Forget hybrid cars -- how does a hybrid house sound?
A solar powered home generates and stores solar electric power, drawing
on traditional grid power only at night and during times of high
demand. Solar electric power is a clean, green alternative to
traditional fossil-fuel based electricity. Even if you aren\'t a
treehugger, you might be attracted to solar\'s ability to decimate
monthly electric bills for 30+ years.

If you\'ve decided to make
the leap towards a hybrid home, choosing the right solar power company
to install your new solar power system can be the next big hurdle.
There are many of them out there, and all of them seem like solar
electric power pros. How do you choose the best solar power company for
the job? Here are some great questions to throw at a solar power
company.

To check out the credentials of a solar power company, be sure to ask:

• How long has this solar power company been in business? A
  company should have at least 2-5 years of experience installing solar
  electric power systems. You want a stable company that will be around
  to back up its warrantees in the years to come.
• What is its customer satisfaction rating? If
  you can\'t find out easily on the company website (and if the rating
  is good, it will be posted everywhere) or through the Better Business
  Bureau, you may want to reconsider.
• Does the solar power company hold a valid state contractor\'s license?
  In compliance with federal law, your solar installer needs to have one.
  Check out their license number on your local state site. After all, you
  really don\'t want someone unqualified working with your roof.

To check up on essential details about the installation of your solar panel system, you should ask:

• Who manufactures the solar panels and inverter? Solar
  panels generate D/C energy, which needs to be inverted into A/C
  electricity to be usable within your home, so you need a reliable
  inverter with a good warranty. The same goes for your solar panels.
  Look for a namebrand manufacturer such as GE Energy or SMA America: not
  only do they offer longer warrantees (5-10 years for an inverter, 25
  years for solar panels), they\'re likely to be around in 10 years if and
  when you need something replaced.
• Does the solar power company use its own installers or sub-contract out the solar installation?
  A company that uses its own installers can offer greater accountability
  and experience, and its own installers will be far more familiar with
  the company\'s procedures than a sub-contractor. Accountability and
  reliability are key in a solar installation.
• What does the bid include?
  Solar installation bids can vary dramatically. Before going for the
  cheapest, make sure it includes everything you need it to, from
  engineering your system to pulling building permits to connecting your
  new system with the grid. To save yourself some headaches, also check
  to see if your solar power company will file your rebate/tax credits
  and net metering paperwork. Companies that offer turnkey installation
  generally make the solar installation process less complex and
  problematic.

Don\'t be afraid to run a solar power
company through the wringer before signing any paperwork. An honest
company will be happy to answer all your questions with no weaseling
and provide proof of its claims. Going solar is a major decision, and
it pays to be an informed consumer. With the right questions, you\'ll be
well on your way to choosing the right solar power company.