AN ENERGY system can work well and pay for itself over time. If you plan on installing a renewable energy system for your home or business, it is important to hire the best contractor to properly install the system. There are many factors to consider when choosing a contractor. These tips will pertain mainly to contractors who install solar systems, but the basis can be used for any renewable energy project.
The quality of the workmanship you are seeking is important when selecting a contractor. Here are a few questions to ask to ensure you make the right choice:
Experience
How many years of experience does the contractor have? Make sure a contractor has experience in the type of energy system you are looking to install. A solar contractor who has been in business or in the solar industry for a while will understand how to work with customers and can compete effectively with other firms. They would be very knowledgeable of products as well as the latest codes and permitting issues surrounding the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems use light like the sun to supply energy to be converted to usable electric power.
Certified
Is the contractor properly licensed or certified? Confirm that they have a license. Ask to see a copy of their licenses or contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board at (671) 649-9676. The installer or subcontractor must hold a valid electrical license.
Insurance
Does the contractor have adequate insurance? Contractors maintaining workers compensation insurance will protect the homeowner from possibly paying medical and legal bills of an injured worker during instillation.
Complaints
Does the contractor have any active judgments or complaints? Contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board for verification of complaints filed against the contractor. Ask what is the nature of the complaints and if the complaint was resolved. An example could be the failure to complete the project on time or inadequate workmanship. Even good contractors may have complaints, but it is more important to know how they are handled.
References
Does the contractor have references? Ask the contractor for contact information or review their online testimonials. A contractor who does quality work will be happy to provide references. Here are some questions to consider asking the references: Were they satisfied with the work performed? Was the workmanship up to par? Was the contractor flexible and easily approachable? Was the contractor professional and businesslike? Was the project completed in a timely manner? Were there any problems to address and how quickly were they handled?
Being clear on the quality you want is critical. The old saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. Ask if the material that will be used is from a manufacturer that has been in business for at least 10 years. This is very important when it comes to PV systems. Ask for the contractor to use only Tier One materials. Tier One materials are from the top 2 percent of solar PV manufacturers. These manufacturers control each stage of the manufacturing process and use the best grade of silicon to produce their solar cells. Solar cells that use a higher grade of silicon perform better and last longer.
The quality of the workmanship you are seeking is important when selecting a contractor. Here are a few questions to ask to ensure you make the right choice:
Experience
How many years of experience does the contractor have? Make sure a contractor has experience in the type of energy system you are looking to install. A solar contractor who has been in business or in the solar industry for a while will understand how to work with customers and can compete effectively with other firms. They would be very knowledgeable of products as well as the latest codes and permitting issues surrounding the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems use light like the sun to supply energy to be converted to usable electric power.
Certified
Is the contractor properly licensed or certified? Confirm that they have a license. Ask to see a copy of their licenses or contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board at (671) 649-9676. The installer or subcontractor must hold a valid electrical license.
Insurance
Does the contractor have adequate insurance? Contractors maintaining workers compensation insurance will protect the homeowner from possibly paying medical and legal bills of an injured worker during instillation.
Complaints
Does the contractor have any active judgments or complaints? Contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board for verification of complaints filed against the contractor. Ask what is the nature of the complaints and if the complaint was resolved. An example could be the failure to complete the project on time or inadequate workmanship. Even good contractors may have complaints, but it is more important to know how they are handled.
References
Does the contractor have references? Ask the contractor for contact information or review their online testimonials. A contractor who does quality work will be happy to provide references. Here are some questions to consider asking the references: Were they satisfied with the work performed? Was the workmanship up to par? Was the contractor flexible and easily approachable? Was the contractor professional and businesslike? Was the project completed in a timely manner? Were there any problems to address and how quickly were they handled?
Being clear on the quality you want is critical. The old saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. Ask if the material that will be used is from a manufacturer that has been in business for at least 10 years. This is very important when it comes to PV systems. Ask for the contractor to use only Tier One materials. Tier One materials are from the top 2 percent of solar PV manufacturers. These manufacturers control each stage of the manufacturing process and use the best grade of silicon to produce their solar cells. Solar cells that use a higher grade of silicon perform better and last longer.
Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.
For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/.