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Solar Panel Installers

Northern California has over 2,900 hours of yearly sunshine with 3,200 hours being provided by Mother Nature in Southern California. With these ideal conditions in the North & South it provides the best weather for the installation of solar panels by solar panel installers to work in the entire nation. 

California Solar Panel Installers

Solar panel installation in California is the most efficient in the entire nation mainly because of the year round sun, the competitive solar panel market and the more than generous client incentives.

California's Renewable Energy

 Over 20% of California’s electricity is derived from renewable resources which has a long history of coming to the support of solar energy companies. Thanks to the ambitious efforts of the Renewables Portfolio Standard program the number will rise to 33% by the year 2020. A state program, the California Solar Initiative, was created that will have the state’s 3 largest utilities offer solar power rebates as incentives to their customers.

 Qualified Contractors Are Key

Qualified solar panel installers typically apply for the California Solar Initiative incentives and rebates on your behalf. Then they will plan for your system to be connected to your local utility company’s power system grid. Local installers will also apply for building permits and can also help you with federal government tax credits on the panel installation.

Get Estimates from At Least 3 Solar Panel Installers

By interviewing 3 solar panel installers you will be able to understand the actual costs, advantages and benefits of installing solar power when you discuss the detailed attributes of your business, building or home.

 The California Solar Initiative program spokesman states, "Installers are required to register with the California Energy Commission through its online database. Except for those systems that are self-installed, all systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California contractors in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB.) Installation contractors must have an active A, B, C-10, or C-46 license for photovoltaic (PV) systems. All systems must be installed in conformance with the manufacturer's specifications and with all applicable electrical and building code standards."

When You Select a Contractor

If you go to the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) online site you will see guidelines in the "Consumer Tips" section. It would be a wise decision to follow them. Harold Baird of the CSLB recommends, "When selecting any contractor, for a solar PV installation, consider a contractor's solar technology expertise, experience with roof installations and familiarity with your location. The contractor can help you choose the right size PV system by providing an estimate of how much energy the system will produce in a year."

 Harold went on to say, "A contractor's bid should include the peak generating capacity of your solar electric system and the total cost including hardware, installation, connecting to the grid, permitting, and warranty." It is also a good idea to vet the solar panel installers state certified license, electrical & solar installation expertise, evidence of insurance, the financial health of the firm in question and any names and phone numbers of positive customer references.