Looking for a Solar Energy Contractor
I've never heard of MapMuse before today, but it looks like a pretty cool site. They have an interactive map that shows the locations of US solar contractors. If you're thinking about starting a solar installation company, this is a great way to identify areas that are underserved.
Looks like the only state in the lower 48 that has zero solar installers is South Dakota, ironic because South Dakota actually gets a really healthy amount of sun, on par with parts of California like Fresno.
Comments
Another thing to do when looking for a solar contractor is to make sure that they are certified by the local Solar Energy Industries Association... this helps weed out the guy who don't know what they are going and will sell you a shoddy product.
http://seia.org/statechapters.php ... contact your state chapter for certified suppliers. (Leslie Glustrom, the Executive Director of COSEIA, the Colorado chapter, is a friend, so I may be a bit biased.)
Posted by: Tom Konrad | January 19, 2007 1:21 AM
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the link. I agree certification makes a lot of sense. NABCEP is another resource that lists certified installers.
As I learn more about solar, I realize how important it is to get someone who knows how to analyze a site and size the system correctly. If you don't hire someone experienced, you're playing with fire.
Posted by: tom c | January 19, 2007 12:46 PM