How to Choose a Solar Panel Installer

For most of us who want to put solar panels onto our home this means hiring a professional. If you want to be sure that you are getting the best, then lets cover how to vet your contractor of choice.

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Phone
• A few spare moments

Instructions

1. Make a list of your options. You can use a phone book, or the internet to get an idea of the local vendor options for the instillation. Compile these into a list so that you can figure out who you are researching.

2. Check out the vendors site, you are in search of credentialing bodies. At the very least you vendors should have a State Certified Solar Contractor license number, a State Certified Electrical Contractor license number and a State Certified Roofing Contractor on their sites. Record these numbers, as well as any other associations they claim to be members of such as the United States Green Building Council or the American Solar Energy Society/ Solar Energy Industry Association.

3. You will now get to spend some quality time with your phone. Your first task is to check up on each of these licenses by calling the state licensing board. Check the name of the company and the number. Anyone who does not have a license, or has a lapsed license should be struck from the list. While you are at it ask about complaints and strike people that the licensing board say have a history of bad behavior.

4. Next get in touch with the local commerce associations and the BBB to check for complaints or scam warnings about any of your vendors. Once again, complaints (more than 1 at the BBB or local level) should strike them from the list.

5. Make contact with the vendors left on the list. Get an estimate, and ask for contact information on previous customers. If a company cannot give you these then be wary. When you do get them, be sure to check up with the past customers. Some contractors will give you numbers and hope that you never check them. Cross off companies that give you contacts where the customer turns out to be less than happy with the work.

6. Make your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Always do you homework.

• Never allow roof/electric work to be done by an unlicensed contractor.

• Check with your home owners insurance before you install solar panels.