When buying solar panels, most people think that they have to buy the equipment from the person installing them. After all, solar panel installers are usually the ones designing the system for you, so it’s natural to think they should be the ones choosing the equipment. However, it’s important to remember that it’s your system, so you get the final say on what goes into it—and where you buy it from. Read here to learn why you should consider buying from a distributor instead of the installer.
Wider Selection of Products
Installers usually only offer 1 or 2 different brands of solar panels. There are usually a couple of reasons for that: First of all, installers can’t keep a large stock of options available, and secondly, they’re often given discounted rates by committing to a specific brand. While there’s nothing wrong with this, if you want more options, a distributor can often do that to you.
Distributors typically stock panels and equipment from multiple manufacturers, so you have more choices than you’ll have when the installer. This allows you to evaluate different panel types side by side, and lets you select the option that best fits your budget, space, and energy goals.
More Competitive Pricing
Distributors buy solar panels in bulk directly from manufacturers, which allows them to get more competitive pricing than installers (who typically order only as needed for each project). Installers also usually have a higher markup on the equipment cost than a distributor will. By buying from a distributor, you can reduce your overall system costs.
Flexibility with Installation
When you buy panels directly from a distributor, you aren’t tied to a specific installer. This allows you to compare installation services without feeling pigeonholed by the panels you bought. Even after purchasing your panels, you can shop around to find the right installer and build a design around the panels you want, rather than the other way around.
Get Installer Recommendations
While getting panel recommendations from the installer might be the traditional route for buying a solar power system, that doesn’t have to be the only way to do it. In fact, by purchasing from a distributor, you can choose your panels and then get recommendations on installers from the distributor themselves. This helps ensure that you’re getting a lead on an installer that is trustworthy and respected in the industry, rather than just trusting that the person at your door is good at what they do.
So, if you’re in the market for solar panels, consider buying from solar panel distributors and suppliers instead of solar installers.
