Community Renewable Energy

Selecting Solar Professionals

Choosing a solar professional will be one of your most important decisions. In recent years it has become increasingly easy to locate and contact those in the field. Tools available to help identify local professionals include www.findsolar.com, the Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association, and the national Solar Energy Industry Association (which you can search for members by state).

After you have identified solar professionals that work in your area, you will want to evaluate them as you would evaluate other types of dealers and contractors. Professional credentials are one indication of a PV dealer's knowledge and qualifications. Ask dealers what PV-related courses they have taken, certifications they have earned, and licenses they have received.

A second consideration is the dealer's experience in the field. How long has the company been in business? The local Better Business Bureau can advise you whether any customers have registered complaints about the dealer. You should also ask the dealer how many systems like yours he or she has designed and installed. Ask to see installations, and talk with owners of systems similar to the one you want to purchase.

A third consideration in selecting a system installer is the variety and quality of products offered for each component of the system. Because PV systems are often designed for a specific site, one company's products may not be appropriate for all applications. Competent dealers will stock components manufactured by several companies. A variety of product options will help ensure that the most appropriate components are available for your system. When a dealer recommends a product, ask what the recommendation is based on, whether there are consumer or independent testing facility reports you can read, and whether the products are listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Fourth, consider the service agreements and performance guarantees the dealer provides and the warranties given by the product manufacturers. No system is maintenance-free, nor will all components function flawlessly forever. When problems emerge with your system, what services will the dealer provide? What warranties do the manufacturers provide? Which costs should you expect to pay, and which costs will be assumed by the dealer and/or the manufacturer?

You should compare prices from different dealers. Because distribution channels and dealer networks have expanded dramatically, the opportunity to "shop around" is much greater today. If possible, approach more than one dealer about a draft design and cost estimate for your system.

OREGON: If you are eligible to participate in incentive programs through the Energy Trust, your solar energy system will need to be installed by a company that is listed as an Energy Trust “Trade Ally.” For more information on the Energy Trust's Solar Trade Ally program click here.