SIX THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

Photovoltaic electric systems are a growing link toward our national energy self- sufficiency. It is estimated that 40% of California's energy will by generated by PV solar by the year 2030, and both the State and Federal governments are subsidizing the installations of grid tied PV systems to increase their use. In addition to being clean, nonpolluting and renewable sources of energy, PV electric has a great deal in common with a commercial power plant, but on a smaller scale. These systems have a useful life of 30 years or more, so the quality of their initial installation is critical to their long- term operation. In addition, regular monitoring must occur to avoid power degradation and to keep the system properly maintained and functioning.

The following are questions you should ask before contracting with a dealer or contractor for your photovoltaic system:

1. Will your Solar system be installed by a certified or licensed electrician? In the wrong hands a PV system is dangerous and potentially fatal. Six hundred volts D.C., the amount of current in a typical PV string, is enough to kill a careless installer. The law does not require a licensed electrician to be involved in the installation of the system except at the point of connection to the utility grid. Therefore, if you have an off-grid system all of the connecting to the batteries and your home can be done by people with dubious training. Further, there is little security in merely having the final connection performed by a qualified electrician, because most of the electrical work is done at the PV panels and combiner box level far before final connection. Performed improperly, ground faults and fusing problems can occur and improper wire sizing that will degrade the efficiency of the system and create danger is possible. Make certain that your system is installed by a certified and licensed electrician.

2. Are the components that make up your system of the highest quality? Virtually all-thick film solar panels are made from Polycrystalline silicone, the manufacture of which is both difficult and expensive (think computer circuit chips). The finest panels are those manufactured to rigid output specifications (for example 210 watts), and whose panels perform to that output within reasonable tolerances, for example, +-3%. This indicates good manufacturing process and control. Many companies attempt to build to a 210-watt specification, but fail. Instead of recycling the panels, they mark them down to a lower wattage output and sell them. Who knows what problems will develop over the 30 + year life of the system? The best panels are those rated to a number +5%-0%. These panels produce their rated power plus additional wattage, a real advantage to the system owner.

3. Do you know if your PV Contractor is a member of the Better Business Bureau and if so, are you aware of their rating? Investigate your contractor's reputation. A BBB rating is established over many years and gives the client a window into how the business conducts affairs and resolves conflicts.

4. Does your Contractor have a Contractor's license as is required by law, and is the license in the C-10 category, as it ought to be indicating that it is held by an electrician? Then, is this license in good standing with the State Board? We believe strongly that only electricians be allowed to install PV Power systems for the reasons mentioned in paragraph 1 above. You can check out the status of a Contractor's license by contacting www.cslb.ca.gov.

5. Is your Contractor involved in ongoing training and a member of trade organizations? Does your dealer attend course work to stay abreast of changes in the industry? Like virtually every other part of our economic lives the Photovoltaic Energy industry is changing rapidly. Imagine being someone who bought a new 1980 Olds Cutlass and on the way home from the dealership might have snickered at the person who bought (of all things) a Honda from Japan! Now imagine trying to get rid of that Cutlass 5 years later! Which of those vehicles might have qualified for a "clunkers" program if one were available. Make certain your Contractor knows the most up-to-date technology by training and on-going education.

6. Does your Contractor carry liability insurance and workers compensation insurance and, if so, what are the policy limits? Unfortunately, the State of California does not require Contractors to carry liability insurance and even allows companies to claim exemption from workers compensation insurance. Don't allow anyone to contract with you until you have determined they have insurance in the limits of $2,000,000 in General Liability and Property Damage and $1,000,000 in workers compensation insurance. If your Contractor does not have these insurances and an incident occurs, you may be held liable.

Please contact Cal Paso Solar Electric at 805 239-4851. We are California state licensed electricians with over 30 years experience in contracting and electrical work, and hold a Better Business Bureau rating of A+.