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Writer's pictureJohn O' Grady

What Questions Should You Ask A Potential Solar Provider?

Updated: Oct 7, 2022


It is a wise decision to switch to solar energy. Some of the advantages include lower electricity bills and a smaller environmental footprint. However, as with any good investment, it is important to do your research to ensure that you select the best installer and products for your situation. JOG International is available to assist you and ensures that purchasing a solar system is simple and hassle free for you.


If you're in the market for a solar energy system, you'll almost certainly have questions for the solar company. But what are the most crucial questions to ask? To assist you in selecting a reputable solar installer and high-quality solar products, we've compiled a list of questions you should ask every prospective provider.


Does the solar company have a physical office that you can visit?

Be cautious of "backyard operators," who work from home and only use a PO Box address. Beware of companies that only conduct phone or web-based sales. Will these companies be around in the long run to handle service or warranty issues?


JOG International is perfectly located in the bustling trading hubs of Hong Kong. JOG International is well placed to assist clients from all over the world. Our main operational offices are in Shanghai & Guangzhou where our experienced teams keep our strong supply chains moving for a global client base 24/7.


Are the solar panels supplied and branded by a large reputable manufacturer?

Keep an eye out for “self-branded” panels. There is no way for you to conduct any research on the manufacturer, their process, or quality control. This is frequently used to disguise inferior products. Choose panels from large, well-known manufacturers where there is a wealth of information (and scrutiny). JOG International works with over 50 reputable solar manufacturers.


Is my building or site appropriate for solar?

A solar project site expert can probably give you a preliminary assessment of your site's solar suitability over the phone, but they will need to visit your site(s) to make a final determination. They will consider available roof and parking lot space, nearby land suitable for a ground-mounted solar panel array, sun angle and shading, building integrity, soil quality, permitting concerns, grid interconnection requirements, and other factors. They will also need to be aware of or investigate factors such as building ownership, historical structure status, local ordinances, and so on.


What types of products do you carry and how do they differ?

If you work directly with a solar panel manufacturer, as some companies prefer, they will explain why their products are the best option. Start with a dealer or installer who will make recommendations based on the brands they sell. While most solar companies will work hard to find the best solution for your budget, values, and energy needs, a third-party solar consultant also can help you compare solar products (such as panels, inverters, mounting hardware, monitoring software, and other system components) objectively.


Who will be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M)?

Solar is a long-term investment that will last for decades. High quality solar installations are generally very low-maintenance and trouble-free, they do require periodic cleaning, ongoing monitoring and possible repairs to continue performing optimally over time. It’s important to know who will maintain the system, monitor its performance and ensure that it operates at peak efficiency.


What evidence do you have of your commitment to quality?

All solar installers will claim to be a "quality provider", but they must prove it. Solar providers with internationally recognized ISO 9001 certification have gone to great lengths to ensure quality and participate in independent quality audits on a regular basis. These certifications are a great indicator of quality, and you should never settle for less.


What do your current and past customers have to say about you?

You can find the answer to this question without even contacting a solar provider. Online forums and product review websites are great places to start when looking for a new provider. When you search for the name of the solar provider you're interested in, you'll find reviews, ratings, opinions, and discussions posted by current and previous customers. JOG International has been a trusted solar provider for over 15 years. Contact us for any inquiries.


How long have you been affiliated with your current product suppliers?

The longer a solar provider has been associated with a product manufacturer or supplier, and the more systems they've installed, the better their understanding of how the products perform over time, and how the manufacturer/supplier responds to warranty claims.


JOG International has long-standing relationships with many of its suppliers. We've been involved in solar PV since 2009, and we have strong supply chain relationships with key component manufacturers in China. Our unique selling point is the high quality and quantity of business relationships we have within solar supply chains. We are in a unique position because we have been ordering from factories for over ten years.


What sort of performance should I expect from this system?

When comparing the performance of different solar power systems, measuring their output in kWh is more accurate than comparing their peak kW production. Some sales representatives will provide an average daily kWh production figure, but this does not account for the natural peaks and troughs in solar production that occur throughout the year.


Can I upgrade the system in the future?

Have you considered how your situation might change in the future? Do you intend to expand your family, increase the size of your home, or increase your energy consumption?

  • Plan ahead and consider your future energy requirements.

  • Inquire with your prospective provider if you will be able to upgrade your system in the future.

  • If you are offered an upgradeable system, make sure you have enough roof space for additional solar panels before proceeding.


Is the solar provider knowledgeable and confident in answering questions about the system they are recommending?

JOG International's solar consultants are all highly trained in recommending the best system for your specific needs. We don't just sell standard systems; we will design a solution specifically for your business.


What are your payment terms?

Most reputable solar providers offer payment plans and financing options for customers who do not wish to pay the entire amount up front. Be wary of any that require full payment before installation; there is no justification for this. Please contact us for assistance with payment options and terms.


Are there any additional costs?

Solar companies' contracts may contain clauses that allow them to charge you extra. Once you've received a quote, make sure to look for any hidden costs. Make certain that all potential expenses are quoted and documented. Our fully inclusive and upfront quotes at JOG International are designed with no hidden charges, so you know exactly what to expect and how much you will pay.


What kind of after-sales care do you offer?

Don't be fooled by a solar provider who promises high-quality products, service, and after-sales support but fails to deliver. Unfortunately, far too many solar companies are only concerned with making a quick buck. Purchasing a solar panel system is a substantial financial investment that will only pay off if the system performs as expected. Inquire about how and when the solar company resolves any after-sales service issues. You can always rely on JOG International to be there for you in all things solar. "Trade with Trust," as our motto says.


Why Choose JOG International?

JOG International Limited is a one-stop-shop for solar energy supplies. We integrate and distribute products from our strategic manufacturer partners. We provide the full range of solar PV components, including inverters, modules, energy storage, mounting systems, and complete balance-of-system solutions, to ensure the best coverage for all of our projects. We understand the raw material & components markets which are key to price & quality at every level from Tier 1 – 3. We also require all our suppliers to have ISO 19001, ISO 14001, OSH 18001 certifications and adhere to the Anti-Slavery Act. Talk to one of our solar experts now and get a free quotation.

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