Solar Homes - How to Choose a Solar Power Company

Forget hybrid cars -- how does a hybrid houseworking with your roof.
sound? A solar powered home generates andTo check up on essential details about the
stores solar electric power, drawing on traditionalinstallation of your solar panel system, you should
grid power only at night and during times of highask:
demand. Solar electric power is a clean, green- Who manufactures the solar panels and
alternative to traditional fossil-fuel based electricity.inverter? Solar panels generate D/C energy,
Even if you aren't a treehugger, you might bewhich needs to be inverted into A/C electricity to
attracted to solar's ability to decimate monthlybe usable within your home, so you need a reliable
electric bills for 30+ years.inverter with a good warranty. The same goes
If you've decided to make the leap towards afor your solar panels. Look for a namebrand
hybrid home, choosing the right solar powermanufacturer such as GE Energy or SMA
company to install your new solar power systemAmerica: not only do they offer longer warranties
can be the next big hurdle. There are many of(5-10 years for an inverter, 25 years for solar
them out there, and all of them seem like solarpanels), they're likely to be around in 10 years if
electric power pros. How do you choose the bestand when you need something replaced.
solar power company for the job? Here are- Does the solar power company use its own
some great questions to throw at a solar poweremployees or sub-contract out aspects of the
company.solar installation? A company that uses its own
To check out the credentials of a solar powerengineers, designers, permit processors, and
company, be sure to ask:installers can offer greater accountability and
- How long has this solar power company been inexperience. Its employees will be far more familiar
business? A company should have at least 2-5with the company's procedures than a
years of experience installing solar electric powersub-contractor. Accountability and reliability are
systems. You want a stable company that will bekey in a solar installation.
around to back up its warranties in the years to- What does the bid include? Solar installation bids
come.can vary dramatically. Before going for the
- What is its customer satisfaction rating? If youcheapest, make sure it includes everything you
can't find out easily on the company website (andneed it to, from engineering your system to
if the rating is good, it will be posted everywhere)pulling building permits to connecting your new
or through the Better Business Bureau, you maysystem with the grid. To save yourself some
want to reconsider.headaches, also check to see if your solar power
- Does the solar power company hold allcompany will process your rebate and net
necessary licenses to complete your installation?metering paperwork. Companies that offer
In compliance with federal law, your solar installerturnkey installation take care of all the details to
must hold a valid state contractor's license. Inensure you a smooth and relatively hassle-free
California, this means both a C46 and a C10installation process.
license: companies with only a B license cannotDon't be afraid to run a solar power company
interconnect you with the grid and will need tothrough the wringer before signing any
sub-contract out the job. Check out their licensepaperwork. An honest company will be happy to
number on your local state site. In addition, youranswer all your questions and provide proof of its
solar installer should be certified by NABCEP (theclaims. Going solar is a major decision, and it pays
North American Board of Certified Energyto be an informed consumer. With the right
Practitioners), the highest solar certification. Afterquestions, you'll be well on your way to choosing
all, you really don't want someone unqualifiedthe right solar power company.