What you should know before installing solar panels

An electricianis encouragingconsumersto do their research before installing solar panels.

Matt Eye, owner ofM.B. Eye Electrical, saidmanyclients aren't aware ofthe difference between a good install and a bad install.

"Homeowners should do a background check on the contractor to make sure they have certifications in place," he said.

Eye isa certified electrical contractor who is also certified in solar installations. He said he gets a couple of calls peryear oninstallations that arenot done properly.

"Worst case, solar panels could end up in your living room.You're adding a lot of weight to the roof of the home and you need to ensure that it can handle that weight withthe snow loads we get in P.E.I."

Eye said that's whyit's important to havea structural engineer look at a property beforeinstallation.

Susan Whitaker recently had solar panels installed on her home and saidshe and her husband took their time before hiring someone to put them in.

"I think you want to investigate the product, look at the people providing it and do your math."

Eye saidhe thinks the province should have stricter regulations on thetrade.

Due diligence

Ted Kitson, chief electrical inspector with the province, said it's not up to the province to ensure companies or individuals are solar certified.

"Ican't disagree on stricter regulations, but that falls on the company to request this."

Kitson said installers need to be registered electrical contractors on the Island, but that the responsibility for ensuring that falls onthe consumer.

"If you're a licensed electrical contractor, we assume you're going to follow the Canadian Electrical Code. If you're going to do it for a particular manufacturer, they may require some training ... Ihope that they would."

He encourages consumers to call hisoffice and ask about a company's work history and experience. If there are issues, the province canfollow up with them.

"There may be fly by nightersthat come to P.E.I. and install systems which is an issue."

Kitson said instructors from The Canadian Standards Association have not yet come to provide training to inspectors on the Island, but said they will in the near future.

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