Hiring the right solar energy company

Yorio

A solar energy system can work well and pay for itself over time, if installed correctly or even better financed with a power purchase agreement where you are not responsible for the system for the term of the contract.  But there are many factors that homeowners and businesses need to consider when choosing a solar contractor. Choosing a contractor who is knowledgeable and trustworthy while educating yourself will avoid any unwanted experiences and I cannot stress that enough educating yourself, the contractor should take the time to educate you on this new system and if contracted through a PPA, everything that you should know regarding this structure.

When selecting a contractor or company to be your solar energy installer make sure the contractor has experience in the same type of installation you are looking to install. The quality of the workmanship you are seeking is important to selecting a contractor. Being clear on the quality you are receiving for the price is critical, or if you are going to install your system under a PPA structure make sure the contractor is just not a sales person but also will complete the installation and will be around for the term of the contract for the maintenance of the system.

Your contractor or installer should be a solar contractor who has been in business or in the solar industry for a while who will understand how to work with customers and compete effectively with other firms. They would be very knowledgeable of products as well as latest codes and permitting issues surrounding the installation of PV Systems.

Make sure the contractor is properly licensed and has the appropriate insurances. Ask to see a copy or contact the contractor’s license. Contractors maintaining worker’s compensation insurance will protect the homeowner from possibly paying medical and legal bills of an injured worker during construction. Also it’s a good idea to make sure that the contractor does not have any liens, complaints or lawsuits against them.

Check if there are any verification of complaints filed and the nature the complaints that were filed and if the complaint was resolved. For example, failure to complete the project on time and inadequate workmanship. Even good contractors have complaints but important to remember how they are handle!

Does the contractor have references? Ask the contractor for contact information or review their online testimonials.  A contractor who does quality work will be happy to provide references.

Know your contract and solar installation. Read the proposed contract and make sure it reflects what the contractor will do and will not do. It should reflect everything that you have understood the agreement to be. You will also want to see what the warranties are. Panels are usually warranted for 25 years or more and the inverters are typically warranted for 10 years.

Also understand what amount of solar energy is offsetting your utility bill. A good estimate on the system will consist of reviewing your last 12 months of consumption in comparison to what the solar system will produce here in Saipan. Saipan is different in what a solar system will produce in say Arizona or Hawaii. For a residential system a basic monitoring system will be able to verify what your system is producing. In a Power Purchasing Agreement or a larger system, a more detailed revenue grade monitoring system will need to be installed.

A shading analysis is a must on solar energy systems too many times have I seen installations being placed with trees, parapet walls or other buildings shading out the systems. A qualified solar installer will have a shading analysis tool and give you the reports as part of the proposal to verify that you are in the range of a worry free, solar energy producing generation plant.