Local vs National Installers: Pros / Cons

Which company you choose to buy your solar system from can correlate to how much you will save by going solar. In this article, our goal is to help you understand what things you should look for when choosing your solar partner. We say “partner” because going solar means committing for at least 25 years to be there for you whenever you need. Here is what to consider when comparing offers from national or local installers.

Price

How to choose a solar company using an apples-to-apples comparison on any proposal by determining the price per watt of the system.  

You calculate your price per watt by taking the total cost of your system and dividing it by the system size (watts). So if the gross cost of the proposal is $30,000 for a 10-kilowatt system (or 10,000-watt system), the price per watt is $3 ($30,000 / 10,000). Although a variety of factors can impact this price, people generally consider a standard system between $2 – $3 per watt to be a “good value.”

National:

According to The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, national-scale solar installers are 10% pricier than local installers. The reasons include high operational expenses and subcontracting to unqualified or profit-driven solar installers.

Local:

Choosing a local installer, like Solar Topps, can save you money compared to a national installer. Local installers have the freedom to choose products, actively participate in every step, reduce costs, and avoid unnecessary expenses. With a myriad of purchasing options, we have the right offer that best matches your budget and future energy requirements. Typically, Solar Topps prices are about 20 percent lower, which is why we are the “Best Value in Solar.”  

Production Services

National:

Operating nationally, they distribute to multiple states but only install homes within their facility range. Homes in more rural locations or new and developing communities are more likely to be rejected by national installers. National installers often fail to disclose the products or panels they use, possibly because they are not proud of them. Asking for premium products like those offered by Solar Topps will come with the “big name tax” mentioned earlier.

Local:

Solar Topps prides itself on providing premium products at affordable prices. We use top-of-the-line products from industry-leading companies like REC, Panasonic, LG, and are an Enphase Gold Installer. Along with a fantastic production value, they also come with industry-leading 25-year warranties, most covering both parts and labor. Using these products will increase your home value and save more money faster. That is how you get the most out of your investment! Choosing our solar company means more money in your pocket.   

Review and Response Times

National:

National installers work at a national level. When you need a repair, be prepared to be patient. To reach them, you probably call a 1-800 number and navigate their automated system while enduring that dreadful hold music. Trying to make contact with someone that can assist can be frustrating. All of these factors contribute to what we call “system downtime.” By struggling to contact someone, you’re losing money without a fully functioning system.

Local:

Solar Topps and other reliable local companies offer prompt responses, quick technician dispatch, issue assessment, and immediate resolution. With a skilled in-house solar team, we provide timely service to minimize downtime and maximize savings. From system design and installation to maintenance and repairs, our team is committed to delivering top-notch customer service every step of the way.

Our brand voice is one that values efficiency, reliability, and exceptional service. We understand that investing in solar energy can be a significant decision for our customers, and we strive to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

One advantage of choosing Solar Topps or any reputable local solar company is their quick response times. Our team understands that when an issue arises with your solar system, time is of the essence. That’s why we prioritize prompt responses, quick technician dispatch, and efficient issue assessment to quickly restore your system.

In addition to our speedy response times

Quality of Workmanship

National:

While national installers are usually a household name, they are not working on your project from start to finish. This is something that is usually not discussed when choosing a solar company. Now a series of different companies are completing your job. Various workers will have different standards for the installation on your home. If something goes wrong, it can be confusing to figure out who will fix it, especially if the contractor that installed your system is no longer in business. We receive calls daily from these national installers to help in repairing systems that were installed incorrectly.

Local:

Solar Topps and its in-house team of energy professionals are involved in every step of your installation, maintaining high quality throughout the whole process. Every individual piece needed for your install is waiting in our warehouse, ready when we receive the proper approvals from the City. Our engineers work hand-in-hand with our installers to ensure your system is installed as intended to get the most power out of your panels. With industry-leading warranties on workmanship, you can rest easy when choosing a solar company like Solar Topps will be there the service you if needed, because that is what neighbors do for one another.

Conclusion

We understand choosing a reliable solar company can be frustrating. While national installers are well known, they can be more expensive and less tailor-made for you and your family. If issues arise, you can expect substantial downtime while you try and get a hold of the right people who will attempt to fix the problem. Solar Topps is the oldest and one of the most trusted local installers in Arizona, serving thousands of homes across the State. For more than a decade, we have used our expertise to provide the best value in all things solar. 

 Call, text, or chat online today and see how much you can save with Solar Topps!