Solar energy is free, its supply is inexhaustible and it’s green.If you think solar energy is futuristic, consider this: Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for Science in 1921 in a large part because of his experiments with solar power and photovoltaic cells, which are the means by which solar energy can be harnessed for use. Astronomer John Herschel invented the solar oven in 1830! How to Find a Qualified Solar InstallerWith the increasing demand for solar energy systems, many companies are coming into the market with less than acceptable qualifications. Unqualified installers not only leave a negative impression in the eyes of the customer, but also do damage to the solar industry as a whole. - How likely is a customer with a poorly installed solar system to recommend solar to others? Remember: The bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price has disappeared! Do your homework: Find a qualified solar company -- It will save you from unnecessary stress and help you avoid making a bad investment. Verify the Solar Installer is:- Licensed in the State of North Carolina - a qualified solar installer must hold a valid contractor’s license in order to directly solicit and contract with a customer for solar installations. Ask for their license number and verify that the contractor is in good standing in the state of NC (meaning there is no legal action against them). For more information, visit the NC Licensing Board of General Contractors’ web site at http://www.nclbgc.net/lic_fr.html. - A Licensed Plumbing Contractor or uses a Licensed Plumbing Contractor for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) installations. Ask for their license number and verify that the contractor is in good standing in the state of NC (meaning there is no legal action against them). NC Licensing Board of Examiners of Plumbers: http://www.nclicensing.org/OnlineReg.htm. - A Licensed Electrical Contractor or uses a Licensed Electrical Contractor for Photovoltaic (PV) installations. Ask for their license number and verify that the contractor is in good standing in the state of NC (meaning there is no legal action against them). NC Licensing Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors web site: http://lookup.ncbeec.org. - NABCEP Certified – The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners maintains a state by state database of approved installers. NABCEP Certification is the highest level of certification available to solar installers and widely recognized to be the gold standard within the industry. To verify if a solar installer is NABCEP certified go to http://www.nabcep.org/installer-locator. - Carrying the required level of General Liability Insurance to protect the customer in the event of a problem occurring during the solar installation – ask for a copy. - Carrying Workmen’s Compensation Insurance – ask for a copy. If an employee is insured on your site during the installation, this insurance automatically covers the employee in the event of accident. If an installer does not carry this insurance, the customer may be potentially liable. - Check references – seriously. A qualified solar installer should provide you with at least three references. Call each one of them. Even if you decide to go with another installer, you will benefit from someone who has had a similar system installed and it is always positive to hear their experience. If you don’t think you have all the information, ask for it. Remember, YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. |
