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Selecting a Solar Hot Water Installer

Who sells and installs solar hot water systems?

The Renewable Energy Resource Center is maintaining a list of solar hot water contractors who are partners in Vermont's Solar Roofs Program, a component of Vermont's commitment to the national Million Solar Roofs Initiative. Contractors who are Partners in Vermont's Solar Roof Program have agreed to a set of installation standards and have proven recent installation experience. The current list of contracting partners for solar hot water systems is provided below. These contractors are a great place to start when searching for qualified solar installation professionals. Please check back frequently for new additions to the Contractor Partners list.

How do I choose among SHW providers?

The first step is to compile a list of prospective SHW providers. If you are trying to narrow down the initial possibilities you might want to consider distance, because a contractor's travel costs can add to your system price. Next, contact several providers and find out what products and services they offer. The following questions may give you a good sense of their capabilities:

Has the company installed SHW systems that are specific to your needs?
For example, if you're interested in a solar pool heating system, contractors who have direct experience designing and installing solar pool heating systems will be better at identifying design issues and optimizing your system's efficiency.

How many years of experience does the company have installing SHW systems?
This issue speaks for itself: A company or contractor that has been in business a long time has demonstrated an ability to work with customers and to compete effectively with other firms.

Is the company properly licensed?
SHW system installers must be licensed as a plumber or hydronic heating specialist if your house is connected to a public water supply. The State of Vermont Labor and Industries Department, Electricians Inspection division (802) 828-2106 can tell you if a contractor has a valid electrician's license. You can also call the city and county where you live for additional information on licensing.

Does the company have any pending or active judgements against it?
As with any project that requires a contractor, due diligence is recommended. The State of Vermont Labor and Industries Department, Electricians Inspection division (802) 828-2106 can tell you about any judgments or complaints against a state-licensed electrician. You can also call the Better Business Bureau (800) 422-2811 and inquire about any registered complaints against potential contractors.

How do I choose among competing bids?
If you have decided to get more than one bid for the installation of your SHW system (and it's generally a good idea to do so), you should take steps to ensure that all of the bids you receive are made on the same basis. For example, comparing a bid for a system mounted on the ground against another bid for a rooftop system is like comparing apples to oranges.

Bids should include the total cost of getting the SHW system up and running, including hardware, installation, permitting, sales tax, and warranty. Requesting itemized versus lump sum bids will allow you to evaluate the costs of labor, materials, and taxes for each contractor.

Your warranty is a very important factor for evaluating bids.
Warranties are key to ensuring that your SHW system will be repaired if something should malfunction during the warranty period. This warranty should cover all parts and labor, including the cost of removing any defective component, shipping it to the manufacturer, and reinstalling the component after it is repaired or replaced.

Be sure you know who is responsible for honoring the various warranties associated with your system-the installer, the dealer, or the manufacturer. The vendor should disclose the warranty responsibility of each party. Know the financial arrangements, such as contractor's bonds, that assure the warranty will be honored. Remember, a warranty does not guarantee that the company will remain in business. Get a clear understanding of whom you should contact if there is a problem. To avoid any later misunderstandings, be sure to read the warranty carefully and review the terms and conditions with your retailer.

Is the lowest price the "best deal"?
It might not be. Often, you get what you pay for. Remember that a SHW company is a business just like any other, with overhead and operating expenses that must be covered. It's always possible that a low price could be a sign of inexperience. Companies that plan to stay in business must charge enough for their products and services to cover their costs, plus a fair profit margin. Therefore, price should not be your only consideration.

Solar Hot Water Heater at a Burlington Vermont Business