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Guest opinion: As solar power gains stature, consumers should get educated

By C. Dukes Scott SC Office of Regulatory Staff

In a recent letter to the editor, state Rep. James Smith, D-Richland, noted the many benefits of solar power and some compelling reasons to consider going solar. Among those reasons are the potential for solar power to create and keep jobs in South Carolina and to reduce residential and commercial energy bills.

The passage of the Distributed Energy Resource Program Act by the General Assembly in 2014 was the culmination of many years of research and collaboration among South Carolina's energy stakeholders. It opens the way for third-party leasing of renewables, predominantly solar, in this state. The Office of Regulatory Staff works with stakeholders in planning for South Carolina's energy future. In fact, a multi-year process to develop a state energy plan is underway.

This plan will describe the current status of our energy infrastructure, resources and consumption. It will contain a forecast of changes in these elements over five and 10 years, and it will offer recommendations for appropriate policy changes to meet future energy needs.

While finances may not be the driving factor behind the decision to use solar, the ORS recommends treating solar like any other major investment. Become educated about the installation process. Here is a step-by-step approach to take.

  • First, contact your electric provider and gain a full understanding of its policies and procedures regarding solar. For example, some providers do not buy back power; among those that do, terms of the buyback plans may vary.

    • Also, you will need their approval in order to connect to the grid. Identify qualified contractors. In any new business venture gaining in popularity, scammers prey on the uninformed.

    Do due diligence in identifying qualified contractors. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners maintains a nationwide list of certified installers. You can also turn to groups that know South Carolina's solar landscape. Nonprofits such as the S.C. Solar Council (www.scsolarcouncil.org) and the S.C. Solar Business Alliance (www.solarbusinessalliance.com) maintain lists of solar companies.

  • To activate the grouping of solar panels (also known as the solar array) installed on your home or business, you will need a licensed electrician. Check with your local permitting office on requirements in your area. It is also useful to know whether the electricians being considered are affiliated with any local, state or national organizations relevant to the work they are doing.
  • Request several bids! Solar installers from around the country are gearing up to take advantage of the anticipated boom in S.C. installations. Call several companies from the pool of qualified candidates, get multiple quotes and ask for references.
  • Keep in mind that bids should not be the only consideration. Also ask whether each contractor has the necessary licenses and liability insurance with the state. Make sure to verify with the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation that the company has a valid contractor's license and does not have any complaints pending before the Contractor's Licensing Board.
  • Consider leasing. Leasing, rather than owning, solar panels may be preferable for some. Those considering this option should bear in mind that only companies approved by the ORS to offer leases can, by law, offer that service.
  • Use the resources of the ORS and its Energy Office. The office, in cooperation with electric suppliers, has put together a resource guide, A Consumer Guide to Solar for the South Carolina Homeowner, to help consumers navigate the solar installation process.

    • The booklet includes information on the benefits of solar, how to choose the right system for your needs, installation and maintenance, and costs and financial incentives.

    Also included are several checklists to ensure that consumers ask the right questions and have the best information to make an informed decision about a solar purchase. The guide can be found online at http://energy.sc.gov/files/SolarGuideHomeowners.pdf, or contact the ORS Energy Office for more information. The ORS Energy Office also has two short videos, created in partnership with the S.C. Solar Council, that illustrate how solar works (http://energy.sc.gov/howsolar works) to help you get started.

    If you do encounter a contractor or solar installer who concerns you, contact your local Better Business Bureau and the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs.

    For concerns or questions about solar leasing companies or investor-owned electric utilities, call the ORS at 800-922-1531.

    C. Dukes Scott is the executive director of the Office of Regulatory Staff, a state agency that represents the public interest in utility regulation. Contact Scott at 803-737-0805 or cdscott@regstaff.sc.gov.

    This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Guest opinion: As solar power gains stature, consumers should get educated."

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