Tips for selecting the right solar PV contractor and products.

1. Getting Started
• Before investing in a
solar electric system,
take the time to find a
highly skilled solar energy
professional.
• Solar photovoltaics are
a long-term investment.
Never allow yourself to
be pressured into making
a decision. You are the
customer. It is your
investment.
• Power generation
equipment must be
installed properly,
to be safe and long-
lasting.
• Locate a American Solar
Energy Society group near
you and attend a meeting
so you can talk with system
owners and solar energy
professionals - http://www.
ases.org/membership/
chapters/
tax credits and incentives:
• Research and understand
if your state has
incentives available
for your installation at
the Database of State
Incentives for Renewables
and Efficiency, (DSIRE),
www.dsireusa.org.
• Find out if you can benefit
from the 30% Federal
Tax Credit for your solar
installation.
DURABLE
SUSTAINABLE
Beautiful
THE SILICON ENERGY DIFFERENCE
Finding the Right Solar energy professional:
Before hiring a solar installation specialist, you will want to understand their
professional credentials, training, experience, and product preferences.
Here are some questions
you’ll want to ask:
Professional credentials:
1. Does the solar energy
professional have
National American
Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP)
or IBEW (NJATC Solar
Training) certification?
NABCEP and IBEW’s
certification are the gold
standard for PV installation
certification, www.nabcep.org
2. Does the solar energy professional have manufacturer’s training on the product?
3. How many projects has the solar energy professional installed?
4. Can the solar energy professional provide customer references, photos, and
testimonials?
5. Does the solar energy professional exhibit a strong, credible understanding of
solar products and performance?
6. Does the solar energy professional have a staff of installers or subcontract the
work? How do they maintain quality workmanship?
7. Does the solar energy professional warranty their work?
8. Does the solar energy professional comply with safe OSHA installation practices?
9. Is the solar energy professional responsive to pre and post installation questions
and potential service needs?
10. Is the solar energy professional bonded and licensed?
11. Does your utility provide a referral list of approved solar energy professionals?
12. Make sure your requirements and needs are addressed by the solar energy
professional.
13. Ask Silicon Energy to connect you with our preferred solar energy professional in
your area, http://www.silicon-energy.com/how-to-buy.
Revision 06.07.2013

2. Product considerations
• Understand the significant
differences in PV designs
impacting module quality
and system performance.
• Pick a module designed
to perform and last
in extreme weather
conditions.
• Compare module wire
management systems,
fire safety ratings and
warranties.
• Select a low maintenance
and easy to service PV
system.
• Find out if the modules
materials are sourced
locally, in the US or
overseas.
• Is the module made
from recyclable or toxic
materials.
• Visit the manufacturer.
• Ask to see the products
you are considering.
DURABLE
SUSTAINABLE
Beautiful
THE SILICON ENERGY DIFFERENCE
System Design and Product Selection:
1. Does the solar energy professional provide installation options and explain the
strengths and weaknesses of those options?
2. Does the solar energy professional explain how the various system designs can
benefit from any available incentive programs?
3. Can the solar energy professional discuss the product features and benefits of
the solar equipment they are proposing, (i.e. quality, safety, warranty, durability,
performance, and aesthetics)?
4. What solar equipment is your solar energy professional proposing, and why?
5. Ask your solar energy professional for made in the USA products, and find out if
the products are manufactured using sustainable manufacturing processes and
materials.
Silicon Energy, LLC
3506 124th Street NE
Marysville, WA 98271 USA
Tel: 360-618-6500
Silicon Energy MN, LLC
PO Box 376
8787 Silicon Way
Mt. Iron, MN 55768 USA
Tel: 218-789-1710
www.silicon-energy.com
www.silicon-energy.com
www.facebook.com/SiliconEnergy
https://twitter.com/SiliconEnergy
https://pinterest.com/SiliconEnergy
Revision 06.07.2013