Finding the Right Solar Installer
One of the biggest questions people face when beginning the solar process is finding a trusted, familiar name and face to help them feel more comfortable with the process. Arizona SmartPower is here to help.
We’re a non-profit organization with a mission to help you go solar. We do not sell anything and make no commissions. Our Solar Coach will guide you through the installation process from start to finish. Our Solar Coach can help you with everything – from understanding how solar works, to what to look for in a solar installer, to estimating your savings from solar.
There are many excellent, highly experienced and qualified solar PV and solar water heater installers across Arizona. But it’s important to find the right one for your needs. For starters, it is important to check if the company has completed the Arizona Public Service (APS) Qualified Solar Installer program.
Below are some Good Questions to Ask and Things to Look For when finding the right Solar Installer for you.
Is the business licensed in Arizona?
Some cities require specific licenses for specific cities and towns and that information should be available on the city or town’s website.
Is the contractor licensed?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires that all contractors have at least one of these licenses to install solar:
For Solar PV systems:
- Specialty Residential Contracting C-11 Electrical;
- Specialty Dual License Contracting K-11 Electrical;
- General Residential Engineering B-4 Contractor;
- Specialty Dual License Contracting KA Dual Engineering;
Solar hot water heaters:
- Specialty Dual License Contracting K-78
- Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only, Specialty Residential Contracting C-37R Plumbing including Solar
This is very important because the utility will only pay incentives for solar electric system installs by licensed contractors.
Is the contractor bonded?
When a contractor is bonded it protects the homeowner from liability in the event the contractor fails to pay their subcontractors or suppliers and other consumer protections. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires licensed contractors have post both Contractors Bond and Consumer Protection Bonds.
Do they have adequate insurance?
Whenever someone is working on your home and especially your roof, insurance is very important. The contractor should at the very least have personal liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and property damage coverage. It is a good idea to get policy numbers and verify the coverage with the insurance company before hiring the installer.
How long has the company been in business?
It is usually a good rule of thumb that businesses that have been around their community for a while are going to be more reliable and have more referrals of past customers to reference
How many solar installations have they done in your community?
It is important to know that the installer is experienced and has a successful job history. If that is the case they should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied customers to contact and ask questions. The Arizona Better Business Bureau website shows if the installer has any complaints against them and how they were resolved.
What type of warranty do they offer?
Solar PV systems have a very long life span, often up to around 40 years, so a minimum warranty should cover at least around 20-25 years.
What brands and parts are being installed?
Assuring that you have quality parts for your system is crucial. If you aren’t familiar with brand names, our Solar Coach is here to help. Get any quotes or estimates for the project and project financing in writing. This includes information about warranties, parts, and labor.
What type of customer service is offered after the installation?
You want a company that offers customer service, such as troubleshooting assistance, maintenance, and repairs after they have completed the installation so that the experts will be available to help address any issues.
What type of training has the company’s employees completed?
There are several solar PV system installation courses and training programs that are available in the area, such as the APS Qualified Solar Installer program, to ensure that your installer is fully qualified.
References.
Its always a good idea to ask your solar installer for references. And one of the best places to start is to ask your neighbors who have installed solar.
Finding a Solar Installer
Choosing an installer is an important decision. Let our Solar Coach connect you with a reputable, certified installer so you can feel confident in a job well done.
We will recommend installers that have completed APS’s Qualified Solar Installer program. A QSI installer is properly licensed, is knowledgeable about the technology and installation processes, and knows APS’s policies and procedures, to ensure you get the rebates you deserve. QSI installers also come with positive customer satisfaction ratings.
For more information about Qualified Solar Installers, go to
aps.com/main/green/choice/solar/QSIList.html
