As interest continues to grow with solar for homes, you may find yourself deciding whether you need a solar contractor. In this article we are going to share information with you about how to choose a solar contractor.

Solar for Homes – Decide if You Need a Solar Contractor

First of all, you need to decide if you even need a solar contractor. There is obviously a cost involved with hiring a contractor. If you are someone that doesn’t like DIY projects, you may definitely want to hire a solar contractor. If you are a serious DIY’er, you may be able to tackle the solar project yourself.

When considering solar for homes, decide what your solar power system needs will be. Do you want to have a couple of small solar panels that can generate a little power for your laptop or do you want to have a full-blown solar power system that will provide power for your house and have surplus power to sell back to your electric company?

Solar for Homes

Solar for Homes – Building Permits

If you have decided on a comprehensive solar power system for your home, you are going to need to check on local permitting processes in your locale. It is important to realize that not ever community welcomes solar power systems.

Start by calling your local building inspector or building department. Describe your project and ask about applicable codes for your project. Checking on applicable regulations will help you avoid problems like the following:

• Improper Wiring
• Exceeding Roof Loads
• Constructing Unlawful PV Frames
• Installing Components too Close to Street
• Conforming to local Covenants and Restrictions

Solar for Homes – Selecting Your Contractor

One of the best ways to find a good solar contractor is by way of referrals. Ask people you know, in your area, who have had their homes retrofitted with a solar power system. Also, you can talk to local building contractors and building material suppliers.

A good practice is to interview your contractor face to face if possible. You can visit with him over lunch, a long break or even on a jobsite. Here are some important questions to consider asking your potential contractor.

• Ask about the contractor’s license and contracting experience–get license numbers
• What experience do you have installing solar power systems
• Ask your potential contractor for references
• Ask if the contractor typically bonds his or her jobs
• Ask to see the contractor’s worker’s comp policy
• What suppliers do your prefer to work with
• Ask if it is ok for your attorney to review the contractor’s standard contract

Solar for Homes – Working with Your Contractor

You have decided what kind of solar power system you want to have and you have picked a contractor–now what? Throughout the installation process it is important to maintain a relationship of trust with your contractor. To maintain this healthy relationship with your contractor, the key is communication. It is important to be available to your contractor in case there are any problems during the installation.

Also, it is smart to establish how changes are approved and made. Changes and challenges are inevitable, so decide in advance how these situations will be handled.

Make sure to review the plans for your new solar power system very carefully. Make sure you understand where everything is going to be located. It is always easier to make changes on the plans as opposed to the actual installation!

We hope you have given you some things to think about as you consider whether solar for homes is the way for you to go. Start getting some power from the sun today! For further reading, you may want to check out Solar Energy Facts – 15 Things You Should Know About Solar Power.