After you have made the decision that you want to install solar cells on your home, you need to find a reliable company to purchase them from and to set up them. But how do you know who to choose? Here are some tips to help you decide.

1. Experience Counts.
If you are fortunate enough to live in an district where solar panel installation has been ongoing, you may be able to find a company which has been in business for 2 or 3 decades. If so, they should be able to provide plenty of references for you to call. It will also be easy to check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if they have a spotless record.

2. What Do They Recommend?
Ask them about the equipment they suggest, and do some research on the internet to find some reviews of the manufacturers. Find out what kinds of warranties the equipments comes with. Also, find out what kinds of warranties the contractor offers on labor and workmanship. It is common to find ten year warranties on the solar power panels, and three to 10 year warranties on pumps, inverters and controls. Workmanship should have at least a one year warranty.

3. Off-Grid or On-Grid Systems
Some installers have know-how only in off-grid systems, and you may be uneasy about them working on your system if it will be tied to the grid. It is true that there are distinct differences between installing the two systems. But off grid-systems are much more complex than grid-tied-systems. An off-grid installer will most likely be quite capable of connecting your system to the local electricity company, especially since he or she will be monitored by the local building inspectors.

4. Professional Membership
Membership in a professional organization for alternative energy vendors might be another indicator of professionalism. But find out first what the requirements are to join the association before you decide to be impressed. Memberships are voluntary, and some only require paying a fee. Other organizations (like the Solar Energies Industries Association) require ongoing instruction and field experience in order to qualify for membership.

5. Word Of Month Recommendations
The top recommendation is always word of mouth from a trusted source. If you know someone who has recently had solar power panels installed, ask them if they would refer the company they used. You can also ask a local real estate agent. They usually know the responsible installers in town.

If you have you been wondering whether or not you can install solar power panels on your house, there are several factors to think about. Things like the direction that your roof faces and the position of trees in your backyard can make a difference. You will also need to recognize whether or not you want your electrical system tied to the local electric grid. Here’s a short list of some of the things you will need to consider.

The most important issue is whether your solar power panel system will be grid tied or off-grid. Power grid tied means that your electric system will be hooked up to the loacal electric utility company. You solar panels will make electricity that can run your appliances as long as the sunlight is shining on your solar panels. At night and during weather when the sun is not out, your appliances will run on utility company electricity.

An off power grid system runs separately and is not hooked up to a utility company. They are more common in rural areas where utility poles are far-away and hookups are very expensive. Off grid systems use batteries (very similar to batteries in cars) to store excess power, and usually have back up generators for crisis situations. Appliances run off the solar photovoltaic cells during the day, and the batteries or generator during the darkness or during inclement weather.

For both grid tied and off grid systems, the roof pitch, direction it faces, and nearby objects that throw shade are all factors affecting where you can place solar photovoltaic panels. They need access to direct sunlight for as much of the day as possible for optimal efficiency. Large trees that shade the roof in addition to taller buildings that might block the sun need to be taken into consideration. Since each residence has a different permutation of these factors, each house must be individually considered. True measurements and surveys, as well as a site assessment by a experienced installer will generate the necessary information for the best solar cell configuration for your house.