How to Choose the Right Solar Energy Company: Contractor vs. Sales Organization

Choosing the right solar energy company is a big decision, whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner looking to reduce energy costs and embrace clean, renewable energy. With the solar industry booming in Florida, the number of companies offering solar solutions has skyrocketed, which can make selecting the right provider overwhelming.

In this blog post, we'll explore the key considerations when selecting a solar energy company and, most importantly, the benefits of choosing a local contractor over a larger sales organization.

1. Experience and Credentials Matter

One of the first things you should look for when selecting a solar energy company is their experience and credentials. Check if the company has licensed professionals, such as certified installers and engineers. This ensures that the team working on your project has the expertise to design and install a reliable and efficient solar system.

Look for a company with a proven track record of successful projects—both residential and commercial. A solid portfolio of completed projects is a good indicator that the company knows how to deliver high-quality installations.

Tip: You can also check industry credentials such as certification from NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), which is a strong indicator of the company’s technical proficiency and professionalism.

2. Reputation and Reviews

Reputation speaks volumes. Look for reviews from previous clients and check how the company handles any complaints. Online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or even the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can give you a real-world glimpse into how the company treats its customers.

Local contractors often build their business on trust and word-of-mouth, so a contractor with good local reviews is likely to provide a more personalized and attentive service compared to a larger, nationwide sales organization.

3. Understanding Contractors vs. Sales Organizations

What’s the Difference?

• Solar Contractors: Local contractors are typically hands-on companies that manage everything from the design of your system to the installation and permitting process. They’ll handle the entire project in-house, from start to finish. In Florida, for example, a local contractor will have a deep understanding of the state's specific building codes, weather challenges (hello, hurricanes!), and how to design a system that maximizes energy production in our sunny climate.

• Sales Organizations: Larger solar sales organizations often act as middlemen. They focus primarily on marketing and selling solar systems but subcontract the actual installation work to third-party installers. While they might offer flashy promotions or faster quotes, the work itself is outsourced, meaning less control over the quality of the installation and customer experience.

4. The Benefits of Choosing a Local Contractor

Personalized Service and Customization

Local contractors offer more personalized service because they’re often smaller companies that focus on quality over quantity. When you work with a contractor, you deal directly with the team who will be designing and installing your system. They’ll visit your home or business, assess your specific needs, and tailor a solar energy solution that’s designed to work optimally for your roof layout, energy goals, and local conditions.

A larger sales organization may offer more standardized or pre-packaged solutions, which could miss important nuances that would enhance the efficiency of your solar system. Contractors like Solar Installers of Florida can provide a customized approach, taking into account Florida’s climate, roof angles, and energy consumption patterns.

Consistency and Accountability

With a local contractor, the same company that sells you the system is the one responsible for installing and maintaining it. You’re dealing with the same people throughout the project, which means there’s a clear line of accountability. If something goes wrong, you’ll know exactly who to call.

On the other hand, sales organizations that use subcontractors often complicate the process. The company that sold you the system may not be the same company that installs it, which can lead to miscommunications or problems with quality control.

Long-Term Support and Local Knowledge

Solar isn’t a one-day project—it’s a long-term investment that will power your home or business for decades. Local contractors have a vested interest in maintaining long-term relationships with their clients because they’re part of the local community. They’re also more familiar with local regulations, incentives, and weather patterns, which means they can design systems that work best in your specific region.

At Solar Installers of Florida, for instance, we understand the unique challenges posed by Florida’s intense sun and hurricane seasons, and we design systems with those factors in mind. This level of local expertise is something that a larger national company may not be able to offer.

Supporting the Local Economy

When you choose a local contractor, you’re not just investing in solar energy—you’re investing in your community. Supporting local businesses helps create jobs and strengthens the local economy. Plus, when you choose a contractor like Solar Installers of Florida, you know that your investment is staying within the state, helping to fuel Florida’s renewable energy future.

5. Flexibility and Customization

Local contractors have the flexibility to work with you on specific needs. Whether you’re a homeowner with unique roof angles or a business with complex energy requirements, a contractor can customize your solar system to maximize efficiency. Larger sales organizations might try to sell you a pre-configured system that doesn’t fully suit your property or energy goals.

Conclusion: Contractor vs. Sales Organization—Which Is Best?

When it comes to choosing a solar energy company, it’s crucial to do your research. Ask questions about who will actually be installing your system, what kind of long-term support they provide, and whether they can customize your system to your specific needs.

Choosing a local contractor offers more personalized service, accountability, and a deep understanding of your region’s unique challenges. In contrast, sales organizations may offer quicker quotes or large-scale marketing, but their reliance on subcontractors can lead to less control over quality.

At the end of the day, solar is a long-term investment, and working with a company that is focused on long-term success—rather than a quick sale—can make all the difference.

If you’re in Florida and considering going solar, Solar Installers of Florida is here to help guide you through the process, from custom system design to long-term maintenance and support.

Ready to make the switch to solar? Contact Solar Installers of Florida today to get started on your journey to clean, renewable energy.