Its been 8 months since I had my BIG BOX STORE/subcontractor system installed and have about given up fighting. Heres some tips and comments that may spare you some problems;
Contract TIPS:
Insist on:
1) a firm completion date with either a price reduction or a a firm cancellation clause.
2)a clause that ensures that YOU get the benefit of any price reductions on equipment cost. Panel Prices do go down!
3) A fully refundable deposit. A credit card with buyer protections is good
4) a clause that makes the Install company responsible if they exceed the rebate time limits and make up the difference which can be substancial.
5) Check you installers license and history. Many are online
6) Make sure Company you sign with is really who they are and not just a bigbox "contractor". If push comes to shove the BIG BOX STore with try to shift responsibilty to the contractor and vise versa. Think some Subcontractor just buy space and BIG BOX STORE name backing from to con you into a false sense of responsibily.
Install Tips:
LAg every rafter!! Not every 2nd or 3rd but every one with 3/8" lags. Had I not done this my panels would be gone!!
Correctly Seal every hole! every lag, every hole, every grommet! Don't let them cheap out on sealing or you will be sorry.
Make Installl company responsible for broken tiles or other damage like smashed gutters ect.
Oversize your wiring. One size larger than need is good.
Choose your inverter location carefully. Inverters put out lots of heat and noise.
If your thinking of expanding in future now is time to add roof rails.
Hope this helps.
Contract TIPS:
Insist on:
1) a firm completion date with either a price reduction or a a firm cancellation clause.
2)a clause that ensures that YOU get the benefit of any price reductions on equipment cost. Panel Prices do go down!
3) A fully refundable deposit. A credit card with buyer protections is good
4) a clause that makes the Install company responsible if they exceed the rebate time limits and make up the difference which can be substancial.
5) Check you installers license and history. Many are online
6) Make sure Company you sign with is really who they are and not just a bigbox "contractor". If push comes to shove the BIG BOX STore with try to shift responsibilty to the contractor and vise versa. Think some Subcontractor just buy space and BIG BOX STORE name backing from to con you into a false sense of responsibily.
Install Tips:
LAg every rafter!! Not every 2nd or 3rd but every one with 3/8" lags. Had I not done this my panels would be gone!!
Correctly Seal every hole! every lag, every hole, every grommet! Don't let them cheap out on sealing or you will be sorry.
Make Installl company responsible for broken tiles or other damage like smashed gutters ect.
Oversize your wiring. One size larger than need is good.
Choose your inverter location carefully. Inverters put out lots of heat and noise.
If your thinking of expanding in future now is time to add roof rails.
Hope this helps.
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