No one likes to buy something and then not know who to turn to for solving any issues that may arise, from the smallest things to the larger ones.
In all our purchases, whether it’s a simple keyboard, a car, or a photovoltaic system, we expect after sales service, especially from the place where we made the purchase.
When searching for the company that will undertake your project, ask about after sales service and clarify whether you will be in contact with them directly or if you will be referred to the panel company, the inverter company, etc.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we always emphasize to our customers that we will be by their side every step of the way, from the idea to the implementation of the project and beyond.
We also provide added value to those who trust us. The inverters are the most sensitive part of a photovoltaic system and come with the longest warranty period, typically five years. Those who choose us receive an extended warranty of ten years.
This extra benefit we offer is another layer of security that provides value to our customers, and we advise you to seek out the added value from the photovoltaic company you choose.
6. The Photovoltaic Company Should Guide in Finding Financing Options
It is reasonable that when an investment amounts to several thousand euros, ways to finance the project should be sought.
Ask the companies you are considering if they are aware of any active financing programs.
It is very important, within the framework of specialized advice and proper guidance, that they are knowledgeable about these specific options.
Note that in this case, the financing package is an economic and technical study.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Finance operates in the field of investment programs, having successfully achieved financing of over €80,000,000 for industries supported by ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering. Here, too, you will find proven track records, which you should also seek by asking about their success rates.
Ignore the distance, ask those you trust
7. You don’t necessarily need to choose a solar company from your city
When researching the right solar company to undertake your solar project, do not set geographical limits. Do not look for companies only from your city or neighboring regions.
Search throughout Greece. The best companies, which you will find to be the best, are those that can support projects across the whole of Greece. They are usually the ones that have invested in showcasing and presenting their work, which will make your research easier with more findings and the information you need.
If you live in the north but have found a company in the south that meets all your needs, has answered all your questions, has earned your trust, and serves all of Greece, choose them.
Do not set geographical limits on such important projects as solar panels.
8. Talk to people you trust
Finally, we leave you with a piece of advice that you might have even started with, even if we hadn’t mentioned it in this article, and you would have done very well. If you have trusted individuals who have installed solar panels, they can share their experience with the solar company they chose.
Even in this case, however, be sure to conduct the complete research we discuss in this article so that you can form a well-rounded opinion yourself about the solar company being recommended to you.
Photovoltaics by ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables: By your side every step of the way
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, always thinking of our customer’s best interest, we place great importance on the reliability and efficiency of your solar system.
Without compromising on quality, we offer competitively priced solar panel packages for businesses featuring German panels and German inverters. Even in our most economical solution with an Asian inverter, we have selected a well-known company, Huawei, while offering additional warranty.
Our experience in design and installation is extensive, and we undertake the following:
1. Electrical DC/AC
2. Installation of mounting systems – panels
3. Electrical installations
4. Grid connection
5. Licensing / project management
Are you interested in photovoltaic; Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
8 Tips for Choosing the Right Company for Your Solar Panel Installation
George Kotakis
Electrical Engineer |
ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Autonomous
Selecting the right solar panel company is the most critical decision a prospective buyer has to make. In this article, we present 8 tips for choosing the right company to handle your solar installation.
Key Points of the Article:
– Look for experience, past projects, and a proven track record.
– Companies with significant partnerships can offer better guidance.
– Avoid overly cheap solutions.
– Inquire about after-sales service and look for added value.
– Ask about financing options.
– Don't limit your choice geographically.
– Talk to people you trust.
Investing in a solar panel system is a big decision, and the final choice is anything but simple.
Whether it’s for a home, a business, or a solar farm, if you're interested in solar, you have many decisions to make. Ultimately, you’ll need to assess the investment costs, run the numbers, and decide whether and how to proceed.
Most people think the first step is choosing the type of solar panels. However, the reality is quite different. The most challenging decision is which solar company to choose for the study, licensing, and installation of the project.
This company will guide you in selecting the solar system. It will propose and determine the kW, inverters, mounting systems, and all other details of the project.
The choice is far from easy, and extensive market research is required before settling on which solar system to install.
Choosing the people responsible for the project is the most important factor. The success of your solar installation is in their hands—from the study and licensing to installation, delivery, and even after-sales support.
In this article, we will show you how to choose the best solar company for the study, licensing, solar installation, and purchase of solar equipment.
Experience, a proven track record, and expertise are the three most important characteristics.
1. Experience & Projects
You may have noticed in any market and industry that companies try to boost their credibility by showcasing their experience.
Some companies emphasize their longevity in the market by often highlighting their founding date, while others display the number of projects they have completed.
Experience in any industry is essential as it shows that the company has endured and managed to meet market demands over time.
The same holds in the solar industry. Experienced companies that have undertaken numerous projects rightfully stand out and are preferred by those interested in purchasing, studying, and installing solar systems.
A company with substantial market experience and a good number of completed projects should be the first factor to consider in choosing the right company.
Additionally, companies that showcase their projects, allowing you to see what they have created, will help you get a sense of the quality and aesthetic appeal of their work. This way, you can better understand if their style matches yours.
2. Proven Track Record
A proven track record complements experience and completed projects. The fact that a company may have been in the market for 20 or 30 years and has, for example, completed over 100 projects certainly indicates significant experience. However, considerable experience does not necessarily mean quality work.
Especially in the solar industry, how many times will someone install solar panels in their home or business in their lifetime? If a company does not perform well, it's unlikely customers would choose them again.
Let’s assume the company performed a poor study, resulting in significant shading on the solar installation, which means it will not deliver maximum efficiency. The company may remain in the market, and that particular project will still add to its portfolio.
Fortunately, in today’s age, electronic reviews of companies are available. This allows you to examine customer reviews of a company. However, pay close attention to ensure there is a sufficient sample of reviews. Feedback—whether positive or negative—from only 1-2 customers does not necessarily mean the company is good or bad. Several reviews are needed to draw a well-informed conclusion.
Another approach we would recommend is to thoroughly research the background and activities of the company. If you manage to find information online about these specific companies and their partnerships, they will certainly stand out on your list.
Example of a company with a proven track record
For example, let us mention our business group, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ. When someone searches online for ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables and its partnerships, they will undoubtedly come across the group’s engineering company, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering.
They will then realize that ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering has collaborated with major industries in Greece and abroad, such as SUNLIGHT, at the level of construction, design, and supervision.
Therefore, in this case, you will realize that the engineers of the ΙΩΝΙΚΗ group (ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, etc.) have extensive experience in large-scale industrial projects and that major industries have trusted them. Quite reasonably and correctly, you will conclude that, since these specific engineers are capable of setting up entire industries, they will certainly be able to set up photovoltaic parks and residential or commercial solar installations efficiently and effectively.
Specialized Advice and Guidance from the Solar Company
The trio of essential features is completed with specialized advice and proper guidance.
These characteristics come as the next step after points 1 and 2. They are, in essence, the continuation of experience, completed projects, and proven track record.
As we mentioned with the example of the ΙΩΝΙΚΗ group, the engineers have demonstrated their experience and effectiveness in their projects. This is evident from the size of the industries they have collaborated with, as well as the frequency of these partnerships. In the example of SUNLIGHT, there have been three collaborations in Greece, Italy and the USA. Would such a company ever choose to collaborate multiple times with a firm that didn’t do its job well?
Of course, engineers of such skill are also capable of providing specialized advice to a client and guiding them to make the right decision.
The partnerships prove it, and this is the key. Everyone will tell you they have experience and expertise in studies, licensing, etc. We don’t deny it, but you need to seek out a proven track record. This way, you will understand the level of experience and the degree of specialization.
Thus, you will know that you are speaking with the right people. You can have peace of mind even if the project costs you a bit more.
Financial Factors and After-Sales Service from the Solar Company
4. Avoid Very Cheap Solutions
Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Too good to be true’? This precisely applies to photovoltaics. And when we are talking about an investment of several thousand euros, we do not recommend risking quality.
Certainly, the cost is, if not the most important factor, one of the most important ones. However, it should not be the most critical factor.
Usually, those who choose slightly more expensive and quality products and services achieve better results. ‘You get what you pay for,’ as the saying goes, and it applies here as well.
An Example from Financial Investments
Speaking of photovoltaic investments, let’s use an example from financial investments.
A client tells a financial advisor that they want to earn €5,000 per year and will invest €20,000. The advisor informs them that to achieve this, the annual return on the investment must be 25%. He continues by saying that they will need to purchase certain stocks with high risk but with expectations of high returns. The advisor adds that he knows which stocks these are. Excited, the client hears that they will be given stocks with high prospects and can make €5,000 annually with just €20,000. They agree. The outcome is that these stocks experience massive fluctuations, mostly downward. In the end, the client loses a substantial portion of their capital. You must have heard stories like this around you. Indeed, what the client wanted and what was presented to them sounded too good to be true.
However, the same advisor spoke with another investor who also wanted to earn €5,000 per year but could invest €100,000. In this case, the advisor suggested focusing on very large companies that offer dividends and on income portfolios with very low risk. The result in this case is that the investor consistently earns an annual return of 5%, which amounts to €5,000 on the initial capital.
Photovoltaics Are Also an Investment
We mention these specific examples because photovoltaics are also a long-term investment. Residential solar installations save households money, which means that the difference that would otherwise be paid on bills without solar can be saved and create liquidity. Commercial solar installations save businesses money in the same way. Finally, photovoltaic parks provide specific annual returns every year.
If the investment in photovoltaics sounds too good to be true, then that’s a sign to avoid it.
5. After Sales Service and Added Value from the Photovoltaic Company
Another very important factor in choosing the right company to undertake your photovoltaic project is after sales service and added value.
No one likes to buy something and then not know who to turn to for solving any issues that may arise, from the smallest things to the larger ones.
In all our purchases, whether it’s a simple keyboard, a car, or a photovoltaic system, we expect after sales service, especially from the place where we made the purchase.
When searching for the company that will undertake your project, ask about after sales service and clarify whether you will be in contact with them directly or if you will be referred to the panel company, the inverter company, etc.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we always emphasize to our customers that we will be by their side every step of the way, from the idea to the implementation of the project and beyond.
We also provide added value to those who trust us. The inverters are the most sensitive part of a photovoltaic system and come with the longest warranty period, typically five years. Those who choose us receive an extended warranty of ten years.
This extra benefit we offer is another layer of security that provides value to our customers, and we advise you to seek out the added value from the photovoltaic company you choose.
6. The Photovoltaic Company Should Guide in Finding Financing Options
It is reasonable that when an investment amounts to several thousand euros, ways to finance the project should be sought.
Ask the companies you are considering if they are aware of any active financing programs.
It is very important, within the framework of specialized advice and proper guidance, that they are knowledgeable about these specific options.
Note that in this case, the financing package is an economic and technical study.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ, ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Finance operates in the field of investment programs, having successfully achieved financing of over €80,000,000 for industries supported by ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Engineering. Here, too, you will find proven track records, which you should also seek by asking about their success rates.
Ignore the distance, ask those you trust
7. You don’t necessarily need to choose a solar company from your city
When researching the right solar company to undertake your solar project, do not set geographical limits. Do not look for companies only from your city or neighboring regions.
Search throughout Greece. The best companies, which you will find to be the best, are those that can support projects across the whole of Greece. They are usually the ones that have invested in showcasing and presenting their work, which will make your research easier with more findings and the information you need.
If you live in the north but have found a company in the south that meets all your needs, has answered all your questions, has earned your trust, and serves all of Greece, choose them.
Do not set geographical limits on such important projects as solar panels.
8. Talk to people you trust
Finally, we leave you with a piece of advice that you might have even started with, even if we hadn’t mentioned it in this article, and you would have done very well. If you have trusted individuals who have installed solar panels, they can share their experience with the solar company they chose.
Even in this case, however, be sure to conduct the complete research we discuss in this article so that you can form a well-rounded opinion yourself about the solar company being recommended to you.
Photovoltaics by ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables: By your side every step of the way
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, always thinking of our customer’s best interest, we place great importance on the reliability and efficiency of your solar system.
Without compromising on quality, we offer competitively priced solar panel packages for businesses featuring German panels and German inverters. Even in our most economical solution with an Asian inverter, we have selected a well-known company, Huawei, while offering additional warranty.
Our experience in design and installation is extensive, and we undertake the following:
1. Electrical DC/AC
2. Installation of mounting systems – panels
3. Electrical installations
4. Grid connection
5. Licensing / project management
Are you interested in photovoltaic; Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
