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Questions to ask a solar installer and checklist
Unfortunately, people are experiencing difficulty in receiving a response from their original installer because that installer has since gone out of business or they are no longer offering service.. if they did to begin with. In several instances, the following was discovered:
- The original installer was not licensed with the State of Texas
- The wiring is not compliant with National Electric Code or National Fire Code. In some instances, it was installed so haphazardly that it’s actually a fire hazard.
- The installer did not pull a permit to perform the installation. Did you know that where required, homeowners can be fined for not having pulled a permit for solar installations?
- The installation was not inspected. Generally speaking, the municipality who required the permit would also require an inspection.
- The system stopped working some time ago, but the array owner had no knowledge.
- The homeowner received roof hail damage and needs the array to temporarily come down for roof work, but the original installer does not offer this service.
- Or worse, the system was never commissioned! Can you imagine investing in a system that never worked?
If you’re considering solar, things can feel a little daunting. There is so much to learn, but you want to ensure that you get the best deal possible. Equally as important, you want your solar array installed correctly! It is helpful to know what questions to ask your solar installer before you sign the contract.
We have put together a list of questions you should ask when considering a solar installation company:
Company Background:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you a licensed electrician within the State of Texas?
- What training have you and your installers had and what certifications do you and your installers hold?
- Do you comply with National Electric Code and National Fire Code?
- How many PV systems have you installed?
- Who will do the installation at my site? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- Does you company carry general liability insurance?
- Have you ever been involved in a legal dispute pertaining to a solar installation?
- Do you have experience interconnecting with utility grids?
My Site:
- What size and type of system do you recommend for my site and why?
- Are there any steps I must take before the installation such as removing trees or replacing my roof?
- What brand(s) of systems do you install? What advantages do these brands offer over other options?
- How much of my energy consumption will this system offset?
- What will the payback period be?
- If my energy consumption changes, can I later expand my solar?
- Can I add energy/battery storage now or later? What are the pros and cons to both?
- Is it possible that the installation may cause my roof to leak? If it does leak, will your company take responsibility for the repairs?
- Will permits be needed for the installation? If so, who obtains then and pays the fees?
- How and when will you involve my electric utility in the installation? Who files the interconnection paperwork?
The Bid:
- Is this a bid estimate or a fixed price?
- Does the bid price include total cost of the project, including components, materials and labor?
Fees, Credits & Incentives:
- What tax credits, rebates and other incentives will this installation qualify for?
- Who files the paperwork for these?
The Installation:
- When will you begin the installation?
- How long will it take to complete?
- What is your daily schedule?
- Will you be on site daily until completion?
- How will we communicate if I have questions or if problems arise?
Commissioning:
- Who will be inspecting the installation?
- What documentation will I receive when the project is done?
- Will you provide me with a copy of the engineered drawings?
- Will you provide me with warranty information?
- Will you provide me operations and maintenance manuals and product spec sheets?
- What kind of training will you provide me?
Monitoring:
- Will I be able to monitor my solar array via a web based or cell phone application?
- What is the process for getting set up with this?
Service and O&M:
- What warranties do you and the manufacturer offer? Do you offer a warranty on installation? How does one make a claim on defective or short-lived equipment?
- Do you service the solar array after you install it? What kind of services do you offer?
- How often should I have my solar array inspected and serviced?
- If I need roof work done, will you remove and reinstall my solar array? About how much does that cost and what is involved with that process?
- If I sell my house, will you remove my array so I can take it with me?
- If I sell my house, but choose to leave the array for the next homeowner, can I provide them with your contact information?
- How do I contact you if I need service?
- What are your service rates?