Like many things in life, the longest part of the journey into solar energy can be just making the decision to do it. There can be pressure to jump into a solar panel and battery system on someone else’s timeframe — to take advantage of certain tax credits or fit into a company’s schedule. But the best outcome for your particular solar energy project is one that meets YOUR timeframe, budget and needs. Resist any pressure otherwise.

Choosing well is really key to long-term success. Most solar PV panels last longer than 30 years, so you and your family will savor the payout for a well-designed system that’s well-installed over the course of decades.

Unfortunately, there are more and more companies out there promising fast and free solar or unbelievable prices. Avoid any kind of high pressure, oversimplified “deals” with promises of zero cost. If there’s zero cost, there’s likely very little benefit to you. Also avoid providing your personal information on any platform online that’s not linked to a reputable company.

“Online forms that are not associated with an official business and request your name, address, or other personal data to ‘see if you qualify’ or make offers like ‘no more energy bills’ are another warning sign, as these forms can sometimes serve to generate leads for other businesses without your knowledge or consent,” warns the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Technologies Office.

Smart solar shopping tips included in this guide from the U.S. Department of Energy recommend talking to friends and neighbors who have had solar installed to see what company they used and if they’re satisfied with the results and service.

There are particular certifications a solar customer can check for a potential installer. Are their installation crews specifically trained on the products they sell, install and service?  The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the top professional training and certification organization for renewable energy technologies. Does the company employ staff who are NABCEP certified? At mtvSolar, we know the value that brings.

Adding solar panels to a home roof, a garage, a barn, your business or a part of your property is an investment. For some, a panel and battery system comes in around the price of a pretty good vehicle. And just like shopping for a car, our customers want to know specifics about different features, performance potential, maintenance and lifespan. At mtvSolar, we have some of the smartest customers out there. They have questions just like you do. A good solar company will have smart, well-trained consultants that want to have those in-depth conversations about performance, financing and more before signing a contract.

Because we care about the future of solar energy and the environment, established solar installers like mtvSolar want solar energy to work well for people — even for people who aren’t our direct customers. The best solar is solar that works…solar panels that generate the expected numbers of kilowatts consistently over the life of a solar PV panel, and components that let the panels deliver power to the end user safely and seamlessly. That’s good for the customer, for their neighborhood, for the electric grid and beyond.

You might be new to solar, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But for the best results, we recommend working with a solar company that’s not new to the technology. You’ll reap the rewards of their experience.