Blog Post: Who Are These Solar Guys?

You hear them on the radio, you get knocks on your door and see them at home shows: solar guys (installers and salesmen), everywhere. The reason is that there is a strong, incentivized push from local and Federal governments to try to “Green Up” the country. 

The industry has cash flow in the amount of $40 billion annually in the US alone.  The industry has grown, thanks to the incentives, to almost double its gross sales every year and is expected to grow another 30 percent this year. Along with that growth come mechanics and entrepreneurs who see opportunities that exist now and in the future.  

So, who are these guys? Well, they range from mega corporations to family owned small businesses. In California alone, that equates to over 25,000 solar related jobs. 

They vary from guys who get a NABCEP certification http://www.nabcep.org/ to contractors who see an opportunity in a growing industry. And, of course, there are always the high pressure sales entrepreneurs, who may or may not know much about solar at all. 

So here are some things to look for:

• get references phone numbers from past jobs that you can call and talk to

• check the status of their contractor’s license with the Contractors Board https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

• ask for a copy of their workers compensations insurance

• ask specific questions about the installation, location of the equipment, attachment of the panels to the roof and water-proofing (where the racking connects to the roof).

• ask about the manufacturer of the equipment (solar panels) as some are better than other

• ask if the company has a maintenance program

In the end, you should choose a company that you feel comfortable with, communicates well and has the qualifications and references to install and service your solar electric system in the future.