Tips on How to Hire the Best Solar Company in Oregon
So you decided to go solar. It’s a good decision.
Over the long term, solar panels will save thousands on your energy bills and add quite a bit to the value of your home. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that on average, the value of a home jumps by $20 for every $1 drop in annual energy bills. We’re talking about some serious money.
Plus, you can feel good about pulling power from the sun - a carbon free resource that keeps the lights on and the fridge cold. With battery storage, you’ll be just fine even if the grid goes down for a time.
Before signing a solar contract, you have a handful of important considerations.
Obviously, price matters. But if a solar installation company gives you a much lower estimate, you should proceed with caution. Experienced installers know the costs involved to install your system correctly. Newer installation companies may come in at a low bid because they either don’t know the true costs of doing it right, or they’re so new that they really, really want the business.
It’s also important to know that many reputable installation companies may not repair another company’s mistakes for you - and so if installed incorrectly the first time, you could end up paying to have the solar panels removed and any damage repaired, prior to incurring the cost of an entirely new install.
Solar can be a blessing, but it can become a curse if you choose an unreliable solar installer. In this article, we’ll outline the main things to consider before choosing a solar company in Bend, Redmond, or across Oregon.
If you’d like to talk about solar for your home, start by giving us a call at 541-248-5373, or send us a message anytime:
Risks of Choosing the Wrong Solar Company
Misleading Solar Contracts
Some solar companies are unscrupulous and may give you a misleading contract, which charges you too much or lets them off the hook if your system doesn’t deliver as promised.
You should be especially cautious when signing a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). PPAs work well for in some situations, but they can also be tough to terminate and can saddle you with a monthly payment for a solar system that you don’t own. Always be sure to read and understand the terms of your solar lease or PPA before agreeing to a long-term contract.
Roof Damage
Also, piercing the roof to attach the panels might lead to leaks and structural problems.
The roof must be evaluated correctly before installation, or it might not withstand the solar panels’ weight and pressure. Also, piercing the roof to attach the panels might lead to leaks and structural problems. Proper flashing and sealing are essential.
Wiring Issues
Improper wiring can lead to electrical hazards, fire risks, or performance losses. Also, wires can degrade or damage over time if exposed to sunlight, moisture, or sharp edges. To prevent this, your wires must be run, bundled, labeled, and connected correctly, as well as shielded from environmental factors.
Improper wiring like this can lead to electrical hazards, fire risks, or performance losses.
Also, if your inverter is not compatible, configured, or installed properly, it may fail to convert the DC from the panels to the AC for the grid or the appliances. This can result in power losses, overheating, or malfunctioning of the inverter. To prevent this, the inverter must be aligned with the rest of your system specifications, and installed in a cool and ventilated place.
Before the install, you should ask the right questions. Doing your due diligence can help you avoid poor workmanship, leaks, or other simple errors that could cause future troubles.
Questions to ask Solar Companies in Bend, Oregon and Across Oregon
These questions aren’t meant to be exhaustive, but they’ll help you filter out the solar companies that are likely to cause serious regret. We’ll also offer answers for Earthlight Technologies, which is based in Bend, Oregon and in the top 5% of solar installers nationally.
Feel free to call with any follow up questions: 541-248-5373.
How long have you been operating?
How much solar have you installed so far? The longer that a solar company has been in business, the more confident you can feel that they’ll accurately bid your project and execute as promised. In general, don’t consider any company that hasn’t been around for at least three years. The longer the better.
Earthlight Technologies started installing solar panels in 2008.
Have you earned NABCEP Certification?
NAPBEC (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is a nonprofit organization that offers certification programs for professionals in the field of renewable energy.
This certification is optional, but it provides PV installation professionals with extra experience and knowledge that sets them apart from the competition. This accreditation complements the state licensing requirements, and while it doesn’t supersede them, it enhances the installer’s qualifications, giving them an edge in expertise.
Earthlight Technologies stands out with a NABCEP Certification. Our certification number is: PVDS-092922-013692.
Do you have a license and insurance for solar installation or electrical work in Oregon?
A CCB license is required for your contractor to meet state and local building codes. Ask for their number and check them on the Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board site. This almost goes without saying, but don’t consider a solar company that isn’t licensed and insured.
Earthlight Technologies is licensed, bonded, and insured in Oregon. Our CCB number is: 201408. Check us out. We’re proud to have a clean record with no complaints.
Are you an Energy Trust Trade Ally, and do you hold a valid Tax Credit Certification?
To get the incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon, your solar panels must be installed by one of their certified Trade Ally Contractors. Trade Allies can design your system to meet all the requirements, including TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction).
Your contractor must also have a valid Tax Credit Certification to be eligible for Oregon’s Residential Energy Tax Credit. You can see the list of contractors with these certifications on the Oregon Department of Energy website.
Earthlight Technologies is a Trade Ally Contractor with the Energy Trust of Oregon, and we have a valid Tax Credit Certification. Everyday, we help homeowners maximize both their cash incentives and tax credits for solar panel installations in Oregon.
Do you use subcontractors for any part of the installation?
If so, who are they? What are their credentials?
You don’t want to see an unfamiliar company logo on a vehicle in your driveway and be confused about what’s happening. It’s fine if your installer subcontracts – many companies have a team of installers for different projects – just make sure the subcontractor has the right qualifications.
Earthlight Technologies is a vertically integrated company, meaning that we do the vast majority of our own work. If subcontractors are needed to make sure your project is done on time, we’ll let you know in advance, so there are never any surprises when it’s time for your solar panel installation.
What products do you use?
Who are the module and inverter manufacturers? What are their warranty terms? Ask for product numbers, and research the companies to verify their reputation. Reviews and testimonials are helpful.
Not all solar panels are created equal (far from it actually). If one bid is significantly lower, you may be getting lower quality panels or inverters that will not perform reliably over time.
Solar Panel Installation in Oregon: The Bottom Line
Ask questions to make sure you’re choosing the right solar installer for your project. Installing solar panels is a big investment, and you want to make sure you get the return you expect.
If you have questions about installing solar panels on your home in Bend, Redmond, or across Oregon, please give us a call at 541-248-5373. We’re happy to help.