How to Choose a Solar Contractor

With over 200 contractors in San Diego County that install solar panels, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the best company for the job. Many fly-by-night companies have tried to make a quick buck on the “green economy” and have shut down doors and are no longer around to maintain and monitor the systems they have installed, therefore making it crucial that you do your due diligence. There are several items a property owner should consider before deciding on an installer. A purchase of this kind requires much thought and consideration, make sure you are given ample time to make a decision. Stray away from companies that try to pressure you into signing on the spot or provide a 24 hour “hot deal.” Questions a property owner should think about when deciding to go solar range from budget to location of the solar system, to where the solar panels are made. Here are some tips to ensure your contractor is qualified, using the best materials and will guarantee your investment: Prior to a Site Evaluation • How long has the company been in business? How many years of experience do they have in the solar industry? Do they have a proven track record? Many solar companies came on board in 2008 when the California Solar Initiative was enacted, or later. Through the California Solar Initiative online database you can see exactly how many projects the company in contemplation has completed and what kind of impact they’ve had in the area. You also check with the California Center for Sustainable Energy to verify a solar contractor’s longevity in the industry. • Does the company have a clean record with the Better Business Bureau and Contractor’s State License Board? Make sure there haven’t been any complaints filed against the contractor. You should always look to conduct business with companies that have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, especially when they are doing work on your property. • What is the company’s focus? Do they specialize in solar or do they dabble in a little bit of everything? A solar power system is an electrical system with high voltage equipment that typically is placed on a rooftop. As such, you will want to use a state-licensed Certified Electrician, carrying a C-10 license. . It is important that the individuals selling and installing a solar system are extremely knowledgeable and masters of their trade. As the saying goes, jack of all trades, master of none. • Does the company have strong peer reviews? Find out what experiences other community members have had with the company you are interested in. Good places to look are Angie’s List (which is specific to customers reviewing contractors), Google Reviews and Yelp. During the Appointment with a Solar Contractor • Did the company get on your roof? Did they measure the proposed area for the solar system to make sure it will fit? A company that invests time in your project cares about you and is committed to getting it right the first time. A company that does not due a proper evaluation of your property, electrical loads and service panel, is likely working as a sales organization, and not a contractor that is looking after your project design and therefor unable to provide you accurate design assessments. The last thing you want is a bunch of changes to be made to your project when construction begins because it was not properly designed initially. • Properly evaluate the proposal – Were you walked through the entire process of going solar? Did they provide details on the service agreement? Does the company have a production guarantee or labor warranty? These are all things that will ensure the process of going solar is seamless and ensures that your investment is protected. • Does the company subcontract out the installation work? Some companies will subcontract out the work to receive the cheapest labor. This means that you have multiple point of contacts for your project, and it provides excuses for accountability if there is an issue during your installation process. Again, make sure the crew installing your solar project are licensed electricians with years of experience. • What materials are used? Where are the solar panels specified for your project made? A quality product should be a top priority when it comes to your solar system. Some companies will use the cheapest silicon product on the market which could lead to fast degradation, a defective product and/or loss of warranty because the manufacturer is no longer in business. It is advised to look into the financials of the solar manufacturers and see that they are strong in the marketplace. Choose a company that provides a panel and inverter with a longstanding history and have a proven track record. Locally manufactured parts and components translate into a strong local economy. It does not make sense to declare energy independence in San Diego only to export your dollars to China. A quality company and quality product will be a longstanding player in the solar industry. Comparing Bids • Different firms sell different types of equipment. This may be confusing for homeowners when it comes to price and system size. Points to consider are kilowatt hour production compared to bill reduction, as well as project scope. System size may be the same, but one company may have a higher price, be sure to understand the differentiators and why the costs are different. Also, make sure the system size being quoted is in AC watts when comparing proposals. This is what your household appliances run off of and what your electric bill states; some companies will try to “trick” you into thinking you are getting a large system by providing you an estimate in DC Watts. • Were you provided multiple options to evaluate or were you provided a “one size fits all” system? The more information offered, the better. Decide on how much of your bill you would like to offset. Be sure you are provided an option to completely eliminate your electric bill and a baseline system to bring you out of the higher tiers, which typically provide the highest Return on Investment. • How impressive is the solar company’s portfolio? Did the solar contractor leave you with references to reach out to? You do not want to go solar with a company that does not have an expansive portfolio. A company that has been around for a long time will be able to show you a proven track record with many installations completed in your area. A reputable firm will have a plethora of clients that are willing to share their experience with you. Be sure to reach out to other local clients from the company to confirm your confidence in choosing the best contractor for solar project. Choosing the right solar contractor can be a daunting task, but when you know what to look for, it becomes much easier. One solar company that fits the bill is Sullivan Solar Power, the largest solar integrator in the San Diego Gas & Electric utility territory, according to California Solar Initiative data. Locally owned, Sullivan Solar Power has been installing solar systems since 2004. The company has installed more than 18.5 million watts across 2,000 installations in Southern California. If you are interested in receiving a free estimate and no-obligation custom proposal, call 1-800-SULLIVAN or visit www.SullivanSolarPower.com for more information.