When thinking about going solar, homeowners often have to debate whether they should choose local solar companies over big national ones. It’s a great question, and we’ll dive into the pros and cons of choosing a local solar company. Here in Virginia, where solar policies and regulations can be quite specific, the choice of installer can make a huge difference in the performance and satisfaction of your solar project.
Local solar companies provide personalized service and attention
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a local solar company like Virtue Solar is the level of personalized service you receive. National companies are often more focused on profit margins than customer experience. They might promise great service on paper, but in reality, they don’t always deliver. If you look at the reviews for Tesla Solar or Freedom Solar online or on Reddit, and it’s clear that the customer experience is less-than-ideal.
Local companies rely heavily on their reputation within the community. We have a lot more on the line when it comes to customer satisfaction because word-of-mouth and local reviews can make or break our business. When you comb through Nextdoor or Reddit for solar recommendations, it’s overwhelmingly in favor of reputable local solar companies.
Local solar companies know local laws and regulations
Every region has its own set of solar policies, building codes, and utility regulations. In Virginia, for instance, we have specific rules like Dominion’s Standby fees on systems over 15kW that can impact your solar investment. Local companies are well-versed in these nuances and can navigate them efficiently to ensure your installation meets all the local requirements.
National companies might not have this in-depth knowledge, which can lead to costly mistakes and even regulatory issues. Larger companies that aren’t as familiar with process or regulations may also face permitting hurdles, which can lead to delays, change orders, and an overall poor experience.
Local companies have reliable and experienced solar installers
The quality of your solar installation plays a significant role in how well your system performs. Many large national companies subcontract out their installation work, so you never really know who will be doing the job or how experienced they are. At Virtue Solar, we use our own team of skilled installers who have a long track record of successful projects and satisfied customers. You can talk to your neighbors and see the quality of our work firsthand.
One of the biggest factors in whether or not a system will have issues is the quality of installation. Local companies that have their own installers are incentivized to perform high-quality work, especially when it’s their reputation and warranty on the line. For bigger companies, it’s often subcontractors that do the installation, with no liability for the quality of work. Subcontractors have to complete jobs fast in order to make a profit, and often sacrifice quality along the way.
Look for local companies with NABCEP certifications and ratings
Local solar companies should be fully licensed and certified, ensuring that every part of your installation meets high standards. Look for NABCEP certifications, as well as Enphase & REC certifications (assuming those are the products you want). Bigger companies often subcontract to firms that may not hold any certifications at all. For example, a system designer in California might have all the right credentials, but the installers are not required to have any training or certifications at all. This can cause a huge disconnect in quality and best practices.
At Virtue Solar, we make sure our team is not only experienced but also holds current NABCEP certifications to guarantee the best possible installation for your home.
The team that installs your solar system should be there to service it
Local solar installation companies are with you from the conception of your solar project, and should provide service and maintenance throughout its lifetime. Most local companies are on hand to not only design and build your solar system but to perform any and all repairs your system might need throughout its lifetime.
Larger companies often do not have local service teams, or will subcontract service to independant contractors that are not familiar with your system. While they may have a strong service policy on paper, it’s worth scratching the surface and finding out how it works in practice. With a local solar company, the same team that built your solar system will be the same team that is there to repair it, which can alleviate headaches, and reduce system downtime.
Large solar companies are not as stable as you think
There’s a common misconception that bigger companies are more financially stable, and therefore have a more bankable warranty. However, many national solar companies have come and gone, sometimes leaving their customers with no warranty or service. There was a major increase in bankruptcies in 2023 among big solar companies.
Companies like Sigora Solar, ADT Solar, Vivint, Power Home Solar, Solar City and Sungevity are examples of larger firms that haven’t always stood the test of time. Local solar companies like ours are often just as solid financially, if not more so. We aren’t leveraged for exponential growth and our decisions are not dependent on shareholders– We aim to grow sustainably, as we have for the past decade.
Local solar companies help build the community
Lastly, when you choose a local company, you’re supporting your community. Local businesses are more invested in the well-being of the area and are more likely to contribute to local causes and economy. At Virtue Solar, we pride ourselves on being a part of the Charlottesville community and doing our part to make it a better place. Our team consists of adventurers, activists and environmentalists, and we love where we live. We take care of employees, and they take care of you.
By supporting local companies you are helping to create good local jobs, and can encourage good businesses to succeed over those driven solely by profit.
If you’re on-board for a local solar company, still do due-diligence and read reviews, and get at least one other quote. There are still some sketchy companies out there, but by taking your time and researching the field, everyone should be able to find a reputable local company that will install a great solar system for them.