When you’re in the market for solar, the kind of panels you choose is important, but of equal importance is the person you buy those panels from. Choosing the right solar panel distributor gives you the peace of mind that you’re buying a quality panel, getting expert installation, and will be able to get ongoing support as needed. Keep reading to learn how to find a reliable solar panel distributor, and what red flags you should watch out for.

What to Look for in a Solar Distributor

When comparing solar panel wholesalers, here are a few things that you should be looking for:

1.     Reputation and Experience: Start out by researching how long the distributor has been in business. Companies with a proven track record are more likely to provide consistent service and stand behind the products they’re selling. Look for online consumer review, testimonials from other solar professionals or customers, and Better Business Bureau ratings.

2.     Quality Products: Trustworthy distributors will be partnered with well-known and reputable solar panel manufacturers. Look at the brands that they carry, and do a bit of research on that brand’s efficiency, durability, and warranties. A good distributor should offer several brands, and be able to provide clear reasons why they’ve chosen to work with those brands.

3.     Transparent Pricing: A good distributor has clear, upfront pricing as well as a clearly defined return or warranty policy. Avoid distributors who are vague about their costs, use high-pressure sales tactics, or who beat around the bush when discussing warranties and service terms.

Red Flags to Avoid

Now that you have an idea of what you do want in a distributor, here are a few red flags to watch out for so you’ll know right away who you should avoid working with:

1.     Poor Communication: Always keep in mind that sellers tend to be most responsive when they’re trying to make the sale. If it’s hard to get in touch with the distributor or they’re not giving clear replies in this stage, you can expect communication to get even worse after you’ve made a purchase. Move on to someone who’s proactive about communicating with you.

2.     No Address or Online Presence: Distributors that don’t have a physical address, have an extremely basic website, or lack any online reviews could be shady operations that will disappear on you after you’ve sent in a payment. Always verify a company is legit before sending payment or signing a contract.

3.     Super Aggressive Sales Tactics: If a distributor is pushing you to buy quickly, upselling without explaining the differences between products, or making promises that are just too good to be true, proceed with caution. Pressure tactics are often used to rush you into a decision so you avoid looking too closely at their products or the terms of service.

When you find and work with reputable solar panels distributors, you can get the support you need to make the right decisions about what products to use, how to design your solar power system, and more.