How to Contract Solar Installation

If you are ready to save some money by going green with your house or business, but do not know where to start, learn what to ask when evaluating solar panel contractors. The right questions can save you quite a bit of money.

Instructions

1. Gather records of your energy usage history. You should be able to get a start by finding all of your old energy bills, including gas and electric. Also make a list of the major energy using devices in your home or business. Some of the items on the list may include a washer/dryer, refrigerator, heating and cooling system, range, dishwasher, pool equipment, televisions, pumps, computer equipment, copiers, and other business items. With the equipment list, include the type of energy used and typical yearly energy usage.

2. Select either a design-build approach to the contract, or hire the designer first, then the contractor. A design-build contractor typically has designers on staff to develop a design for the system; they will then construct the system. You will receive an up-front price estimate for the entire job from one source. If you first hire a designer, then a contractor, you will have to manage two different companies. The biggest risk with a design-build contract is that the contractor will not completely understand the final design when they quote the job, so they may have to place some extra funding into their bid to avoid a loss on the project.

3. Look for local contractors who will install solar panels. If you live in Montana, for example, you may not want to hire a contractor from Arizona. Your bid prices will be better because of mobilization savings if you can find installers near your location. Local installers typically understand the local zoning requirements better. Some states now have licensing boards for energy practitioners. Check with your state to see if there are licensed solar contractors in your area.

4. Ask the contractors for a list of solar projects they have completed. If the solar panels are planned to be installed on a roof, for instance, does the contractor understand local building codes for roof structures? The bottom line is to ask the contractors if they are a certified installer. The main certification for solar installers is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Make sure the contractor is insured and bonded. Ask them to provide documentation for their liability insurance, their workman's compensation state license, and their bonding ability in the minimum amount of the contract to install your solar equipment.

5. Request a minimum of three bids from different contractors. If you have first hired a designer to create plans and bidding documents for your solar project, the bids should be easy to compare. It will be tougher to compare the bids if you are using a design-bid type contract. In the case of a design-build contract, make sure you understand the performance gain and energy savings that can be expected from your solar project. Write the energy savings into your contract documents first by measuring a baseline of your energy use for appliances under a controlled period of time. Then perform the same controlled test after the solar panels and equipment are installed, to measure the savings.

6. Read the contract thoroughly so you understand all the clauses. It is important that the bidding documents are accurate. By providing good information to the contractors so they know what they are bidding you will get better bids. Having good bidding documents will help you create a better contract for your solar installation project.