Choosing the right solar installer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when going solar. While the promise of savings and clean energy is enticing, it’s crucial to select a company that will be there for you every step of the way. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is hiring a solar company that’s based out of town.
Keeping it local is more than just making sure your money stays in the local economy. There are real implications for hiring someone that is hours away. We get calls every day from people who are exasperated when their installer won’t provide them with timely service, if they are even still in business.
As a small, local solar contractor, I’ve seen firsthand how homeowners run into trouble when they work with companies that are too far away. I personally oversee every installation as a NABCEP PVIP certified professional, and my team and I are known for being responsive, knowledgeable, and always available.
Here’s why hiring a local solar contractor is a must:
1. Responsiveness You Can Count On
One of the biggest advantages of hiring local is knowing your contractor is available. Out-of-town companies may take days—or even weeks—to respond to inquiries, leaving you with unanswered questions. My team, however, is always close by and ready to respond within hours, not days. I have been known to respond to emails, texts, and calls on weekends and nights. While we don’t guarantee 24-hour service, you can rest assured that we get your messages at all hours and prioritize requests based on urgency.
2. Knowledge of Local Permitting and Codes
Solar installations require strict adherence to local permitting processes and electrical codes. An out-of-town contractor might not be familiar with the nuances of the regulations in your area, leading to delays, failed inspections, or even fines. As a local solar company, we’ve built long-term relationships with permitting authorities and know exactly what’s needed to get your project done right the first time. The permitting process can be frustrating, even infuriating at times. Out-of-town contractors can’t handle the nuances of local building departments in a timely manner. Sometimes inspections or reinspections take weeks to resolve when your contractor is not close by.
3. Personalized Service
Larger, out-of-town solar companies often operate on a one-size-fits-all approach. They might try to sell you a system that doesn’t truly fit your needs. We, on the other hand, design systems tailored to your home, usage patterns, and long-term goals. We take the time to understand what’s important to you and build a relationship that goes beyond the installation.
4. We’re Not Going Anywhere
When you hire a contractor from out of town, there’s always the risk that they won’t be around when you need support down the road. Whether it’s servicing your system, answering warranty questions, or upgrading your system in the future, a local contractor has the incentive to stay connected with you. At Florida Solar Design Group, we’ve been serving this community for years, and we plan to continue for decades to come.
5. Accountability
As local business owners, our reputation depends on each and every installation. Out-of-town companies may not be as concerned with maintaining a stellar reputation in the area, since they can simply move on to the next market. We hold ourselves accountable, knowing that our work reflects on us—and that we’ll see our clients at the grocery store, the beach, and around town.
6. Local Support for Warranties and Service Calls
When something goes wrong with your solar system, you want it fixed as quickly as possible. An out-of-town contractor might require you to wait for weeks until they can schedule a technician to travel to your area. In contrast, as your local contractor, we can handle service calls promptly, often resolving issues in a single day. We stand by our work and make sure our clients are fully supported. We know this is a major issue because we get calls every day from people who can’t find quality service at a fair price.
Key Reasons to Hire a Local Solar Contractor:
- Quick Response Time – We’re here when you need us, with same-day or next-day responses.
- Expertise in Local Codes – We know the ins and outs of the permitting process in your area.
- Tailored System Designs – No cookie-cutter solutions, just systems that match your energy needs.
- Long-Term Availability – We’re here for the life of your system and beyond.
- Commitment to Reputation – Our work reflects on our business; we care about every client’s experience.
- Faster Service Calls – Problems solved quickly by a team that’s right around the corner.
We offer hyper-responsive service, and we’re here to support you from consultation through installation and long after your panels are producing clean energy.
