Getting started with solar

Find a licensed contractor

One of the most important steps to a successful solar energy project is finding the right contractor. Here are some helpful resources and tips to point you in the right direction for selecting your contractor.

Check contractor recommendations online

Finding a good contractor requires references. As a starting point, you can go to a number of websites for help:

• Angie's List is a membership service that compiles consumer ratings of local service companies and contractors.

• The Better Business Bureau lets you research companies to see if they are the subject of complaints filed with the BBB.

• HomeAdvisor.com lets you gather price quotes from service companies that work with HomeAdvisor.

• Yelp.com offers community ratings and comments for a wide range of businesses.

• Go Solar California provides information on solar installers, contractors and retailers.

Tips for hiring a Contractor

• Hire only CA state-licensed contractors with a valid license, Photovoltaic (PV) Generation System: C-10 and C- 46 or B (General) license.

• Get at least three bids or quotes.

• Get at least three references from each bidder and be sure to call or visit each reference.

• Check contractor license numbers online at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

• Confirm the contractor carries worker's compensation and liability insurance policies.

• Inform the contractor you are interested in participating in SMUD's solar incentive program.

• Verify the contractor is informed about SMUD's solar incentive requirements and understands SMUD's electrical grid interconnection requirements.

• Get all project expectations in writing including the solar systems expected yearly output.

• Sign a contract only if you completely understand the terms.

• It is recommended that you never make a down payment of more than 10 percent.

• Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.

• Ensure that the contractor applies for a building permit.

• Make sure SMUD has approved the solar PV system for electrical interconnection to SMUD's electrical distribution grid before you sign off on the project.

• Finally, do not make a final payment or sign off on the installation until you are completely satisfied with the job and understand the warranties and services that are included with the installation.

Please note that SMUD does not endorse or warrant any workmanship, installation, labor, cost or materials of the contractor you select. SMUD also does not work directly with any solar contractors. If you have questions, please go to smud.org/solarforyourhome for more information.

Forms and guidelines

• Electric Service Requirements – Residential Renewable Energy
• Electric Service Requirements – Commercial Distributed Generation
• Interconnection Guidelines
• Net Metering Surplus Election Form
• W-9 Request for Taxpayer
• Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 (12/2014)
• California form 587 (Withholding Allocation)
• California form 590 (Withholding Exemption)
• Meter Clearances - All systems installed require a performance meter. The meter socket will be provided by the installer. The meter will be provided by SMUD at no cost. We strongly encourage that you read Meter Clearances prior to installation to assure correct meter location and equipment specifications.

Solar rates, credits, billing

• Residential rate
• Residential Time-of-Day rate
• Understanding your solar bill
• Federal tax credit

California Energy Commission

• California Consumer Energy Center 1-800-555-7794

Solar industry resources

• California Solar Energy Industries Association
• Go Solar California

Need more answers? See our Frequently Asked Questions.