Selecting a Solar Contractor
 
Things to think about when selecting your Solar Contractor

Cascade Sun Works, Inc. is a solar value added distribution and contracting firm headquartered in Central Oregon supplying all of your alternative energy and energy conscious products.

The solar industry for years has been operating without regard to normal building and industry standards in central Oregon. Because of poor equipment selection and workmanship, solar has failed to live up to it’s potential; just ask any building inspector. You can help by making sure that the solar contractor that you select meets professional and ethical standards required to make a long term success of your solar investment.

We at Cascade Sun Works have responded to too many service calls that upon investigation we find that even the simplest items are not installed correctly or to code. While this may sound simplistic, we have recently inspected two large PV systems that the programming on the inverters was so far wrong that both customers might have to replace thousands of dollars of batteries that are not even two years old. In one case, the customer paid for a large grid tied system that was operating for about nine months without selling even one penny back because the inverter programming was not set up. We have seen thermal hot water panels mounted directly on composite shingle roofs – why should the customer pay for a rotted roof in five years because the contractor wanted to save fifty dollars? Of even bigger concern are the solar hot water systems installed without the use of tempering valves on the hot water tank allowing scalding water (up to 180o) be delivered to your hot water tap.

All of the following questions are designed to help you choose a contracting firm and solar system that will meet your needs today and tomorrow.

Is your solar system worth more than your solar contractor?

It’s an unfortunate truth that many contractors are poorly funded and are forced to live job to job. Make sure that your deposit is going to purchase equipment, not groceries.

Does your contractor work out of a home or office?

Are they going to be around for the long run? Do they stock the components necessary to service and repair your system? A full service shop is fully insured, stocks equipment, has invested in the infrastructure to support the business, why should you pay the same rate to a home-based operation?

Is your contractor licensed?

Check the State Contractors Board at (503) 378-4610, 24 hours per day to find out. Make sure that they are bonded and insured for the work they are doing on your home. Make sure that you look at their claims history and whether or not they have any claims pending. If they do have pending claims, ask them about it and get clear, straightforward answers. Talk to the person filing the claim!

Workers Compensation Insurance?

Most home-based solar contractors do not carry workers compensation insurance since they are exempted. As a result, any one helping them is likely to be un-insured. Are you prepared to take this risk?

 

 

 

 

  

Does my solar retailer or consultant need to be a licensed contractor?

No. However, unless your retailer or consultant has direct experience designing and installing the equipment for the service it is intended, they may not have the expertise and ability to provide you with the best possible solutions. If they claim to be so good, why are they not licensed with a bond to back up their actions?

What kind of warranty should I expect for solar systems?

Some components like tanks only have 2-3 year warranties. Thermal panels should have warranties in the five (5) year range. We have seen numerous solar thermal systems lasting between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. In addition to component warranties, what kind of system warranty is your solar contractor offering you? Will he be around to honor it?

Did you receive good system documentation?

Good system documentation will allow any competent solar contractor to service and repair your system. Make sure that you see examples of the following documents from your contractor: installation schematics for your specific home, manual with service instructions, service schedule, special tools or equipment required.

How do I know if my contractor is competent to get the job done?

Make sure that you get three references. At least one should be from a reputable contractor who has critically reviewed and appraised the work performed by your proposed solar contracting firm. General contractors know what they are doing and can be far more critical of a sub-contractors work than the average homeowner. Ask your contractor how many systems they have installed in the past year.

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e-mail info@sun-works.com

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Redmond Showroom
Airport Business Park, 2444 S.E. First Street  Redmond, Oregon 97756
 Tel: 541/548-7887  Fax: 541/548-6978  Portland:  503/297-5781

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