In this article, I’m going to discuss some of the ways people incorrectly install solar systems. I will cover common mistakes made by new installers. With solar being a new industry, it’s full of new installers trying to get rich quick installing substandard solar systems. Just last night, a case in Texas was featured on the local news. The video below explains the situation.

The Texas man in this video is the victim of poor solar practices. Every solar system we install requires us to file an “Interconnection Agreement” with your utility company. It’s a fairly technical process that could be arduous for the average homeowner. It involves submitting system design details and technical characteristics to the utility company for their review. If this process doesn’t occur, your solar system would be connected to the grid illegally and the power company could potentially press charges against you.

In this video, it’s not really evident whether or not the man installed the system himself or had a contractor install it, but it is evident that it was done incorrectly. If we assume he had a contractor do it, this was a typical case of a contractor jumping on the bandwagon of solar energy and not doing it properly. Any reputable contractor would have known an interconnection agreement would have to be filed with the utility company. On top of that, they should have made sure that the utility company practiced net-metering. Although it’s a common practice in our area, in many states, all utility companies aren’t required to allow small energy systems to interconnect to the grid and net meter their power. This man has found himself in quite a predicament with a non net metered solar system. The amateur nature of the work can be seen in the shots of the system on the man’s roof. The roof penetrations are made without proper flashings.

These are the types of things that can be avoided by having a competent, skilled installer like us install your solar system. We’re professionals who’ve been doing this longer than most installers in our area. We know what we’re doing and we do everything correctly and to the highest standards. There are reasons we only use the best equipment available. We want your solar system to last a lifetime and the only way to do that is to install it carefully using the best equipment available. You can feel safe knowing that by going with an Eco-merica solar system, you are getting the best solar system available.

Tags: interconnection, solar problems, how not to do solar, ecomerica, nabcep, solar, net metering, texas

With solar power’s increasing adoption across the state of PA, solar companies are popping up left and right. This, in conjunction with numerous “certification classes” available online and in different locations throughout the country are making it harder and harder for people to pick out a reliable solar installer. Fortunately, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) maintains the industry’s most rigorous and nationally recognized certification program, commonly known as “The One That’s Hard to Get.” This enables customers to discern the inexperienced, questionable installers from the seasoned, experienced, quality installers.

NABCEP certified solar installers know solar inside and out. In order to qualify for certification, an installer must go through an accredited training program, perform a number of documented installations over the course of two years, and pass a rigorous, four hour exam covering all aspects of solar installation. The exam covers all sorts of topics including but not limited to OSHA safety regulations, technical design, installation practices, and system maintenance. Needless to say, their slogan is correct in that it’s not easy to get.

Eco-merica is one of a handful of NABCEP solar installers in the state of Pennsylvania. We encourage everyone we speak with about solar to insist on certification. Even if you choose another installer instead of us, please make sure they are NABCEP certified. Certification is crucial to ensure a healthy industry full of properly installed solar systems. We don’t want to have to fix a lot of leaky, failing systems 5 years down the road because a shoddy installation crew decided not to properly flash the roof penetrations or skimp on the sunlight exposure rating on the wires that are exposed under the panels on the roof just to save a few bucks. Solar is about constructing systems that will last 25 years or more. The only way to do that is to install them right, the first time. For more information on NABCEP, visit their website or check out their brochure.

Tags: nabcep, eco-merica, solar, certification, training