We learned several lessons.

1. ๏ Interview at least three contractors working with alternative energy.  Check their knowledge and presentation against other sources.  Listen to your gut, put it all in writing and stand up for what’s important to you.  We were adamant about the 3 inch conduit from the attic to the utility room.  Maybe the piping will never leak- but what if it does?  The 3 inch PVC also provides more protection and insulation to the piping.  We installed the conduit for under $80.00
   

2. ๏When applying for any grant monies or tax credits, review the requirements first and then write them into the contract.  You are ultimately responsible and if your grant is denied, you are the one suffering the loss.  Some contractors will handle the entire paper work process except for the Federal tax incentive.
   

3. ๏Looks may not be everything but check with your home owners association or any local covenants.  Some products may not fit because of their appearance such as evacuated tubes.  If the appearance bothers you, it may bother a potential future buyer of your home or property.
   

4. ๏Get involved and coordinate a face to face or conference call between the alternative energy contractor and your roofing company.  Understand and agree on how the panels will be attached and roof penetrations secured against any leaks.
   

5. ๏Understand how much space is required for the panels on the roof and for the gear in the utility room to connect to your existing domestic hot water.
   

6. ๏Use your resources: the internet, telephone and talking with others.  We called Englert the roofing manufacturer and Schuco the solar thermal manufacturer to clarify what we were being told and to get the right information.
   

7. ๏Think about the system and ask questions.  Our system has a recirculating pump that won’t turn on if there is no heat being generated from the system.  The setting was at 72 degrees F to turn on and we had it lowered to 65.  Why not pre-heat 52-54 degree F well water to 65 degrees F?  Our domestic electric hot water heater operates at 5500 WATTS and the SHWS recirculating pump operates at 80 WATTS.
   

8. ๏Understand the maintenance schedule and warranties.  Get all the details in writing and then read them. Ask questions if you do not understand a disclaimer or condition of the warranty.
   

9. ๏What do you do if snow accumulates on the solar panels? I ordered a 30 ft. pole with a squeegee from an expert supply company that provides solutions for cleaning windows.  Solar panels are windows by design.  The Betty Mills Company recommended the Unger Pro stainless steel window squeegee (UNG PR400), locking adapter (UNG NCAN), and the Unger Tele-Plus pole (UNG TF900). For deep snow consider using the Unger Aquadozer straight floor squeegee (UNG FE45).      
   

10. ๏Learn about your system and the process and all you can.
    

11. ๏Measure.  Energy can be measured.  How much you use before a project and how much you use after implementing a project will gauge your success.  Historical usage is critical for any energy plan.
    

12. ๏Patience.  Results will vary and look at the long term (1 year) not the short term- days, weeks, or months.
    

13. ๏Validate the performance of the solar panels (Thermal or PV).  Visit Solar Rating and Certification Corporation and read each manufacturer’s Solar Energy Factor (SEF) rating to learn more about installation best practices.  Not all solar panels and systems are equal and there are trade-offs with each system. The higher the SEF rating the better the panel.