Tips For Selecting a Solar Installer

In our last post about selecting an installer we talked about comparing solar quotes .  Most importantly, getting all quotes in price per AC watt so that you can make an apples to apples comparison.

Now we want to talk about the less glamorous side of any business, scammers.  The State of California's Department of Consumer Affairs' Contractors State License Board (CSLB) just put out a detailed email with tips to protect consumers from energy scammers.  Unfortuantely there have been a few examples of unscrupulous people pretending to be solar installers just to take a home owner's money, so it's worth a quick read.  Here are the highlights from the CSLB's note:

  • In many states, including California, consumers will only qualify for state and government rebates and tax credits if the installer is licensed and properly installs the system.  Therefore, ALWAYS check the contractors CSLB license.  Don't just ask for their license number.  Actually ask to see their "pocket license" and a piece of photo ID and make sure that the two match.  Then compare that info with the license information at www.cslb.ca.gov to make sure the installer is a member of the business they have listed on their license. 
  • Make sure that the person you're dealing with is actually an employee of the licensed contractor before you sign a contract with them.
  • Don't pay more than $1,000 as a down payment or 10%, whichever is less, for any contract. 
  • Don't be pressured into signing a contract.  It is the case that rebates do expire and you may want to get in under the wire, but saving a few hundred buck by getting in a rebate step 6 rather than step 7 only makes sense if that works for your time frame, not theirs.  In other words, if it feels like they're being pushy like the stereotypical used car salesman, stop and think if they're the people you want to do business with. 
  • You could also look up the installer on the Better Business Bureau website.
And here are a few key points taken directly from their note:
Take a few minutes to research contractors by using the "Instant License Check" and other helpful tools on CSLB's website," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "Legitimate, licensed contractors want customers to be comfortable and confident with the contracts they are signing. And licensees are more likely to do all that is required in order to receive available state and federal incentives for alternative energy.
More information about hiring contractors is available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (321-2752).

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. CSLB licenses and regulates more than 300,000 California contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2008-09, CSLB investigated more than 20,000 complaints and helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

We would also always suggest getting proposals from several installers, and even asking one installer if they know the others you're considering.  Chances are they will know them and will know if they do good work. 

If you're ready to learn more about how solar energy can work for you, fill out our free evaluation form and one of our licensed installers will get in touch with you. 

 

Informative?