It’s important to do your research to determine what brand of solar equipment you want. But if you’ve done your research and chosen a brand, how can you find a reliable distributor for it? Working with the right supplier ensures you get genuine, reliable products, as well as strong warranties and dependable customer support after your equipment is installed. Here’s how to find the best distributor for your chosen solar brand.
Start with the Manufacturer’s Website
The fastest and most reliable way to track down an authorized distributor is to visit the manufacturer’s official website. Most major solar brands have “Where to Buy” or “Authorized Dealers” pages. These kinds of tools will help you avoid those sellers you’re not so sure about, and will guarantee that the products you buy are legitimate and come with full warranties.
Look for sellers that are marked as “Tier 1” distributors. These businesses have close relationships with the manufacturer, so you can feel confident in the equipment you receive and in the level of service and support.
Contact the Manufacturer Directly
If the website doesn’t list distributors, you can also contact the brand’s customer support team. They can also give you additional information that you might not find on a webpage, like which distributors carry the specific product line you need, whether the supplier handles commercial or residential installations, and which distributors are able to provide installation and technical support. This can be a better option than checking the website if you’re looking for a niche product.
Compare Regional and National Distributors
Once you have a list from the manufacturer (or their website), compare the regional and national suppliers to each other. Regional distributors tend to offer faster shipping and more personalized service. But national distributors usually have a bigger inventory, better bulk pricing, and more consistent product availability.
Choose a distributor that communicates well with you throughout the process, and has a proven track record of working with the brand you’ve selected. You should also evaluate factors like lead times and their policies for returns and warranty claims.
Check Reviews and Installer Feedback
When choosing a distributor, be sure to look at reviews from both the end users and the installers. Installers often share their experiences with different distributors, and the end users can do the same—and both types of reviews can be extremely valuable to you. So, be sure to check the standard review places, as well as industry forums and installer networks. If you see consistently positive feedback (keep in mind that the occasional negative experience is not unusual), you can expect to have a good experience with that seller.
If you follow these steps, you can find a reliable Mission distributor, or a distributor for any other solar brand.
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