Tips for Choosing a Solar PV Contractor

To help you evaluate contractors and make an informed decision, we’ve gathered the following checklist of helpful tips:

Only contractors that are registered with BTU can do the installation.

To be a registered contractor for BTU’s Solar PV Rebate Program, one or more employees of the installation company must either be North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified or must meet the Basic Requirements for applying for NABCEP written exam. For more information go to http://www.nabcep.org/.

Also, all registered contractors must carry a certificate of insurance.

Ask for and check references.

Reputable contractors should be proud of their work and happy to provide you with a list of customers. Call a few of these customers and find out if their projects went smoothly.

Check the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s office.

Contractors are not going to give you a complete list of customers — just a few satisfied ones. Wise consumers will check to see if there are any outstanding complaints against the contractor.

Get several estimates or bids.

Once you’ve received a proposal, shop around. Get a couple more. But scrutinize the bids to ensure you are making a good comparison. For the protection of all involved, get a written estimate before work begins. Good proposals include exactly what will be done, what materials will be used, and an estimate of labor costs.

Ask about warranties.

BTU requires contractors offer a five-year warranty. However, you should compare warranties to see which contractors the best overall warranty.

Does the contractor follow up?

Once your system is installed, good contractors will show you how to operate it and offer you the opportunity to ask questions. They should also offer tips and maintenance information. Good contractors also service what they sell. If something goes wrong after the warranty expires, will your contractor return to repair it? Be sure to find out!

Find out how long the contractor has been in business.

Generally, it takes several years for contractors to become established and compile good track records.

Ask contractors if they are affiliated with any trade associations.

Contractors in good standing want to keep informed of industry news and receive regular training. One way to do this is by joining trade associations.