A: Look for experience, proper licenses, insurance, references, close proximity, and a provider you feel comfortable with. To ensure a reasonable price, solicit bids from several providers and compare their offers:
Do they provide a timeline and checklist?
Do they offer on-site inspection and bill analysis?
Do they provide a multi-year financial and energy prediction?
Will they handle all paperwork, permits, utility agreements, etc.?
Is there a full system warranty for five years (or more)?
Have they accounted for shade, poles, wires or future buildings?
Do they include annual maintenance checks or cleaning?
Is there a monitoring package included, so you can view the results of your solar system over the Internet?