Choosing the Installer for You

When researching installers, its best to concentrate on qualified and insured professionals with proper certification. The industry standard certification is from North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

It’s also a good idea to request from those who’ve recently gone solar for references and assess online for reviews. Remember to ask for proof of licensure before working with an installer. Attempt to get at least three bids for the PV system installation. It’s important to ensure the bids are based on the same traits and metrics to compare fairly.

Solar Panel Installer these Questions:
Is your company familiar with local permitting and interconnection processes?

Can the company give references from other customers in your area?

Is the company properly licensed or certified?

What is the warranty for this system about? Who ensures the operation and maintenance of the system?

Does the company have pending, active judgments or liens against it?

Bids should state the maximum creating capacity of the system in Watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Request an estimate of the amount of clean energy the system will create on a yearly or monthly basis. This information is useful for comparing with existing utility bills. Bids also have the total cost of buying the system up and running, that includes hardware, installation, connection to the grid, permitting, sales tax, and warranty. A cost/watt, and ballpark cost/kWh are the most helpful metrics for comparing prices for different installers. Installers use various devices or give quotes for systems of various sizes.

Clean Energy States Alliance

Smaller solar energy systems are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through 2019. The tax credit decreases to 26% in 2020, then to 22% in 2021, and expires December 31, 2021. If a solar lease or power-purchase agreement is chosen, you aren’t eligible for this tax benefit because you don’t own the system.

Thoroughly explore available solar energy financing options. What’s best for your property varies on a range of factors. The Clean Energy States Alliance guide helps homeowners understand their options and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.

If you choose to install a solar panel system, your installer should assist you get the permitting and steps. Your installer will determine the appropriate size for your system. The size is based on your electricity needs and the following variables;

The site's solar source or available sunlight

The system's orientation and tilt

The system's efficiency at converting sunlight to electricity

Additional electricity sources, like a utility.

Your installer will confirm that equipment is installed correctly, oriented and tilted to maximize renewable energy retrieved and created. Ensure your understanding of billing, net metering, will work, and additional utility fees that require payment. If you’d like more information, click here.

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