"We Should Just Go with the Cheapest, Right?"

The other day I stopped by our local sign and trophy shop to pick up a few placards we ordered for one of our more recent solar jobs here in Valley Center. While I was waiting for the front desk staff to return from the back of the store, my eyes slowly scanned around the trophy shop, admiring all the placards, trophies and signs they had plastered all over the shop. They must have had hundreds on every square inch all over each wall.

I mean really, they had all kinds of signs. Some serious, some useful, some funny. Some that probably would only make sense if you knew about the business or company. Then one caught my attention...

This sign was really hilarious to me because there's a hint of truth in it, is there not? The reality is you there is no such thing as a cheap, fast, high quality product or service out there. If you want fast and cheap, quality will suffer. If you want cheap and high quality, It'll take longer and if want a high quality product or service that's fast, it's not going to be cheap. Such is life. I think most people recognize this when they seek out a good or service. It's something that is almost engrained in us from when we're very young.

As I waited for the front desk employee to return, I couldn't help but think how this applied to the solar industry as well. I bet it's safe to say there are installers out there who cut costs at every corner, even if it means using cheap materials, in order to offer the lowest price. Conversely, there are probably solar installers out there who only use the best of the very best and, as a result, likely charge more for their product and service. There are definitely a large number who fall somewhere in between.

"So, we should just go with the cheapest, right?"

Unlike some things like a pack of gum or a soda from the vending machine, choosing the right contractor for your solar job should be more than just about price. As the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for" certainly applies in this case. Let's ponder this for a second:

• Would the cheapest contractor use the best quality materials?

• Would the cheapest contractor have insurance, workers' comp and insurance?

• Will the cheapest contractor be around in ten years to service your system?

• Should you expect a lot from a contractor who barely makes enough to make a living?
• Does it make sense to use someone who is giving you the deal of your lifetime because he just needs to keep his crew busy?

We all know the answer to all of the above questions is "no."

So if you're in the market to install a solar system on your roof -- or purchase or request any service really -- ask yourself if just going with the lowest cost is really in your best interest.

Today, with solar contractors offering solar systems for as little as $0 down, why would you necessarily go with the lowest price unless they were offering you the best quality materials and installation on your project?

Just a little something to think about. In the meantime, while we're on the topic, if you've ever wondered if solar might be right for your home, why not ask for a free quote? What have you got to lose other than your electric bill?

Pey Shadzi

Operations Manager at Cosmic Solar

pey@cosmicsolar.com

760-532-9712