A good engineering company understands the project goal critical to the customer and works hard to ensure that the project does not just comply with the codes and standards but with the client’s vision as well.
They know the right questions to ask and the right steps to be taken so the project can move smoothly and seamlessly without wasting valuable time, resources, and money.
What are some of the following considerations when choosing your system integrator:
Service provision of the system integrator
You may encounter several companies in your search for the right engineering company. These include solar panel dealers, solar financing institutions, lead generation companies, and installation companies.
Then there are full service solar providers which are companies that do everything for you outside the scope of manufacturing the equipment. They take care of every single aspect of your solar process. In the unlikely event your system runs into several problems, a systems integrator that specializes in all kinds of services will ensure you do not have to run around looking for multiple firms to solve the issue.
In addition, rather than selecting a company that only focuses on handling new equipment, pick a firm that undertakes projects at all lifecycles of the system, such as upgrading of existing installation and testing of new system.
Experience & expertise of the installer
Installing solar panels on different types of roofs require certain skills. The type of roof your property has will determine the design and installation requirements of your solar system. It is important to work with a solar installer who has experience custom designing systems to fit their customers’ needs.
Other than having experienced engineers in the company you should also make sure that they are able to provide advisory and consulting services to final solutions during the different processes.
It is important that company has hired plenty of qualified and experienced engineers, technicians, managers as well as skilled craftsmen in each field. This way you will be guaranteed of refined services for your system.
Detailed and professional quote
The quotation should include a proposed system design and expected generation specific to your property needs. Accredited solar installers will offer an additional warranty covering the whole system including workmanship and installation, as well as performance and operation of the system.
Cost benefit analysis
What you need for your home will depend on how much you have to spend and what you feel is important. Variations in the crystalline structure of photovoltaic panels and the construction of the solar panels can make a big difference to their efficiency and installation cost. Your systems integrator should be able to explain the differences so that you know what you are being quoted for.
Licenses of the solar installer
A solar system integrator should have in their team a Qualified Person (QP) to ensure appropriate physical installation and compliance with regulations. A QP is a person registered as an Architect with the Board of Architects (BOA) or a Professional Engineer with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB); and has a valid practising certificate issued by the BOA or PEB, respectively.
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) is also required to commission and turn on the solar PV system, including applying for the relevant electrical licences and assessing the electrical connection requirements of your system.
Beyond ensuring that your solar integrator has the appropriate licenses and industry-specific certifications, they should also aim to work to industry best practice standards, producing systems that are safe, reliable, and able to meet customer expectations.
