Contractor Solar Energy

Solar energy contractor must be clean, renewable source of energy that can lower your power bill. You can also decrease your environmental footprint. This industry is increasingly dangerous for workers. Motherboard interviewed six workers from solar farms who spoke out about their hard work, cramped living conditions and theft of wages.

Is the Solar Contractor Certified?

Before you give your details to contractors, verify that they are qualified. Look into the national certifications of each solar energy system contractor. This allows you to easily compare knowledge and experience between installers. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a national organization that is the standard for the solar industry. This organization certifies individuals such as solar electric installers as well as photovoltaic (PV) system designers and maintenance specialists. While it may not be required, this shows that a contractor is serious about their business and has taken the time and training necessary to achieve certification. You may even be able to achieve a better loan rate using certified solar installers.

National Certifications

You need to know the skills required to be successful in the field of solar engineer. Some positions, such as solar panel installers can be achieved with a short course of instruction or associate degrees, while other positions, like solar engineers, require a bachelor`s degree in renewable energy or engineering.

There are a variety of classes that focus on solar energy at universities and community colleges. You also have the option of taking online courses. A number of these courses are accredited and will aid in the preparation for a renewable energy-focused career.

While some state licensing agencies require solar installers have an NABCEP credential to be licensed, there are a variety of local certifications that can also be obtained. For more details on solar-specific requirements, go to the website of the energy regulatory agency in your state.

Additionally, there are a variety of national organizations that offer professional training for solar professionals. Certain of these courses are offered online, however, many are taught in classrooms. You may consider a training course that covers everything you have to learn about PV systems and how to analyze solar power potential at a site, depending on the needs of your.

For example, SEI offers a solar professional certificate that includes nine mandatory courses as well as a training advancement. This course helps students assess the electrical potential of a location and perform a performance analysis and create arrays.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association offers many courses in solar-related training online as well as in person. The classes include Basic PV, Solar Photovoltaic Site Assessment Training and Solar PV System Design.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a national certification in solar-related issues. It teaches professionals how to evaluate the efficiency of PV systems and make sure that they are safe on the job site. It is highly recommended for solar project managers and installers.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a national association that supports individuals who are working in the field of renewable energy. The various solar certifications it offers are accepted by the manufacturers as well as state energy regulatory agencies and incentive programs.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers a wide range of solar-related certifications including PVIS or PVTS. PVIP is also available. These are all valid for a number of years and come with an obligation to renew. They all require continuing education training.

Licenses

There are many licenses that solar energy contractors need to obtain. They vary based the location you reside in, but they all serve the same purpose, which is to ensure your company operates legally and that your employees are properly trained for the job.

The NABCEP certification is the most well-known type of certification. It is the acronym for North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It is the official national standard in the solar industry. It allows customers to be more certain of the quality of work they receive.

Many states require that solar companies be licensed. This can be accomplished through the state`s contractor licensing office or the local municipality or county.

Some states have solar installer certificates. These are useful when you are looking to avail state rebate programs or other incentives.

For instance, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has a specialization for contractors who specialize in alternative energy systems. This specialty is a specific area that allows contractors to set up and maintain the supplementary energy systems and alternative energy generation systems on customers` premises, including those that are annexed to the building.

A contractor must have at minimum 8000 hours of working experience and an electrical bachelor`s degree to be eligible for this license. They must pass an examination and be licensed by the state.

A certification course is a different option to become a certified solar installer. These classes are typically 40 hours in length and can be conducted online or in a classroom. They often combine hands-on training with extensive study.

The training you choose are well-rounded and should cover various topics, including a detailed knowledge of how electricity works and the setting up of solar panels. It is also important to ensure that the certificate you choose to use is relevant to your region.

Although some states require solar installers possess specific solar licenses, some allow them to operate under electrical or general contractor licenses. If you are planning to expand your business to the new state, make sure you are aware of the regulations and legal requirements there.

Insurance

The solar industry is growing, and with it comes the demand for affordable, reliable renewable energy insurance. HCP National is committed to meeting the needs of the growing alternative energy community by offering an array of options for coverage and an experienced team of insurance experts who are well-versed in the risks associated with the industry.

General Liability A must-have for any solar contractor as it provides financial protection in the event a third party files a claim against you to cover bodily injury or property damages due to your business. If you`re sued, it will pay for legal fees and the court process.

Tool & Equipment Protection The policy will cover your tools and equipment for solar-related projects, including rack systems, panels inverters, and inverters. This policy will cover the cost of replacing your tools in case of theft or fire.

Commercial Property – This form of insurance protects your business buildings, their contents, and their fixtures in the event of an insured loss. It also covers your company`s assets while in transit or storage.

Builder Risk – This coverage is important for solar contractors because it protects your solar projects and the fixtures. It also covers damage to the property of your client during the installation process.

Umbrella policies – These are an additional option for solar contractors as they add an extra level of protection above your general liability and excess coverage policies. These policies can be especially helpful for solar installers that have high risk.

Other kinds of insurance include professional liability and workers` compensation and business owner`s insurance policies. They all offer different types of insurance, so it is important to know how each type of insurance works and how they can benefit your business.

A business owner`s policy usually covers all the coverage above plus additional policies such as loss of income as well as additional expense. This kind of policy is popular with small and medium-sized companies due to the fact that it provides more comprehensive coverage than purchasing every type of insurance in isolation.

Solar Insure offers a variety of insurance options that are specifically designed for solar. The team of experts in insurance at Solar Insure are knowledgeable in the particular risks associated with the solar industry, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate policy for your business.

Customer Reviews

If you`re thinking of a solar panel installation for your home, ensure you research thoroughly and read the reviews of solar companies. It is important to evaluate their history of customers` satisfaction and keeping their promises.

The top solar energy companies are those that offer all the options for customers, including no-cost quotes, online support , and on-site consultations. Moreover, they should be aware of the laws of their state and local authorities regarding solar power systems.

For example, the best solar companies that are located in California are aware of California`s Solar Credit Rebate Program, that allows homeowners to deduct a portion of their purchase price from their electric bill. You can find this program in the majority of utilities. However, you`ll need to check with the local utility to verify that they are offering it.

A good solar company does not just provide equipment but also a warranty on its workmanship. They will also provide energy efficiency assessments and other services to maximize the performance of your system. Solar companies that are considered to be the best will suggest cost-effective ways to cut your power bills and lower your carbon footprint.

Selecting the best solar provider can be an intimidating job. With the number of solar companies in the market, it`s vital to be aware of the most important aspects to consider prior to making a final decision. Most important is the company`s reputation. Avoid solar companies that have an unsatisfactory track record in customer service and delays in installation.

One way to ensure you`ve made the right choice is to review solar reviews from reliable sources like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. You can also talk to friends and family about their experiences with solar companies.

All of the top-rated solar companies are certified by BBB. They are eligible to receive no-cost estimates for solar panel installations from SaveOnEnergy.

Solar Energy Contractor FAQs

Is the Solar Energy Contractor Nearby?

The first step of this process is to find a good solar installer and ask for a quote and consultation. Check to ensure that the company operates nearby. You want a contractor who is familiar with your local laws, city design guidelines, and permit regulations.

What are Their Ratings and Reviews?

Once you have some local solar contractors in mind, take a look at their online ratings and reviews. It might help to research nationally recognized rating organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Useful ratings can be found on websites like Google. Take a few minutes to read reviews on these solar installers. This will give you valuable insight into problems faced by other homeowners, and how the company responded.

Is the Contractor Licensed?

Depending on your local laws, there may be different licenses required by a contractor in order to install a solar energy system. These can include an electrical contractor license to connect the system as well as a general contracting license for the panel installation and frame attachment to the roof. You can contact your city or county for more information, including recommendations of top solar companies in your area. The need for multiple licenses can cause issues when dealing with smaller or one-person solar contractors, as they might have to subcontract these license requirements to third-parties to stay compliant.

Does the Solar Energy Contractor Perform all the Work, or Do They Hire Subcontractors?

Some solar companies might sell you a contract for a solar electric system then turn around and subcontract the installation to a third-party. This would leave you with multiple contractors from different companies handling various parts of the installation process. It makes it harder to verify the quality of the materials that will be used in each part of your system. Each added contractor spreads liability and can make it more difficult to pinpoint who is responsible for any issues that might arise. You will want to verify the individual insurance of each contractor involved in your project.

You can also reduce your carbon footprint. The industry is becoming more hazardous for those working in it. Motherboard interviewed six workers at solar farms, who spoke out about their hard work, poor living conditions, and theft of wages.