Video of what to look for in a solar panel installer.
Interview with REC Solar‘s Cary Hayes.
SolarDave: What should I look for in a solar contractor?
(Note that Cary is with REC Solar so his answer is going to be bias but he does bring up good points).
Cary Hayes: Great question Dave…
1) Experience. There are a 100 plus solar companies right now in Colorado. A lot of them are young upstart companies.
2) Warranty….Choose a contractor that will provide a warranty for at least 5 years, ideally 10. Remember that the warranty is only as good as the company, so judge whether the company will be able to withstand a downturn in the market.
SolarDave: How does the high winds in Colorado work with the warranty? (Act of God)
Cary: We engineer systems for 120 mile an hour winds, especially in Boulder and up and down the front range, hurricane force winds a couple times a year so we make extra accommodations for increased wind loads, longer lag blots in to the rafters, structure engineering as required depending on the roof pitch and all that, that is certainly a factor for the warranty stuff that is covered.
Along the lines of warranty are setting aside revenue in to a warranty fund (something smaller companies do not do). So you are setting aside funds for warranty work for the future.
3) Subcontracting…Do they sub-contract electrical or other work? Choose a contractor that does not sub-contract. Sub contacting can lead to quality issues.
4) Price…It is hard to get a true apples to apples comparison because companies use different products at didn’t efficiencies. Research and understand what you are buying. Often times the lowest price is not the best call, sometimes it is, sometimes it is not.
5) Certification…Do they have NABCEP certified electricians on staff? Do they have master-electricians on staff? Choose a contractor with someone who is NABCEP certified, and has a master electrician.
6) Payment terms…Choose a contractor with favorable payment terms. You shouldn’t be paying for a large portion up front. REC Solar asks for $1,000 up front.
