Some homeowners believe that rooftop solar can be a DIY project. Solar PV energy systems are expensive, complex, and even dangerous if installed incorrectly ? all of which are very good reasons to hire a licensed installer. So, what do you need to know before commiting to such a long-term investment?
How to Check Your Installer's Credibility
1. Ask for NABCEP Certification
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP, licenses and certifies solar panel installers, but they don?t maintain a list, and they are quite new, meaning certification is far from widespread. The NABCEP is not only the best, but almost the only certification of any value. This means that when you find a company or individual in your area who installs solar, you need to ask about NABCEP certification.
2. Can They Provide Outstanding References?
If not, you might consider a company or professional who has been around a long time and is willing to give you references (for a superb article on this subject, please visit BuildDirect). But certification is almost always preferable, because even the most experienced contractor, roofer or electrician may not understand the ins and outs of solar.
3. Are They Licensed and Bonded?
Also make sure that your contractor is licensed by all applicable jurisdictions (your municipality, city or county; whoever calls the shots) and has both a Contractor?s General and Professional Liability policy, and a performance bond (typically $100,000).
4. Always Get Free Estimates
Check to make sure you can get a free estimate; that the installing firm does a site survey to insure adequate solar insolation; that the sales firm is also the installer; that it knows your area?s building codes; and that it will do the paperwork to get you any and all applicable rebates. For� a list of licensed installers that do offer free estimates, click here.
5. Read the Fine Print
Finally, read the contract and make sure that everything is in black and white: the start date; the likely date of completion barring accidents or contingencies; the down payment and final cost, including all applicable taxes, fees and licenses; and a line item that guarantees components for their ?normal? lifetime (again, see BuildDirect for typical warranties).
What Cost Range Can I Expect?
The typical residential rooftop (or ground-mounted) PV solar panel costs between $5 and $8 per watt, uninstalled. Of course, you can find cheaper prices, but be wary how cheap you go, because solar PV is complex technology, requiring careful assembly of delicate components like doped silicon chips, backboards, and a surface layer (glass, in the case of crystalline silicon, or c-Si).
Add to that an inverter, often a battery backup system and charge controller ? not to mention a racking or mounting system that may or may not penetrate your valuable and expensive roof covering ? and you are in ?expert only? territory. Then tack on routine maintenance and inspection, which you most likely don?t have a clue how to tackle, and the reasons for hiring a licensed solar installer are abundantly clear in both dollars and worry-value.
One excellent participant in the solar installer training process is Boots on the Roof, but again, it doesn?t offer a provider directory, only certified training backed by the Solar Electric Power Association and NABCEP.
Which leads you right back to where you started, the CalFinder Solar site, where you can access a list of licensed installers. There, wasn?t that easy?
Photo Credit: OregonDOT, US Army Environmental Command, & Matt Montagne via Flickr CC
Source: http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-contractors/5-solar-installer-safeguards/
No comments:
Post a Comment