How to Find a Solar Contractor
- 1). Search the Find Solar website (see References) for professional solar contractors in your area. Search by zip code for a list of contractors serving the area. You can also use the state and local directories found at the bottom of the home page to begin the search. Read the customer ratings and reviews for each contractor, if they are available. Not all contractors listed have customer reviews on the Find Solar website.
- 2). Research some or all of the contractors listed on Find Solar and with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) (see Resources). Ask the contractors for customer referrals, and other pertinent information like contractors' license numbers and insurance verification. Verify that the contractors are properly licensed and insured. Some states require specific registration, certification or licensing of solar contractors. Make sure that any contractor you are considering meets the state's contractors licensing board regulations.
Contact the customer referrals given to you by the contractors and ask them about their level of satisfaction with the work performed. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any information they have regarding the companies, and complaints registered against them. - 3). Request bids from the contractors you have researched. Make sure that the bid is specific for the structure and includes DC-to-AC converters, battery backups and any incentives or rebates that apply to the solar system. Also ask the contractors how they will handle the applications for incentives and rebates and how that affects the final cost of the job. Compare the contractors and their bids to make a final decision.
