Ok, so you’ve decided you want to pull the trigger on that solar installation thing you heard about. It pays for itself! Well, that is true, but only if the design is correct, the anchoring is solid, and the installers remember to connect it to your meter. How do you ensure it is all done right?

1. Get a Solar Site Evaluation

An evaluation of your house by a solar installer will focus on roof space and shade, potential energy production and “payback time”, projected costs, layout, and current electrical service voltage and bus rating. Most contractors offer an initial visit as a free consultation service, and it’s best get consultations with at least three different installers. You can use a contractor referral service, or ask a general contractor for some recommendations. Do not pay any money or sign any contract on the first visit.

2. Get the System on Paper

For a small home, ask the contractor to provide you with a detailed proposal, clearly explaining costs, equipment, and layout. If you have a larger home, this may cost you some money, but having a drawing with clear system details is worth the design costs when you have to do panel maintenance down the line.

3. Know Your Installers

   • What is their license number?
   • Is it a general contractor’s license, or solar and electrical?
   • What does the state say about their record?
   • Are they insured and bonded? Call and inquire with their insurance company.
   • Do they appear professional, with a website, business cards, and a clean proposal?

The smartest thing a person can do is to review the credentials of a contractor, Solar or otherwise. Do NOT just rely on your gut and the lowest bidder.

Many people become focused solely on estimate cost or their gut feeling, but an experienced, licensed, insured solar professional is so worth it when imagining the potential headaches you’ll encounter with a cheap, inexperienced solar installer.

4. Get Work and Payment Schedule in Writing

Putting the solar installation contract in writing protects not only yourself, but the contractor as well. It usually covers liability, payment terms, warranty, and service inclusions. If it’s provided by the contractor, ensure that you read it thoroughly or have a lawyer take a look. A typical “retrofit” payment schedule involves a small deposit for upfront work, equipment payment in full on delivery, and a final payment after inspection.

5. Handle the Solar Rebate Paperwork

Since you can receive nearly 30% of your system paid for by the State, with a little extra from the Feds at tax time (a lot extra if you’re outfitting a business), the rebate process is very important. Most solar installation companies will submit the paperwork to the state or utility for rebate reservation for you, however, you should understand the players and REQUEST detailed documentation of your expected rebates, which usual come 4-6 weeks AFTER installation. You can find your Federal and State rebate listings here.

6. Get a Permit with Your City or Town

In “contractor talk”, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is usually the city building department. For a large projects like PV installation, you’ll need to submit a system diagram and major component cut sheets to the city building department. For commercial projects, stamped engineerd drawings may be required as well. Again, a good solar installation company should take care of this, but it is a process that you should be following closely to ensure that it’s done. Ask for frequent updates and proof of permit before any work is done.

Seems like a lot of work? Depends on how you look at it. You’re about to put something on your roof that will last 30 years, pay for itself, and make the future better for your children. It’s worth it to ensure that you have a system that works installed by a contractor you trust to not only do a good job, but to be there if something goes wrong. You don’t want get screwed by fast talking solar salesman that get paid on commission. It’s all nice, green, and clean until someone get’s taken by a contractor.