Participating Service Providers
To help consumers make wise renewable energy purchase decisions, the Program qualifies participating Service Providers (solar installers) to work with the Program. Jump to:
- Selecting a Service Provider
- Disclaimer - No Endorsement Implied
- Service Provider Eligibility Requirements
- Becoming an Enrolled Service Provider
Selecting a Service Provider
You should begin your search for a Service Provider with the list linked below. You can narrow the list by looking for Service Providers in your area and by scanning their websites. Give a few Service Providers a call, and ask about their experience in installing solar energy systems in general, and through the AEP Smart Source Solar PV Program in particular. Questions you might ask include:
- How many solar PV systems have you installed in Texas?
- What is your experience in installing solar PV systems with AEP Texas?
- What are your professional credentials relevant to installing solar PV systems?
- What is your approach to recommending a solar PV system that's right for me?
- Is there a fee for evaluating my home/business?
Once you've identified two or three Service Providers it's time to request specific proposals and price quotes. Different Service Providers may recommend different equipment, so a good way to compare prices is to divide the total price bid for an installed system by the total capacity of the proposed system (in DC watts). For example:
- Service provider A proposes to use 20 photovoltaic modules, each rated at 250 watts (DC), and quotes a total price (before AEP Texas's incentives or any tax credits or other discounts) of $15,000. AEP Texas's Solar PV Program incentive reduces that amount by $4,000, leaving the customer's cost at $11,000. Divide the out-of-pocket cost ($11,000) by the DC capacity of the proposed system (20 x 250 = 5,000 watts) to yield $2.20/watt.
- Service provider B proposes to use 25 photovoltaic modules, each rated at 225 watts (DC), and quotes a total price (before AEP Texas's incentives or any tax credits or other discounts) of $17,000. AEP Texas's Solar PV Program incentive will reduce that amount by $4,500, leaving the customer's cost at $12,500. Divide the out-of-pocket cost ($12,500) by the DC capacity of the proposed system (25 x 225 = 5,625 watts) to yield $2.22/watt.
Of course, while price is important, it is not the only consideration. You'll want to work with a Service Provider you trust, which provides the best warranty and service options, and which is experienced in completing high-quality installations.
After reading this page, click here to download the listing of enrolled Service Providers.
Disclaimer - No Endorsement Implied
The list provided below includes Service Providers who have met these requirements and are in good standing with the program. The list of participating Service Providers is provided as an informational source only. The publication or sharing of this list should not be considered, in any way, to be an endorsement, recommendation or promotion, either expressed or implied, of any of the Service Providers listed thereon by the Utilities or the Program Manager. Accordingly, it is the customer’s sole responsibility to investigate and determine the technical capabilities and reliability of the Service Provider prior to entering into a contract for the installation of a renewable energy generation system. Customers agree that their selection of any of the Service Providers on this list is completely voluntary and made without any promise, guarantee, coercion, threat or force by the Utilities or their agents. Neither the order of the listings, nor the listing itself of any Service Provider, implies any endorsement by the Utilities or the Program Manager of any listed Service Providers, nor any guarantee of the workmanship or materials provided by the Service Provider.
We strongly recommend that prospective applicants talk with and receive quotes from at least three different Service Providers early in the project development stage. Prospective customers should ask detailed questions about the potential for renewable energy use in their specific applications. You should discuss project alternatives and economics, as well as the Service Providers' experience with our program, before requesting proposals.
After reading this page, click here to download the listing of enrolled Service Providers.
Service Provider Eligibility Requirements
In order to become a Service Provider and work with the Solar PV Program, companies must demonstrate they meet the following qualifications:
- All service providers must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000;
- In addition, all service providers entering the program must demonstrate that:
- At least one Texas full-time employee is a NABCEP-certified PV Installer; or,
- The service provider is a licensed electrical contractor with at least one Texas full-time employee who has been certified by NABCEP, is qualified to sit for the NABCEP-certified PV Installer exam, or has successfully received at least 40 hours of solar installation training.
After reading this page, click here to download the listing of enrolled Service Providers.
Becoming an Enrolled Service Provider
If you are an solar installer and you would like to become a enrolled Service Provider, please contact the Program Manager.
