INSTALLERS
Working With an installer
By Seth Masia
The Buyers’ Guide following this article lists more than 4,200 installers, consultants and other solar pros
list, but you won’t be eligible for the program in question.
When talking to installers, be sure to ask which incentive
across the country. If you’re looking for someone to design
programs they have access to and how that will affect your
and install your solar array, it’s easy to narrow the list down
to four or five names located near your ZIP code and then
call them up for estimates. Stay updated with the live ver-
financing options.
2 What’s the track record? How long has the com- pany been in business? How many systems have they
sion of this list at FindSolar.com.
installed? Are the customers happy? A reputable busi-
Seth masia is deputy editor
Solar energy technologies are simple, but installing an ar-
ness should be willing to put you in touch with satisfied
of SOLAR TODAY and
ray is a complex job, calling for both technical expertise and
customers. Attend a meeting or two of the local American
Solar@Work.
the ability to navigate the thicket of permits and incentives to
Solar Energy Society chapter (see page 60) and ask people
An experienced crew
makes short work of an
get your project approved and financed. Choose an installer
efficient solar installation.
in much the way you’d choose a contractor for any major
construction project. Here are some things to consider:
1Is your installer eligible for the state or local in- centives you want to use? Rebates often are paid
only to projects installed by approved personnel. The state
of California approves rebates only on systems using modules and inverters on an approved list, and constructed by
installers on an approved list. The New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority maintains a list of
eligible installers for projects it partially funds. Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Program has its own list of approved installers. You can work with a local installer who’s not on the
Seth maSia
there which installers have a solid reputation. Finally, look
around the neighborhood for solar arrays, and ask the
owners about their experiences with the installer.
3Consider whether you want to go with a very large regional or national organization, with a
deep field of expertise and a sophisticated inventory and
delivery infrastructure, or with a friendly and responsive
local installer who may be able to answer an emergency
phone call after a tree falls on your roof in the middle of
the night. The large company may offer a better initial price
due to economies of scale, but may be slower to respond
to warranty and service issues later on. The local family-owned company lives on its reputation for service.
