Solar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I'm thinking of installing a solar energy system on my house or business.  Where do I start?

Start by taking an ISEA Community Education Course on Solar Electricity, Solar Thermal and Small Wind. You will learn the basics of energy, types of systems (solar pv, solar thermal, and small wind), the uses, pros and cons of each system, and some general financials, including current incentives.

Attend a Solar Social, a quarterly event for the public and ISEA members, to visit residential and commercial installations of wind, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, and geothermal systems.  A tour with questions and answers are included.

You can also attend the Illinois Solar Tour, which takes place annually on the first Saturday of October from 10 am - 3 pm.  Here you can see what others have done, ask questions about how they installed their system, what their energy savings have been, etc.

How do I find a contractor that can help me with this project?

• Refer to our Business Members page which lists ISEA business members.
  
• The American Solar Energy Society has developed a database of solar energy professionals called Find Solar.
  
• Check the list of NABCEP Certified Installers. 
  

Where do I find information about renewable energy rebates and grants?

• ISEA Financial Incentives page
• The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) has information on Federal and State incentives.

Where can I learn the skills to be a solar installer?

• ISEA will be launching professional education programs - online and classroom based.  Check our Events Calendar for dates.
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) offers professional training courses and workshops.
• Community Colleges
• • Rock Valley College - Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Energy Systems
  • Kankakee College - Associate of Applied Science with Renewable Energy Technology
    

What licensing, certification or training does Illinois require for Solar Contractors/Developers?

The State of Illinois recently passed legislation that requires PV Installers to be certified by the State.  The rules are being drafted and information will be posted here. (10/28/12).

The ISEA highly recommends that you receive training from an accredited program and become credentialed through NABCEP or ETA-International.  Adding these credentials will offer your customers assurance that you are qualified to install their solar system.

When under or poorly trained solar contractors install a system incorrectly it hurts the industry by discouraging consumers from considering solar as a viable option.  Businesses are built on reputations, so get properly educated.