In the same way that guarantees in the movie Tommy Boy give people feel “warm and toasty,” it is natural for homeowners to feel more comfortable working with a solar company that employs their own solar installers. It is a common belief that solar companies in Houston that use outsourced installers cannot be trusted. However, it is important to keep an open mind and consider other perspectives. Here are 3 questions to consider when evaluating solar companies.
Do In-House Solar Installers Make You 'Feel All Better'?
Similar to how the guarantees in the movie Tommy Boy attract people, many homeowners in Houston are drawn to the promise of in-house solar installers, as they feel reassured by the assurance that the installers will "never let them down.”
They may believe that it is better to work with a solar company that employs its own installers. However, it is crucial to remember that being an employee of the solar company does not necessarily mean that an installer is more knowledgeable about the rules and regulations set by the local utility company.
It is essential to verify that the installers working on your home have experience complying with these regulations and have the necessary skills to properly follow them. The type of employment - whether in-house or as a contractor - is not as important as the installer's expertise and ability to follow the necessary guidelines."
Are Certifications More Meaningful than Guarantees in the Solar Industry?
Just like the guarantees in the movie, Tommy Boy may seem reassuring but offers no real benefits, it is important to distinguish between false assurances and actual value when it comes to choosing solar installers in Houston.
"When selecting a solar company, it's worth considering whether the installers assigned to your project are certified by the local utility company in Houston. This certification attests to their expertise and suggests that the utility trusts their abilities.
It does not matter whether the installers are company employees or contractors – what is important is that they meet the certification requirements and are reliable in the eyes of the utility
What Does a Solar Company's Staffing and Capacity Have to do with Guarantees?
Just like a guarantee written on a box does not necessarily mean that the company will honor it, having in-house installers at a solar company does not necessarily mean that they will be able to complete your installation quickly.
When evaluating a solar company, it is important to consider the number of licensed electricians they employ. A company with a small team of electricians may have difficulty taking on new projects and may have a backlog of unfinished work. On the other hand, solar companies that work with certified contractors often have a larger pool of electricians at their disposal, which can lead to more efficient project completion.
The Last Word
In conclusion, just like the famous quote from the movie Tommy Boy states, "I could dump it in a box and mark it guarantee, but I have spare time," a guarantee written on a box does not necessarily mean that the company will honor it. Similarly, having in-house installers at a solar company does not necessarily mean that they will be able to complete your installation quickly.
Instead, it is important to consider the number of licensed electricians on staff and whether the company works with certified contractors who are certified by the local utility company and have a working knowledge of the utility's regulations. These qualifications can ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and that the result is of high quality.
For the sake of a successful solar installation, it is best to choose a company that has the capacity and expertise to deliver quality work, regardless of whether their installers are in-house or contractors in Houston.