People opt for solar energy because it is renewable and reduces reliance on the grid. But relying on solar energy doesn’t change the need for electricity to keep the lights on, and power appliances and electronics, communication, safety, operate equipment, provide medical services, public services, and creature comforts. San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft, Inc., has been providing electrical and solar solutions to California’s Central Coast since the company was founded in 1984. Working with multi-skilled electricians and solar technicians is one of the secrets to top-quality solar installations. The company recently published a summary of the skills that make a great solar technician.
“We have nurtured a multi-skilled team on purpose,” said Vice President Jake Treder. “Our solar technicians are just as multi-experienced and qualified as our electricians, and many of our team are licensed and certified for both.”
Multi-skilled means a team that is skilled in a variety of technologies, from licensed electricians and electrical engineers to construction principles and practices, geology, solar energy science, customer service, codes and regulations, and more.
How do I find an experienced, talented solar installation team?
The advice from the San Luis Obispo solar installer team is that before choosing a solar company, look for one that offers licensed and certified electricians and solar technicians who have combined experience and knowledge, including:
- Technical knowledge of photovoltaic technology, and how solar panels, inverters, and the building’s electrical system work together.
- Knowledge and proficiency with installing, testing, inspecting, and repairing complex electrical systems.
- Roofing, construction, and mounting knowledge and experience for roof or ground-mounted panels.
- Construction and geological knowledge for securely installing ground-mounted systems in open spaces.
- A thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local codes that oversee electrical and construction safety.
- A working relationship with code inspectors to make sure the installation is correctly done and passes inspection.
- Ongoing education and training in the advances of electrical and solar science, and renewable energy.
What are the steps to installing a solar system?
There is more to installing solar in San Luis Obispo County or anywhere else than setting up panels. There are many phases to a solar installation project that include electrical engineering and solar technology, such as:
- Site visits to determine the best installation location. If it’s a ground-mounted installation, some knowledge of local geology helps identify a location less subject to natural events such as mudslides, storm damage, or earthquakes.
- Assessing the electrical loads that the system needs to meet. For example, requirements for a solar installation at a public school are different from those at a medical facility, and both are different from a family home.
- Evaluating the condition of the roof for roof-mounted systems and making recommendations for roof modifications if needed.
- Creating and documenting design and installation plans.
- Obtaining necessary permits.
- Installing the panels and connecting the converter and batteries to the panels and the electrical system.
- Testing and troubleshooting the new installation.
- Training the new solar system owner on system maintenance and operation.
Many well-qualified solar companies have a core staff that focuses on installation. They may have an electrical engineer on staff who oversees the electrical aspects and contracts out the electrical services to local electricians. Customers are pleased with their results, but some solar customers prefer a single company that provides all of the necessary skills, licenses, and experience on staff.
The benefits include knowledgeable communication between the installers and code inspectors, top-level communication between the project foreman and you, and speedy resolution to issues that might come up. In short, better service.
Working with the experts
The Electricraft company team of licensed and certified electricians and solar installers represents the top tier of skilled and experienced technicians. The combined skills included electricians, electrical contracting, construction principles and practices, local regulations, solar technology, and electrical and solar projects for residences, businesses, industries, and public agencies.
Trust that the Electricraft team will work diligently to answer your questions and provide top services for:
- Troubleshooting, design, installation, and service.
- Custom, high-quality solar system designs.
- Free estimates.
- Rooftop and ground mount systems.
- 25-year product warranty and 10-year workmanship warranty.
- Turnkey design, permitting, and installation.
- Troubleshooting service & maintenance.
