It's always wise to consult a professional solar
installer, and properly screening solar panel installers and water
heating contractors can make all the difference.
Even with seemingly simple designs and systems,
there are several potential hazards that if overlooked, can seriously
compromise both the solar panel's and the system's performance,
efficiency and even the manufacturers' warranty.
More importantly if certain plumbing (and in some
cases electrical) considerations are not made by a licensed
professional, the safety of your home or your place of
business can
be
seriously compromised as well.
Choosing the right solar panel and water heating
installer is especially important with active
solar water heater
designs. For
those who are very well versed on at least the basics of
indoor plumbing, passive
solar water heaters can be good
candidates for
a do it yourself installation.
Remember
Installation Cost Isn't Everything
It's always a
consumers first instinct to seek the lowest price for a
product or
service. With that said, it's important to keep in mind that the
biggest
incentive to going solar is the years of accumulative energy
savings.
In order to
reap the benefits of years of free energy, the design and
installation must be of quality. Keep in mind that the long term
effects of a poorly designed and installed system will always be
greater than the short term effect of paying a reputable solar
installer a higher one time fee for a more detailed installation.
More times
than not a roof mount will be the most ideal option with a residential
application, and roof mounted panels should be installed in a manner
that takes into account the site's existing roof design.
If the
site's existing roof design isn't taken into account, the panels'
orientation and the designs' versatility can be limited.
Experienced
solar panel installers take such variables into account before design
and installation.
What to expect
from a solar installer
Should be able to accurately evaluate your
site's solar
resource.
Make specific design and system recommendations
taking into account your solar resource, hot water and electricity
usage, your monetary budget as well as your expectations.
Should have a fair amount of experience in
dealing with several reputable solar suppliers.
A reputable and experienced solar panel
installer should have knowledge of roof designs and how panel
installation can be effected.
Perform the necessary periodic maintenance on
the system, and it's components, as recommended by the manufacturer or
supplier.
The solar installer should be well aware of
local and state building codes regarding solar designs.
Should clearly state if the responsibility of
obtaining local permits (if applicable) is the home or business
owners', or if it's the solar installers' practice to obtain such
permits on the consumers behalf.
If the solar installer plans to obtain permits
on your behalf, it's their responsibility to itemize any potential
additional installation costs associated with obtaining the permits.
Lastly, reputable solar panel installers
should provide
solutions that make you feel confident and more comfortable
with your decision to go solar.
Doing Your
Homework
It's
strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with solar hot water
heaters, in order to keep your local solar installer honest.
Don't
forget to research neighborhood ordinances and/or
homeowner association covenants about any potential restrictions before
any local permits are obtained.
Choosing between
several local solar panel installers
When selecting a local solar professional,
it's recommended that the following considerations are made.
Is the company properly licensed and insured?
Some states require both a plumbers' and solar contractors' license.
How long has the company been installing and
servicing solar systems and designs? Select a solar installer with a
reasonable amount of experience.
Always check with the Better
Business Bureau for potential consumer complaints regarding a
the solar heating contractors' business practices.
Always obtain quotes from several solar panel
installers before making a decision, and receive all estimates in
writing.
Questions To Ask
When Screening Solar Panel Installers
How many years has the installer, not the just
the entire company, been servicing solar energy systems?
How did they get their start? A contractor
should never learn such skills performing trail and error tests, the
contractor should learn by working closely with more experienced solar
panel
installers first.
What methods will they use to determine the
your site's solar resource?
What methods will he or she use to determine
the size of the solar panel (or collector) as well as the entire system?
How will my sites' roof design effect collector
tilt?
If the roof requires future up keeps,
will disassembly and reinstallation of the panels be required? And why?
Which solar suppliers and manufacturers do they
prefer? And why?
Does the company have maintenance and service
agreements? If so, at what cost and for how long?
If I intend to perform the periodic maintenance
on the system, will the basic service recommendations for the
particular design be explained? And if so, when and by whom?
What assistance (if any) will I receive
for claiming the federal solar tax credit as well as
other local incentives? Many solar panel installers are willing to
assist their consumers with the required paper work.
Do you have experience
installing both AC
solar
hot water pumps as well as DC
solar hot water pumps? It's important to note that in some
states, a licensed electrician is required to install an AC
powered pump.
