Finding
a qualified solar energy installer is much more difficult than a qualified
electrician or plumber. There are many factors that must be taken into
account when choosing and installing a solar power system, whether it
is with photovoltaic cells to generate electricity or a solar heating
system. Each building and area has its own specific energy needs, often
requiring more than one solar collector or panel.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners has a complete
list of certified solar energy installers. These people have gone to
great lengths, including rigorous testing and high standards of work,
to become certified as photovoltaic (PV) practitioners. The can assist
and install any system of solar panels, from complex tracking systems
that follow the course of the sun through out the day, to much simpler
systems with PV panels mounted on the roof of a home.
Solar energy installers are highly sought after because of the fast
pace that the solar market is growing at. It may take over a year to
get all the paper work finalized before installation can begin, so it
is wise to find a solar installer early on in the process. They can
advise on panels required, how and where to mount them and ensure that
the right materials and paperwork is obtained before installation ever
occurs.