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Solar Companies and Installers
If you've decided that a solar power system makes sense for you, you should take several steps when you start to look for a company to install your system in your home or business.
Finding Installers
So where can you find installers? Of course there is the phone book, but that is so 1990. Start at Findsolar.com, a nicely made website where you enter your zip code and are given installers in your area. A couple other sites are SolarPowerDirectory.com and SEIA.org, which is the Solar Energy Industry Association trade association website.
Start by finding out what companies in your area install PV systems, and eliminate any installers from consideration that have not been in business for several years. The field has changed so much over the past few years that a long track record is a valuable indicator of the quality of work an installer will do.
Then, narrow the field down further by striking out any installers that don't have significant experience installing the kind of system that you are buying. You should try to get 3 estimates, 4 is better, and no fewer than 2.
Licensing
Find out what industry certifications the company and its employees have. Important certifications in the solar power installation industry in the US include NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), of which there are fewer than 300 nationwide; and the state level Solar Energy Industry Association (for instance CALSEIA is the California Solar Energy Industry Association), which advocates for the solar power industry at the state level. Companies that belong to these industry association must prove experience, keep ethics standards, and often take extensive qualification exams.
The company also should have state- and locally-issued electrical licenses. This can be verified with a call to the local building department. There should be at least one Master Electrician on staff. Most companies also have memberships with local or regional "green" business associations.
Insurance
Most contractors that do roofing and electrical work must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. This policy protects you and the contractor. If something were to go wrong with the system or one of the company's workers should get hurt working on your house, you could be liable. A high limit policy, along with workman's compensation insurance, is imperative. Any legitimate contractor will be willing to give you a certificate authenticating insurance limits and coverages.
Permits
Beware of a contractor that says you don't need permits for a solar power system. These guys are usually trying to avoid the added responsibility and time required to get a proper inspection. The permit inspection protects you and your system. Many building departments are waiving fees for renewable energy systems and the application process is generally pretty simple.
Make Appointments
Finally, make appointments with the installers who meet all of the above criteria. There are two ways to approach the estimate:
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Specify the Equipment. By specifying the equipment you are relying on your own knowledge to design the proper solar power system for your situation. This will make comparing estimates easier since each contractor will have the same or similar equipment. This also means if the system doesn't perform as you thought it would it could very well be a design flaw and your fault.
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Specify the Performance. Its usually better, unless you are a solar-trained electrical engineer, to specify the performance. So you could specify that you want 50% of your power consumption to be provided by the system. This makes comparing estimates harder since different companies might design totally different systems to meet those needs. But it also means that the contractor is responsible for meeting those needs, and if the system does not, you may be able to go back to them and ask for compensation.
Prepare a detailed description of the performance/system and give this description to the installers in advance of your meeting, so they can be prepared to discuss it with you. Most installers have dealership account with different equipment suppliers, so no two systems will be exactly the same. Ask the installers to refer you to customers who have the same kind of system, so you can learn something about the company's customer service and performance. Be sure to be get a clear understanding of payment terms, warranties, and schedule.
Time to Decide
So, you getting closer to having your own green machine on the roof. Did you get a good feeling from one contractor? Did one guy show up in a Datsun with a ladder strapped to the roof? Did one balked at providing a copy of his or her contractor license? All of these things can go into your decision.
The reality is that best installers will be very busy. So you may have to wait a bit for your system. Considering that this system will probably last you 30 years, maybe waiting a couple months for your first contractor choice is worth it.
