Soo I'm Going Solar - How I Chose My Solar Company
So I’m Going Solar – How I Chose My Solar Company
It all started with a $500 power bill.
I knew electricity in Arizona was more expensive than back in Washington, but seeing that first bill? Ridiculous. The power company had me trapped—charging whatever they wanted, knowing I had no choice but to pay up.
So, I started looking into solar. But not just any solar—I wanted a company that wouldn’t disappear overnight, leaving me with a half-installed system and no way to service or warranty it. I’d heard enough horror stories on the news.
Step 1: Google Is Your Best Friend… and Worst Enemy
The first thing I did—like anyone—was Google solar companies near me. And wow… the sheer number of results was overwhelming.
Every company claimed to be the best. Every ad promised “$0 down, free solar, instant savings” (which, let’s be real, isn’t true).
I needed real criteria to separate the good from the bad.
Step 2: Setting My Non-Negotiables
I wasn’t going to just pick a company with a flashy website. I needed a solar provider that checked all the right boxes:
? W2 Employees for Installations – Many solar companies outsource installs to subcontractors, which can lead to inconsistent quality and accountability issues. I wanted a company that keeps its installers in-house and W2-employed—meaning they’re trained, experienced, and responsible for their work.
? Expanding and Profitable – If a company is rapidly growing but isn’t profitable, that’s a red flag. I wanted a company with long-term financial stability, so I wouldn’t end up stranded with an unsupported system.
? No Debt – This was a big one. Some solar companies are racking up huge debt, trying to expand too fast. I was looking for a company that had grown responsibly, without borrowing itself into oblivion.
? Recognized on the Inc. 5000 – Making the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. is no small feat. It shows a company isn’t just growing—it’s growing successfully.
? Strong Roofer Reputation – If anyone knows the good, bad, and ugly of solar companies, it’s roofers. They see firsthand which solar companies cut corners, leave leaks, or install panels poorly. So, I reached out to roofers on social media—and got some very candid opinions.
Step 3: Finding “The One”
After tons of research, I found a solar company whose exclusive installer checked every box.
?? W2 Employees? ? No subcontractors.
?? Expanding into multiple states? ? Proof of profitability.
?? Debt-free? ? Grows responsibly, doesn’t overextend itself.
?? Inc. 5000? ? Ranked among the fastest-growing companies.
?? Great reputation with roofers? ? Confirmed by industry professionals.
The Bigger Picture
I’m excited to go solar, but I’m angry at my utility company for playing games with pricing. They’re buying back my solar energy at 1/4 of the price they charge me for using theirs. And that’s not an accident—it’s designed to make solar seem less valuable.
So now? I’m more motivated than ever to take control of my energy. Future installments of this series will cover:
? ?? The real costs & estimated savings
? ?? The installation process & what to expect
? ?? Challenges I faced (because nothing goes 100% smoothly)
? ?? How to be as energy-independent as possible
Because let’s face it—solar isn’t just about saving money today. It’s about owning your energy instead of renting it from a company that keeps changing the rules.
Takeaway: Solar Is Like Homeownership vs. Renting
At the end of the day, paying for electricity is inevitable.
?? With a utility company, you’re just renting power—forever.
?? With solar, you’re investing in something you’ll eventually own.
That’s why I chose to go solar, and why I chose the company I did. More to come soon! ??
Would you ever consider going solar? What’s your biggest concern? Drop a comment below! ??
Check out my No BS Guide to Solar