Different people have different motivations for why they want solar power. Some people say, “My motivation is purely Green. I don’t want to be tied to fossil fuel electrical generation.” Others want to make an investment in a property improvement for financial reasons. Motivation and criteria can affect the type of solar solutions that work best.
A professional solar system contractor should be able to counsel and educate clients on the advantages and disadvantages of solar installation. For example, a property that’s shaded by a larger building may not be a good candidate for a solar system. An energy-efficiency audit is an important first step in the process.
Before hiring a solar company, consider its history of customer service, verify that it possesses appropriate state licensing (C-10 and C-46), check any complaints on its past work, and discern what kind of training it requires of its workers. Make sure a prospective contractor has integrated experience with both general electrical and solar energy (thermal) systems. Membership with and certification by the National Association of Certified Electrical Practitioners is also important, as is a strong background in building sciences.
