If you’re looking to buy solar for your property, you’ve probably been overwhelmed with options. Whether it’s a telemarketer, a door to door salesman or someone offering you a huge discount to sign on the spot, it’s hard to know how to make the right choice. 

Buying local may seem like it won’t be as easy or cost effective, but the truth is actually the opposite. In the long run you’re likely to save more money if you buy solar with a local business, and your risks of a bad investment are much lower. 

Here are some great reasons to buy local and get a system that comes with the support and warranty you need for peace of mind.

You Won’t Become a Solar Orphan

Solar phoenix companies are businesses which only operate long enough to sell a large amount of product, then close down before they need to deal with any warranty claims. These companies often pop up weeks or months after closing, under another name.

Dealing with such a company can mean you’re out of pocket when it comes to warranty claims. 

The ATO’s 2018 Report: The Economic Impacts of Potential Illegal Phoenix Activity, estimates an annual direct impact of illegal phoenix activity of between $2.85 billion and $5.13 billion.

Choosing local is choosing high quality products and workmanship you can trust. At Proven Energy, we have a team of 20 local staff ready to offer you the support you need over the life of your solar system.

Onsite Visits Before Installation 

Not visiting the site before installation is a common problem with installers looking to do a quick and cheap job. Without checking your roof angle, the age of your switchboard, overhanging shade and your electrical system, you may end up with huge addon costs that blowout your budget.

Sure, the system may be cheaper, but you’ll also be saving less money in the long run. With less ability to absorb and turn sunlight into electricity, you’ll only see a slight reduction in your power bill. 

Hi I’m Pete, and I’ve been helping locals with their solar since 2012! I hope you got some useful information out of this blog post. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with our helpful team.

Better Solar System Warranties

When dealing with solar companies based outside the area, or even outside the country, you run the risk of dealing with a company that doesn’t provide a good warranty. 

Cheaper systems come with shorter warranties, or with stricter limitations on when you can make a warranty claim. This means that if your system fails within a year or two, you may have to wear the costs of a whole new system. 

Cheap panels, installed by installers who take shortcuts, are less likely to comply with manufacturer’s installation instructions, voiding your warranty.

Going with an established local business means you’re more likely to receive ongoing support and be able to talk to a real person if you need to make a warranty claim. 

Proven Energy is an established company that uses solar panels that have a 25-30 year warranty and inverters that have a 10 to 15 year warranty, so you can rest assured you’ll be getting a high quality product that lasts.

You’ll Pay Less in the Long Run

Warranty claims may not be the only issue you’ll face. 

With systems that have short warranties and aren’t made to last, you’ll be paying regularly for repairs to maintain safety and efficiency. 

Lower quality systems have a higher risk of parts corroding, covers cracking or wires being exposed to weather, meaning the wrong set of circumstances can lead to fires and worse. Using installers who are licenced, properly trained and given reasonable time frames to do the job properly is the best way to ensure electrical safety.

Boost the Local Economy

Buying from a local solar company means you’re buying from real people. These real people have real employees who rent or own local properties, buy local food and reinvest into the local economy. 

Working with a local means you’re helping do your part to support a small business. Instead of dealing with national or international companies who aren’t local, investing with a local company means your dollars return to the community and in the end, you. 

Better Customer Service

Large companies may be able to get the job done faster, but they often don’t have the infrastructure to support you long term. With many larger companies using overseas call centers and automation, it can take longer to receive support. They’re also more likely to see you as a number, instead of as a valued customer. 

Choosing local means you’ll get to know the people who are installing your system, and that means you’ll get better service from people who know you and your product. 

Many local companies don’t offer maintenance or repairs for cheaply made solar systems, as the products are difficult to fix and warranty claims are difficult to process. If the company you’ve chosen goes out of business or doesn’t offer ongoing service, you may end up without a professional on call to provide maintenance, repairs and warranty claims over the 25-30 year lifetime of the solar system. 

Quality That Lasts

Most local solar companies know they need to maintain a reputation for good products and great customer service to ensure ongoing referrals and customers in a small community. 

Unlike large companies, most local businesses don’t have massive advertising budgets which allow them to hide bad reviews (or buy fake ones). This means they’ll work harder to make sure their customers are satisfied and have a positive ongoing experience. 

Local companies also receive a lot of business through referrals, so ensuring you’re happy with their solar installation means they are likely to get ongoing work, so everyone wins. 

Contact us today to find out how we can give you local support in creating a customised solar solution.