8 Qualities to Look For in a Solar Panel Contractor

January 17, 2024

More home buyers today want sustainable living features and energy efficiency. This helps to reduce your carbon footprint while also adding value to your home. In fact, according to This Old House, solar panel installation increases property sale prices by approximately 4.1%. Before you hire a solar panel contractor, be sure to look for the following eight qualities.


1. Dedication to the Environment

Adding a rooftop solar panel allows homeowners to harness the sun's energy and greatly slash expensive electric bills through clean power generation. This tangible return on investment itself boosts resale value down the road. Rooftop solar also reduces reliance on fossil fuel-powered grid electricity. With this in mind, be sure to hire a solar company with the best intentions. A business dedicated to the environment will understand the science behind solar panel energy and will position yours correctly on your property for optimal efficiency.


2. Proper Experience

When you hire a company for a home improvement project as important as solar panel installation, you need the best in the business. A top company will have the proper experience to put to work for you, as employees are trained and knowledgable to get the job done with ease.


3. Good Reviews

When it comes time to hire a solar panel contractor to install your residential solar system, it's crucial to do your research first. This means reading reviews and customer testimonials on the company website as well as looking on sites like Google for further information. Excellent reviews will point to a company's professionalism and dependability!


4. Great Customer Service

In this day and age, outstanding customer service is how potential customers turn into people who sign on the dotted line. When you call a company to learn more about their services and experience, is the person on the other end of the line happy to speak with you and answer your questions? Do they sound bored and irritated? This first impression matters. When you contact companies for additional information, consider how they appear over the phone. Poor customer service can cause you headaches down the road.


5. Free Estimates

A company that offers a free quote for their work is one you want to consider hiring. Providing a free estimate says a lot about a company; it portrays confidence, reliability, and an appreciation for potential clientele. When you call around to potential solar panel companies you want to hire, be sure to ask about free quotes. This way, you can learn about pricing in your area and determine which businesses are overcharging.


6. Excellent References

Looking at photos of solar panels on homes on the internet won't tell you much about how yours will look after installation is said and done. That's why you should ask solar panel companies in your area for reference photos. This way, you can see how past projects look and whether you want to follow through with hiring a business. You may find examples of sloppy work, and you don't want to invest in a solar system from businesses providing shoddy installation work.


7. High-Quality Equipment

Hiring a solar panel company to install a solar system on your home is an investment you can't take lightly. That's why you must hire a company that only uses high-quality equipment, tools, and materials to complete their projects. For example, top brands in the solar industry include Enphase, SolarEdge, Hanwa Q-Cell, Silfab, Generac, Tesla, Unirac, and URE. A solar business utilizing equipment from such manufacturers won't let you down!


8. Internal Employment

When it comes to home improvement projects, you don't want to hire a company that subcontracts their workers. Subcontractors may not have the level of expertise you need, especially when it comes to a solar panel installation project. When you're researching solar companies in your area, be sure to learn about their employment processes. Internal employment is best for proper solar panel installation.


If you're looking to learn more about the solar panel installation process and whether it's right for your home, contact our experienced and reliable team at Solar Savings Direct, Inc. We take pride in our work and always provide free estimates for potential customers like you! Call us today. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Is Solar Still Worth It in Bakersfield? The Truth About Utility Rates & NEM3.0

February 18, 2026
If you've been watching your PG&E bill creep higher every summer, you're not imagining things. Bakersfield homeowners are feeling the squeeze as utility rates continue their relentless climb, and with California's shift to NEM 3.0 in April 2023, many folks are wondering if solar is still the smart move it used to be. The short answer? Absolutely: but the strategy has changed, and understanding these changes is critical to maximizing your investment. As energy costs continue to rise and the Central Valley's scorching summers push air conditioning units to their limits, solar remains one of the most effective ways to take control of your electric bill. However, the rules of the game have shifted, and batteries have become the new secret weapon for achieving the best return on investment.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Bakersfield Solar Installer

February 16, 2026
As California's solar market continues to expand, Bakersfield homeowners are increasingly looking to harness the Central Valley's abundant sunshine to reduce energy costs and gain energy independence. With over 270 sunny days per year and some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, going solar makes financial sense. However, the solar industry attracts both reputable professionals and opportunistic operators, making your choice of installer one of the most critical decisions in your solar journey. Choosing the wrong solar company can result in subpar equipment, installation defects, voided warranties, and thousands of dollars in lost savings. The Central Valley's unique climate: scorching summers, occasional dust storms, and temperature swings: demands installers who understand local conditions and can design systems built for Bakersfield's environment. Here are seven critical mistakes to avoid when selecting solar companies in Bakersfield.

Farm to Panel: Why Central Valley Ag Businesses are Leading California's Solar Revolution

February 13, 2026
As energy costs continue to rise and water resources become increasingly scarce, agricultural businesses across California's Central Valley are making a strategic shift that's transforming both their bottom lines and the region's energy landscape. From almond orchards in Bakersfield to vineyard operations in Fresno, farm owners are discovering that solar energy isn't just an environmental choice: it's become one of the smartest business decisions they can make. The numbers tell a compelling story. Central Valley farmers produce one-third of the nation's fruits and vegetables and two-thirds of its nuts and fruits, yet they're also among California's largest electricity consumers. Irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, processing equipment, and climate-controlled operations create energy demands that can represent 15-30% of operational costs. With utility rates climbing steadily and showing no signs of slowing down, solar energy has emerged as the most effective way for ag businesses to regain control over one of their largest expense categories.

Beat the Spring Rush: Why February is the Secret Season for Solar in California

February 12, 2026
If you've been thinking about going solar in the Central Valley, you've probably heard plenty about the long-term benefits: lower bills, energy independence, and protecting yourself from unpredictable utility rate hikes. But here's something most people don't talk about: when you start the process matters just as much as if you start it. February isn't just another month on the calendar for California homeowners considering solar. It's actually the secret sweet spot that savvy locals are taking advantage of: and for good reason. While everyone else is waiting for "the perfect time" or putting it off until summer (when they're sweating through their first 110-degree day), those who act now are setting themselves up for serious advantages. Let's break down why February is your golden window, and why waiting could cost you more than you think.

Bakersfield Solar FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Local Permits, ROI, and NEM 3.0

February 11, 2026
As energy costs continue to rise and California's Central Valley experiences some of the hottest summers in the state, Bakersfield homeowners are turning to solar power in record numbers. With California's NEM 3.0 policy now in full effect and federal incentives still available through 2026, making the switch to solar has never been more strategically advantageous, provided you understand the local landscape. This guide answers the most common questions we hear from Bakersfield residents about permits, maintenance, return on investment, and what makes a quality solar installation. Whether you're just starting your research or ready to move forward, understanding these fundamentals ensures your system delivers maximum value for decades to come.

Beating the Bakersfield Heat: How to Slash Your Summer A/C Bills with Solar & Batteries

February 10, 2026
If you live in Bakersfield, you already know the reality: when summer hits, your air conditioning doesn't just run: it fights for survival. And while your A/C unit battles the Central Valley heat, your electricity bill climbs into territory that makes you question whether cooling your home is worth the financial pain. As of February 2026, Bakersfield residents are paying an average of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour: that's 51% higher than the national average. The typical household is looking at $270 monthly electricity bills, and those numbers spike dramatically during peak summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 98 degrees. For many families, June through September has become a season of financial stress rather than backyard barbecues. But here's what's changed in 2026: the combination of solar panels and battery storage has evolved from a luxury upgrade to the most practical way to reclaim control over your energy costs. With California's NEM 3.0 policy now in full effect, the strategy for maximizing solar savings has fundamentally shifted: and batteries have become the secret weapon for Bakersfield homeowners.

Bakersfield Solar Guide: Why Central Valley Homeowners are Racing to Beat the Next Rate Hike

By 7058808737 • February 9, 2026
If you've lived in Bakersfield or anywhere in the Central Valley for more than a summer, you already know the drill. Triple-digit heat for months on end. Air conditioners running overtime. And electricity bills that make you double-check the meter because there's no way you used that much power. Except you did. And it's only getting worse. As energy costs continue to climb across California, Central Valley homeowners are facing a perfect storm of rising utility rates, extreme heat, and policy changes that make traditional grid dependence more expensive than ever. That's why thousands of Bakersfield residents are making the switch to solar: and they're doing it now, before the next rate hike hits their wallets even harder.

Stop Losing Money on Energy Bills: How Commercial Solar Protects California Businesses From Rising Utility Rates

February 6, 2026
As energy costs continue to climb across California, businesses face an increasingly urgent financial challenge. Utility rates have risen steadily year after year, and there's no indication this trend will reverse. For commercial operations: from warehouses and manufacturing facilities to retail centers and office buildings: electricity often represents one of the largest operating expenses. The question isn't whether rates will increase, but rather how much they'll rise and how your business will respond. The traditional approach of simply absorbing these costs as a necessary expense no longer makes financial sense. Forward-thinking California businesses are taking a different path: investing in commercial solar systems that generate clean, predictable power on-site. This shift represents more than an environmental decision: it's a strategic financial move that protects profit margins, stabilizes operating costs, and provides measurable returns for decades to come.

How to Choose the Best Solar Panel Installers in California (Without Getting Burned by NEM 3.0)

February 5, 2026
California's solar landscape changed overnight when NEM 3.0 took effect in April 2023. If you're researching solar panel installers in California right now, you're entering a completely different game than homeowners played just a few years ago. The rules shifted, the economics transformed, and unfortunately, not every solar company in CA adjusted their approach to match. Here's the reality: choosing the wrong installer under NEM 3.0 could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your system's lifetime. The old playbook of "just get the most panels on your roof" doesn't work anymore. You need an installer who understands the new energy economy, prioritizes the right equipment, and designs systems that actually maximize savings in 2026 and beyond. Let's break down exactly what to look for when choosing solar panel installers in California: so you can avoid expensive mistakes and build a system that delivers real value.
solar panel installation

How Professional Solar Panel Installation Can Maximize Your Energy Savings

November 28, 2025
Stop paying the grid toll. Learn how expert solar panel installation turns your roof into a powerful, profitable energy factory.