The Power of Word-of-Mouth: Asking for Referrals for Solar Installers in Your Area

In the Philippines, we have a unique, powerful, and deeply ingrained information network: word-of-mouth. From the best place to get bulalo in Tagaytay to a reliable mechanic in Quezon City, we trust the recommendations of people we know. This network, built on community and shared experience, is one of our greatest assets. And when it comes to a major investment like installing a solar power system on your home or business, tapping into this network isn't just a good idea—it's the most critical step you can take.

The solar industry in the Philippines is experiencing a massive growth spurt. While this gives consumers more choices than ever, it also floods the market with a dizzying array of installers, from large, established corporations to small, new-to-the-game teams. Online reviews and slick Facebook ads can offer a starting point, but they often lack the depth, honesty, and context needed for such a significant decision. A five-star rating can be bought; a detailed, enthusiastic story from a neighbor cannot.

This is where the real power of a personal referral shines. It cuts through the marketing noise and provides something far more valuable: a real-world account of a company's performance, from the initial sales call to their responsiveness years after the installation is complete. Relying on word-of-mouth is about leveraging your community's collective wisdom to find a partner, not just a contractor. It's the difference between gambling on a promise and investing in a proven track record.

Why a Referral is Worth More Than a Thousand Online Reviews

In our digital age, it's tempting to believe that online platforms have all the answers. However, when vetting a solar installer, a face-to-face conversation with someone who has already gone through the process is infinitely more insightful.

The Depth of the Story: An online review might say, "Great installation!" A referral can tell you, "The team, led by Engineer Santos, arrived on time every day for a week. They discovered a potential issue with our older roof trusses and reinforced them before installing the mounts, even showing us photos of the work. They were meticulous about keeping the wiring neat and hidden. After six months, our Meralco bill dropped by ₱5,000 a month, just like their projection showed." This level of detail, covering professionalism, problem-solving, and verified results, is something a generic review can never capture.

The Honesty of the Feedback: Filipinos can be non-confrontational, which sometimes means a less-than-perfect experience might still get a polite three or four-star review online. In a private conversation, however, your friend or colleague is more likely to give you the unvarnished truth. They'll tell you about the minor frustrations—the small delay in the delivery of panels, the challenge in getting the monitoring app set up—along with the major wins. This balanced perspective is crucial for setting realistic expectations.

The Focus on After-Sales Support: The single biggest fear for any solar system owner is being "ghosted" by their installer after the final payment. Online reviews, often posted shortly after installation, can't speak to long-term reliability. A referral from someone whose system has been running for two, three, or even five years is the ultimate test. They can tell you if the company still answers their calls, if they've proactively reached out for maintenance checks, or how they handled a warranty claim on an inverter. As industry leaders often warn, repairing a faulty system installed by a "fly-by-night" company can cost nearly as much as the initial installation, involving the costly process of removing and replacing every component.

Your Referral Network: Who to Ask and Where to Find Them

Building a list of potential installers through referrals isn't difficult, but it requires a proactive approach. Think beyond your immediate circle and tap into the wider community.

1. Friends, Family, and Neighbors: This is your primary circle of trust and your first stop.

• Neighbors: Walk around your village or subdivision. A solar panel system on a neighbor's roof is a living advertisement. Don't be shy—ring the doorbell or catch them while they're outside. Most people who have made the switch to solar are passionate advocates and are more than happy to share their experience. They can give you the most locally relevant feedback, from how the installer handled permits with your specific LGU to their performance during local weather events. A neighbor's referral is invaluable when deciding between a large national company and a dedicated local solar installer who knows the area intimately.
• Family and Colleagues: Ask around at family gatherings or at the office. You might be surprised who has already invested in solar. Their experience is particularly useful if their home or energy consumption profile is similar to yours.

2. Community Groups and Forums: Leverage your extended network.

• Homeowners' Associations (HOA): Your HOA is a fantastic resource. They may have a list of preferred or previously used contractors. At the very least, they can point you to other homeowners in the community who have installed solar panels. They are also gatekeepers for certain aesthetic and installation guidelines, so their perspective is essential.
• Online Community Groups: Look for Facebook groups dedicated to your village, city, or even general Philippine solar energy forums. While you should be cautious of self-promotion by installers in these groups, a post asking for genuine feedback ("Hello neighbors in Antipolo! Can anyone recommend a solar installer they had a great experience with?") can yield a wealth of information and direct messages from satisfied customers.

3. Industry Professionals: Look for trusted experts who work with installers regularly.

• Architects, Engineers, and Building Contractors: These professionals stake their own reputations on the people they recommend. A startup named Go Gridless, for example, successfully built its business not on flashy ads, but on strong word-of-mouth referrals from respected architects. If you are building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, your architect or contractor is an excellent source for installer recommendations they trust to deliver quality work.
• Real Estate Agents: Especially those specializing in modern or green homes, often have a network of reliable solar providers they've worked with to increase a property's value.

The Art of the Question: What to Ask When You Get a Referral

Once you have the name of a recommended installer and a person to talk to, your real investigation begins. Don't just ask, "Were you happy with them?" Dig deeper with specific, open-ended questions to get the full picture.

Questions About the Process and Professionalism:

• "Could you walk me through the entire process, from your first call with them to the final sign-off?"
• "How was the sales consultation? Was it educational or high-pressure? Did they perform a thorough site assessment?"
• "How accurate was their initial proposal and timeline? Were there any unexpected delays or costs?"
• "What was the installation team like? Were they professional, courteous, and did they clean up the site properly?"

Questions About System Performance and Savings:

• "What are the specific brands of your panels and inverter? Are you happy with their performance?"
• "Did the installer help you set up a monitoring app? Is it easy to use and understand?"
• "How have your electricity bills changed? Did the savings match the projection they gave you in the proposal?"
• "How does the system perform during the rainy season or on cloudy days?"

The Million-Peso Questions: After-Sales Support and Problem Resolution:

• "Have you had any issues with the system since it was installed?" (This is the most important question!)
• "If so, how did you contact the company? How quickly did they respond and resolve the problem?"
• "Have they been in touch for any routine maintenance or check-ups?"
• "Did they handle all the net-metering paperwork with Meralco or your electric cooperative? How smooth was that process?"

The Final Gut Check:

• "Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?"
• "Based on your complete experience, would you hire them again without hesitation?"

From Referral to Vetting: The Final Steps

A glowing referral is a powerful green light, but it's not the finish line. It gives you a highly qualified lead—a company that has already proven its worth in a real-world scenario. Your final step is to take that referral and conduct your own due diligence to ensure they are the right fit for your specific project.

1. Initiate Contact: Reach out to the recommended installer and mention who referred you. This often leads to better service.
2. Request a Formal Proposal: Have them conduct a site assessment and provide a detailed quote. This document should break down all costs and specify the exact equipment to be used.
3. Ask More Questions: This is your chance to clarify everything. Use a comprehensive list of questions to ask your potential solar installer, covering everything from warranties to their team's certifications.
4. Compare and Contrast: Even with a strong referral, it's wise to get at least two other quotes. This allows you to compare solar quotes and ensure the pricing and equipment offered by your referred installer are competitive and fair.
5. Check Credentials: Do your own background check. Verify if they are on the Department of Energy's list of accredited installers. Ask for proof of their business permits and certifications. A formal request for installer references beyond the one you already have can also be very telling.

In the end, the journey to solar energy is a journey of trust. By harnessing the power of word-of-mouth, you are not just finding a company; you are validating that trust through the lived experiences of your own community. It’s the Filipino way of ensuring that a 25-year investment is placed in hands that are not only skilled and professional but also reliable and accountable, ready to be your partner in power for decades to come. When you're ready to choose the right solar company, start by talking to the people right next door. Their story might just be the start of your own.