subject: Finding and Choosing Solar Companies For Your Home System [print this page] Finding and Choosing Solar Companies For Your Home System
Finding the correct solar installer is the most important part of the installation process. It is imperative that you as a responsible consumer do your homework. Utilize the internet to do research and follow the steps outlined below in order to best determine which company is right for you. One great option for finding contractors on the web is SEIA.org. This is the Solar Energy Industry Association, and any contractor that belongs has to adhere to stringent training and ethical standards.
While visiting this web site, make sure that you get a list of those solar contractors that can install PV systems in the area that you live. Do not blindly pick one of these companies to do your work. Instead, make sure to consider the following things:
1. Any of the companies that you are considering working with should have a track record that dates back several years. With all of the changes that have taken place in the industry recently, this is important.
2. Make sure that the solar companies that you are thinking about working with have extensive experience in installing the type of system that you are purchasing.
3. Be sure the company has at least one Master Electrician.
4. Check to make sure that the company and its employees are certified by the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and the state's Solar Energy Industry Association. Any of the companies that have these certifications will be experienced, ethical and qualified.
5. It is important that any of the solar installers that you work with have at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. This will protect you if something goes wrong with the system or if a worker gets hurt on your property.
6.Never work with any contractors that tell you that you don't need a permit. These permits protect everyone involved. Plus they are free and easy to get.
Once you have found a number of candidates that meet these requirements, take some time to interview them. Make sure that you inform these contractors precisely what type of equipment you want used or just how you want the work done. Be sure that you know what you are doing if you specify the equipment that you want used. If you do not feel knowledgeable here, then just tell them how much power consumption you want the system to account for. Regardless of your choice here, make sure that you are prepared to talk to the the contractors whenever they arrive to provide your estimate.
When you decide which contractor you wish to work with, make sure that you have carefully reviewed the contract. Any of the good solar installers are going to have a waiting list several months long. Rest assured that this simply means that you have chosen a strong company to work with.
