5 tips on choosing a solar installer from A1SolarStore engineer

Before discussing your future system with a contractor, it’s better to get an idea of what you want to get. Here are the basics you must learn:

• Types of systems. There are three of them. The grid-tie system implies that you are connected to the grid and can sell your energy into it or draw it from the grid. The off-grid system doesn’t have a grid connection and you rely solely on solar panels and batteries. The hybrid system is a compromise between the two: you can sell your energy but retain power during blackouts.
• Net Metering and Portfolio Energy Credits (PECs). Net metering works for grid-tie and hybrid systems only allowing you to sell excess solar energy to your electric utility and receive credits for it. However, the terms depend on your state and utility. You also accumulate SRECS throughout the lifetime of a system of any type and you can trade them in some states.
• Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC). ITC allows American citizens to receive back 30% of the installation cost through taxes. This includes expenses on contractor services as well. Some states have their own solar policies — for instance, in many states panels are exempt from property tax.

If someone you know recently installed solar panels and is happy with the results, just ask for a phone number. That’s probably the best way of choosing the right solar company. Learn as much as you can about their experience and take a look at the final result, if possible.

If asking friends isn’t an option, you can look for clues on the websites of your city, county or state. Sometimes, local authorities provide guidelines for going solar and add a list of local solar installers. Usually, a local installer is a better choice than a national one. Local installers are more reliable and easier to work with since these are smaller companies.

When you have a short list of candidates, do a thorough check. Every installer should have an electrician license and a general construction license. That’s why an installer is always a company — these papers don’t just get handed out to individuals.

Inquire about how long the contractor has been working in the field. You want a professional with at least 3 years of experience. Ask if the installer uses subcontractors and verify their credentials as well. You also want evidence that the installer has workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Ask for the contacts of their previous customers and talk to them. Find the company reviews, and check if they are real or not, if possible. Check for possible complaints — you want a certified solar installer with a solid reputation to do the job. Ask what kind of warranties the installer offers.

It’s a good sign when a contractor has an industry-standard certificate. In the American solar industry, the most recognized and esteemed certification is NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Standards vary across the world. For example, in the UK you would look for an MSC certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installer.

If you are satisfied with the background of your candidate, start asking questions about your future installation:

• Who is getting the panels and all the equipment? If it’s the contractor, then what modules are they going to use and why?
• Can your contractor explain which solar incentives you are eligible for and how they work? What can they tell you about coverage under warranties if there’s a problem with a component or the energy system after installation?
• Does your contractor provide follow-up maintenance for a solar system? Don’t leave this one out — some don’t.

After you’ve talked to a few companies, you can request a quote for your future installation. Schedule a visit for a company representative.

To perform the installation, the contractor has to take a look at your roof and figure out what kind of mounting they can use there. They’ll also ask about your bill. Later the engineers will calculate the number of panels that can fit on your roof and how much this system would be able to produce. Based on that info, the company makes you a proposal.

Prices for the installation vary depending on the state and the system’s size and type. If you want to compare labor costs, convert your quote to cost per watt. Ask your solar contractor if they recommend roof repair prior to installation. Also, make sure that it’s clear who is responsible for roof damage that may occur.

After the planning is complete and permits are obtained, the installation starts: workers mount your panels on a roof and wire them together. The preparation process lasts for 1-2 weeks. The actual installation takes only a day or two. All work takes place outside so you can go on with your life as usual.

After the installation, a utility representative might have to come over to install an electric meter. If Net Metering is available, the meter will spin backward when you sell solar energy into the grid.

And there you have it — your own home solar system! Even though an installer makes it easier, you don’t have to look for one if you’re confident in your skills. If you want to design your own PV system from scratch, read an article on how to compose a DIY solar kit. Use our solar calculator to size a system and evaluate your potential savings from it in the future.