Go Green

How to Choose a Professional Solar Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are becoming more common due to the 30% federal tax incentives and government grants from States and other funding agencies.  This has also led to a number of new and inexperienced solar companies in the marketplace. Some of these companies may be out to deliberately take advantage of customers. When considering the addition of a solar system to your home, it is very important to choose a reputable, professionally-trained installer. You can decrease your chances of entering into a “bad deal” by doing a little research and asking a few simple questions. After all, you are considering spending and investing in a renewable system that can range from $10,000 on up for a solar photovoltaic array.

In choosing an installer, there are several key things to be aware of. Like most professional fields, the solar field has a national board that grants certification to those individuals who have passed a professional test. The North American Board of Energy Practitioners, also referred to as NABCEP, is responsible for certifying solar professionals. Ask the installer you are considering if they are NABCEP certified. Don’t just take his/her word for it, but go to the NABCEP website to confirm it. You can also ask the installer for references, but keep in mind that these can be false. It is better if you can visit a solar installation and ask the owner his/her experience in dealing with the renewable energy company you are considering. Google the company name and see what additional information, other than what the company has posted on their website, you can find.

What type of background does your installer have? Is previous work experience in a related industry or is their previous experience in an industry that is totally unrelated to solar, electrical, engineering, or roofing trades? For example, in a down economy, companies that might have been installing windows, siding, gutters, heating and air- conditioning systems or any other such home improvements might decide to become a “solar company” and jump on the “solar bandwagon”. In this case, you should wonder how such previous experience translates to a technical industry such as solar.  A qualified solar company has the necessary skills to deal with high voltage DC electricity, roof waterproofing, structural integrity and safety of your home.

Is the potential installer making production claims without a proper site-visit or without appropriate information? One such local company is known to promise customers a 54% reduction in energy bills without even doing a proper site assessment or knowing the homeowner’s electric bills and level of energy efficiency.  Is the installer pressuring you for a quick sale? These type of systems are not usually sold on a single interaction with a company. It usually takes time to perform the proper site assessment and to design a system that is efficient and optimized to your particular situation and needs.

Is the company playing price games with you? Have they reduced cost considerably on several occasions to make a quick sale when you indicate that you cannot afford it? This only indicates that the initial price was too high and they were trying to gouge you.  If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Finally, is the installer trying to sell you on unproven new technology? Standard solar panels are either mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline. These technologies have a history of proven track records with life expectancies of 40 or more years. The relatively newer technologies do not have enough time to have an established performance record. This may be reflected in a shorter warranty offered by the manufacturer of the technology. Most standard panels have a warranty of 20 or more years. You should be careful of newer technology and do your research before committing.

Asking these basic questions, may help keep you from being taken advantage of. Remember: solar photovoltaic systems have been around for a long time and have a proven history for performance in the proper circumstances as well as a long life expectancy. Don’t let unprofessional solar installers reduce the value of your solar investment.

About the Author

Pat Coxon is president and co-owner of SunWind Power Systems, a renewable energy company serving the KY and Indiana, located 15 miles from Louisville, KY. The company designs and installs solar and wind systems for residential and commercial customers. (http://www.sunwindpowerinc.com)

Solar Installation Video

MAB-951 Solar thermal installation Bauer OPC 15 evacuated tubes on roof Photo Mugs MAB-951 Solar thermal installation Bauer OPC 15 evacuated tubes on roof Bewdley UK Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 ….

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $46.49 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob’s bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri…

Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more $34.95 Solar Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engin…

Fi-Shock SS-725CS AC Powered Light-Duty Electric Fence Charger, 5-Acre Range $21.87 5 Acre Economy Energizer For Pets & Small Animals….

Fi-Shock SS-440 Solar-Powered Low Impedance 10 Acre Medium-Duty Electric Fence Charger $109.94 The Fi-Shock Solar Fence Controller controls up to 5 miles of electric fence! Recharges its 4 Volt battery with a high efficiency, built-in solar panel. Controller delivers more shocking power than ordinary fencers. Low impedance provides 1/3 less battery drain. U.S.A. Application: Fence controller, Works With: Electrical fences, Amps: 3, Battery Required: Yes, Solar Power Compatible: Yes, Dimensi…

Havahart SS-750RPX AC-Powered Electric Fence Kit for Pets and Small Animals 1-Mile Range $69.99 “Delivers a mild correction to break bad habits.Protects flowers, shrubbery, gardens and trash from unwanted critters.For dogs 15 pounds and above.Contains: an energizer, fence poles, ground rod, aluminum, 5 cotter pins, 1 ground clamp and 2 extra fuses.SizeColor “BCI – 278249…

Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller $17.37 The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x…

Cobra CPI-A4000BC 4-AWG Heavy-Duty AC Power Inverter Cable Kit $22.89 10-FT RED #4 GAUGE POWER CABLE10-FT BLACK #4 GAUGE GROUND CABLE8-FT GREEN #8 GAUGE CHASSIS GROUND CABLEUPC : 028377312472Shipping Dimensions : 10.75in X 10.50in X 2.00inEstimated Shipping Weight : 4.825…

Sunforce 50022 5-Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger $49.95 Solar Power Chargers for your 12V batteries and accessories. Power-up anywhere, affordably! These Solar Power devices grab free “juice” from the sun! They extend the life of your 12V batteries, maintain the charge and allow you to run various electronics (deer feeders, landscaping pumps, etc.) from your batteries. Clean, silent operation… with both cigarette lighter adapter and battery clamps. T…

Solar Flare Design GameBoy Micro Decorative Protector Skin Decal Sticker $4.99 Scratch resistant skin sticker helps to protect your GameBoy Micro while making an impression. Self-adhesive plastic-coated skins cover the are custom cut to perfectly fit the GameBoy Micro. Skins are paper-thin so they do not add any bulk, easy to apply (no bubbles), durable and easily removable without any residue. Compatible with GameBoy Micro ONLY. (Note: Due to differences in monitors, color …