The Louisiana Solar
Energy Society is an
educational organization formed to promote the
use of solar energy and to share information
on the subject between its members and the
public.
A. The
easiest way is to select a dealer. Use
B. Check out the dealer's website. Do they
have photos of their installments; are they stock photos or actual pictures?
You can tell a lot from a website.
C. Go see an installation. If you can't make the trip, pictures are OK.
D. Verify that the installer is experienced. See
how long the dealer has been in business.
E. Make sure the dealer has a Louisiana Solar
Contractor license. Go to
click on Search by Type of Contractor, then click on
Commercial, and scroll down till you find Specialty: Solar Energy Equipment.
That should take you to all the licensed contractors in the state. If your dealer does not have this license, you can not
get the tax credit for the installation!
F. Browse the dealers website, see if they have a
"certificate of training" through an industry training entity or tech college.
if they don't call and ask. As mentioned in the final rules for the state
tax credit, "All installations must be performed by a contractor duly licensed
by and in good standing with the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board with a
classification of Solar Energy Equipment and a certificate of training in the
design and installation of solar energy systems from an industry recognized
training entity, or a Louisiana technical college, or the owner of the residence
(Final Rules for the State
Tax Credit, page 2, E. Eligibility of Certain Costs for Tax Credit, 1.a)"
G. Make sure the dealer has a legitimate business.
Enter the business name
on this website
, to make sure they are listed. Some dealers have a license to install,
but don't have a business.
H. When you do decide to call a dealer and get
started carefully read over the contract. If the dealer asks for all the
money up front instead of half now, half later, be suspect!
I. Finally, check the location of the dealer.
Where is their business located? Make sure they aren't working our of
their car, but have a legitimate office.
A
dealer can help you with all phases of going solar including selection,
sales, installation, warranty, and service. A dealer can also help
you with the sale of used equipment if you decide to upgrade in the future.
A dealer should be able to get you good prices on your equipment.
If
you are a do-it-your-selfer you can go the mail-order route. If you
know what you need and just want to do the installation yourself, contact
They
are located in Jefferson, Louisiana!
