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How to Select an Installer for Your Solar Panels
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By Rick Chapo
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With the new rollout of massive federal tax credits, statesubsidiary programs and net metering, going solar makes sense.So, how do you pick an installer for your system?
Install My System
As with any major part of your home, installation of a solarplatform should be done by a professional. Many of the taxcredit and rebate programs require professional installation andfailure to do so can lead to the loss of the benefits. In short,there are practical and economic reasons to get it done right.
While a solar platform is necessarily a form of electricalgeneration, you shouldn't assume every electrician knows how toinstall one. In truth, most do not. Instead, you can visit asite like solarcompanies.com to find businesses in your state,search on the web or simply pull out the phone book. In statessuch as California, installers are plentiful while otherlocations may require a bit of hunting.
Once you've located potential installers, make sure to ask somequestions. Do not pick the lowest price or first one you find.Use your common sense and ask the same questions you would toany contractor installing something on your home.
The first question to ask is whether the installer has, in fact,installed systems before, how often and for how many years? Youdo not want a neophyte handling your installation. Installationexperience is vital because certain elements of solar systemsare very unique, particularly if you are tying into a gridsystem for a utility company. If you are tying in, make sure theinstaller has experience doing such installations, not justputting up solar panels.
The second question to ask is whether the installing company islicensed. Most solar installers will be required to have anelectrician's license. Contacting the state electrical board toask about the installer is a wise move. For some state rebates,you may also have to use an installer that has a solarcontractor specialty license. Again, the state electrical boardshould be able to help you out with this.
This may all sound a bit confusing, so let's turn to the easiestmethod for finding installers. When in doubt, contact themanufacturer of your system. Many manufacturers have a list ofapproved installers. If not, they typically can makerecommendations regarding various entities that handle the jobfor you.
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