Finding a Contractor

Finding a contractor may be the hardest part of the renewable process. You will soon realize dealers can be local, state-wide, regional or nationwide. We recommend you start this process like you would if you were choosing a contractor, electrician, doctor or vet – get recommendations! And make sure you perform your own research and due diligence in this process. We have helpful tips and suggested questions from industry leaders.

Helpful tips for your search

  • TALK TO YOUR CO-OP! We are proud to help our net-metering members, but often aren’t contacted until the solar is ready to be turned on. Only then do members realize they missed important steps they were never informed about. We are happy to share our contract and requirements ahead of time. 
     
  • Educate yourself on the topic before you start contacting contractors.
     
  • Most likely the person you speak with when talking with a solar company is a salesperson, not an installer. Make sure you get every piece of information in writing, including “guarantees”, and communicate this with installers.
     
  • If geothermal is what you are looking for, understand the industry uses two types of terminology: geothermal and ground source heat pumps (GSHP). One is fancy and fun, the other is the technical term. BEC does offer rebates for certain GSHP systems.
     
  • Check with neighbors, family or friends who have already installed solar, wind, geothermal, etc. Compare the company’s promise with their real experiences.
  • Check the Better Business Bureau, check with Missouri’s state energy office, the Attorney General’s office, MU Extension, or renewable energy associations. How are the recommended businesses and the “avoid” businesses comparing with your list? This also gives you confirmation they are licensed in the state.
     
  • Consider calling your insurer and checking how they handle renewables and if they have any concerns or praises about contractors on your list.
     
  • Narrow your list to at least THREE contractors: check their previous installations, references, get bids and carefully read each of their contracts.
     
  • Consider having a lawyer review the contracts before signing and find out if any of the contractors are facing lawsuits.

Recommended questions for contractors

  • Is my home viable for wind, solar, geothermal, etc? Residential solar is best on homes with a south facing roof with no trees between the sun and the panels. Residential wind needs to fit city or county regulations, and perform best with certain consistent wind strengths. Is your home or business within the industry recommendations?
  • If needed, are you willing to cut trees to gain optimal sun?
  • Is the contractor familiar with city or county electric codes and inspection practices? Is the contractor familiar with your utility’s requirements?
  • How much energy will the system produce? Each panel/turbine? How does this compare with your usage?
  • What are the rebates and tax incentives and how do they work?
  • How long is the payback period for your investment?
  • Are there hidden fees? How are payments set up?
  • How long will the system last? What is the annual depreciation?
  • What will the maintenance entail? Can I do it or will I need to hire someone?
  • Check references and professional certifications, credentials, and affiliations for the solar companies you’re considering. Ask the installers what training courses they’ve taken or certifications they’ve earned.
  • Is the contractor responsible for hiring the electrician or is one provided as part of the installation?
  • What are the dangers and safety precautions?
  • How does battery storage work and what are the costs?
  • What happens if you sell your home before you pay off the panels?

INDUSTRY RECOMMENDATIONS

Renewable experts offer advice and recommendations while weighing in on finding a contractor.

City of Columbia: Approved list of solar contractors BEC information about Ground Source Heat Pumps American Solar Energy Society: 40 Q's To Ask A Contractor Missouri's Division of Energy: Solar Missouri's Division of Energy: Wind Missouri's Division of Energy: Geothermal
U.S. Department of Energy: Solar U.S. Department of Energy: Wind U.S. Department of Energy: Geothermal U.S. Energy Information Administration Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc: Interested in Solar? Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association Missouri Electric Cooperatives: Solar

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