If you’ve decided that your business is going solar, selecting the right equipment provider is the next step in getting your solar power system installed—and it’s one of the most important steps you’ll take in this process. Choosing the right commercial solar distributors will help the rest of the process move along much more smoothly, giving you years of reliable solar power, minimal maintenance headaches, reliable warranties, and a solid return on your investment. On the other hand, if you choose an unreliable distributor, you’ll likely face delays, unexpected costs, and an underperforming system. How do you find the right equipment distributor for a commercial system? Keep reading to find out.
Clarifying Your Project Goals and Requirements
Before you even begin to look at any distributors, you need to clarify your company’s goals for your solar power project. Are you trying to reduce your long-term electricity costs? Do you want to improve your business’s sustainability and create a “greener” brand? Are you trying to meet renewable energy mandates? You also need to think about what type of system you want to install—hybrid or grid-tied? rooftop, ground mounted, or a solar carport?—so you can find a distributor with all of the equipment you need.
By defining all of these requirements upfront, you’ll be able to better evaluate each distributor’s products, services, and price points, and whether or not they’re a good fit for your goals. It also gives the distributor a better understanding of your expectations and what you’re looking for. Taking this first step lays the foundation for not only an effective system, but an effective relationship with your equipment supplier.
Evaluating Experience and Track Records
When looking for a commercial solar distributor, it’s incredibly important that you look at more than just their overall experience in the solar industry; you need to know exactly how much experience they have with commercial systems in particular. Commercial and industrial installations are an entirely different beast when compared to residential solar power systems. You want to ensure that you’re working with a company that has a long history of delivering commercial solar power systems that are similar in size and complexity to the one you need.
Additionally, make sure you verify that the distributor has all the appropriate licenses, certifications, and of course, insurance. Certifications from recognized organizations are a sign that you’re working with a true professional who is compliant with the industry’s best practices and safety standards.
Inspecting Products and Services
Not all solar equipment providers are equal in the breadth and quality of the components they offer. A reliable distributor should supply a comprehensive inventory of high-quality components, including reliable solar panels, inverters, mounting and racking systems, and peripheral equipment like solar batteries, monitoring systems, charge controllers, and more.
You should also ask about the brands that they carry, particularly if you have a specific brand in mind that you would like to use for your system. Some distributors partner with specific manufacturers and will only carry that brand’s equipment, while others will have a broader inventory, giving you more selection to choose from and making it easier to compare and contrast your options. Tier 1 distributors are your best bet for finding high-quality, reliable equipment of any kind, so be on the lookout for that designation.
Checking Testimonials and References
Past performance is always a good indicator of a company’s future reliability. A trustworthy distributor should be able to provide references, testimonials, and even case studies about their previous projects. While you can always find testimonials online, it’s still a good idea to ask for reference and case studies, as these can provide more detail about the project and allow you to learn about the experiences of customers who had systems similar in scope to yours.
When checking online reviews, industry forums, or other kinds of third-party feedback, remember to take each individual review with a grain of salt. Rather than accepting a single reviewer’s opinion, look for patterns—both positive and negative—in their customer service, reliability, and quality of the products provided.
Considering Warranties and Long-Term Support
A commercial solar installation isn’t just a large financial investment—it’s a long-term one. You want to ensure that your distributor offers strong warranties; this is true not only for the panels and equipment, but for their installation work as well, if the distributor is providing installation themselves. Equipment warranties are typically for 20 to 25 years depending on the type of equipment you’re looking at, while labor warranties are usually shorter, around 5 or 10 years.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that ongoing support and maintenance are a part of the distributor’s offerings. This includes monitoring, regular inspections, prompt response to any issues, and clarity about service for any warranty claims. Keep in mind that some of these services may be something offered by the installer directly, rather than the equipment distributor. However, even in these cases, the distributor should be able to provide after-sale support to your installer to ensure that any issues with the equipment itself is handled in a timely manner.
Comparing Multiple Quotes—And Focusing on Value
As a business owner, you’ve probably received quotes before, so you know that the lowest quote isn’t always the best option. It’s important to compare at least 2 or 3 proposals side by side so you can evaluate not only the price, but the design, components used, warranties offered, and so on. Rather than focusing on the price tag, focus on a quote that will offer you the best value.
By following a thorough vetting process, you can find commercial solar systems distributors you can rely on to provide the equipment you need for your commercial system. Contact PowerStore, Inc., today to learn more about our commercial solar products and receive a quote on the equipment your system needs.