Our Comprehensive Audit Process
Our Step-by-Step Audit Process
We showcase our audit process to ensure 100% transparency to maintain the highest standards of ethical practices and superior service. We sum the scores of all categories to get the overall score, with a maximum of 110 points. Ratings are categorized as follows:
- 100-110: A+ (Outstanding)
- 90-99: A (Excellent)
- 80-89: B (Very Good)
- 70-79: C (Good)
- 60-69: D (Fair)
- Below 60: F (Poor)
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Legal and Regulatory Compliance (15 points): This category assesses the company's adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. It includes ensuring a valid business license and relevant permits (5 points), comprehensive insurance coverage (5 points), and regulatory compliance regarding electrician status (5 points). Meeting these criteria is crucial for operating legally and safely within the solar industry.
Licenses and Permits
Ensure valid licenses, permits, and Master Electrician status for all solar installation activities.
- Valid business license
- Relevant state and federal permits for solar installation
- Master Electrician Status
- On Staff: The company employs a Master Electrician as a regular staff member.
- Contract Electrician: The company hires a Master Electrician through a contractual agreement.
- Sub Contracted: The company subcontracts the services of a Master Electrician through a third party.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring adherence to state solar regulations, FERC standards, and OSHA safety requirements for installations.
- Adherence to state-specific solar regulations
- Compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) standards
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance
Insurance
Ensuring coverage with general liability, workers' compensation, and errors and omissions engineering insurance.
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Errors and Omissions Insurance
- Engineering Insurance
Ethical Business Practices
Ethical Business Practices (15 points): Evaluating the company's ethical standards, this category covers transparency in customer contracts (3 points), ethical sales practices (7 points), and effective handling of customer feedback (5 points). These practices build trust and ensure that customers are treated fairly and respectfully throughout their engagement with the company.
Transparency
We ensure transparent solar audits with in-house and EPC installations, standards, and proposals.
- Clear and transparent customer contracts
- In-House Install: The company performs installations using its own staff.
- EPC/Contracted Installers: The company hires engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors or other contracted installers to perform installations, with a thorough review of these contracts.
- Interconnection Standards: The company adheres to utility-specific standards for connecting solar installations to the grid.
- System cost option
- Cash Price: The cost of the solar system if the customer pays upfront in full.
- Financed Price: The cost of the solar system if the customer chooses to finance the purchase, potentially including interest and financing fees.
- Customer Copy of Proposal
- Production: An estimate of solar energy production using tools like PVWatts.
- Warranty: Information on product and workmanship warranties, highlighting industry standards versus actual offerings.
- Price: A breakdown of the cost, based on local product rates and industry standards.
- Products: Details about the solar products being used.
- Shade: Assessment of shading and its impact on production.
- Timelines: Expected timelines for project completion.
- Customer Training: Training for customers on system safety and operation.
Sales Practices
We verify ethical sales practices with transparent techniques, low turnover, and no misleading tactics.
- Ethical Sales Techniques
- Turnover Rate of Salesforce: Monitoring the rate at which sales employees leave and are replaced.
- No Aggressive or Misleading Sales Tactics: Avoiding high-pressure or deceptive sales practices.
Customer Feedback
We review online feedback, ensure complaint resolution processes, and track customer satisfaction records.
- Reviewing online feedback such as Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, and any complaints filed with the Attorney General.
- Ensuring the company has effective processes in place for addressing and resolving customer complaints.
- Record of customer satisfaction and resolution of issues
Quality of Workmanship
Quality of Workmanship (15 points): This category focuses on the quality of the work performed. It includes adherence to best practices (5 points), the use of high-quality materials (5 points), and proper installation techniques (5 points). Ensuring high standards in these areas guarantees that the solar systems installed are reliable and efficient.
Installation Quality
We verify adherence to best practices, use quality materials, and ensure proper installation techniques.
- Adherence to industry best practices
- Use of quality materials
- Proper installation techniques
Inspections
We conduct pre-installation site assessments and post-installation inspections.
- Pre-installation site assessment
- Post-installation inspection
Certifications
We verify certifications from NABCEP, PVIP, PVTS, PVI, and staff training programs.
- Certifications from recognized organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
- PVIP: Photovoltaic Installation Professional certification.
- PVTS: Photovoltaic Technical Sales certification.
- PVI: Photovoltaic Installer certification.
- Training programs for staff
Safety Standards
Safety Standards (15 points): Assessing the company's commitment to safety, this category includes workplace safety protocols (5 points), site safety measures (5 points), and emergency procedures (5 points). These measures are essential to protect both workers and the public, preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment.
Workplace Safety
We ensure adherence to safety protocols, OSHA training, proper PPE use, SDS compliance, and regular training.
- Safety Protocols for Workers: Ensuring all staff adhere to specific safety measures.
- All Field Staff Minimum OSHA 10: All field staff must have completed the OSHA 10-hour safety training.
- Crew Leads, OSHA 30: Crew leaders are required to complete the more comprehensive OSHA 30-hour training.
- Management OSHA 30: Management staff also must have OSHA 30-hour training.
- Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring all workers use appropriate safety gear.
- SDS Compliant: Compliance with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements, providing detailed information on handling hazardous materials.
- Regular Safety Training: Ongoing safety training for all staff to maintain high safety standards.
Site Safety
We ensure that companies have safety measures during installation and public safety measures around the installation site.
- Safety Measures During Installation: Establishing a General Safety Plan to protect workers and ensure a safe installation process.
- Public Safety Measures Around the Installation Site: Implementing measures to protect the public and prevent accidents or injuries in the vicinity of the installation site.
Emergency Procedures
We ensure companies have emergency response plans, first aid training, and qualified crew leads.
- Emergency Response Plan: A detailed plan outlining steps to take in various emergency situations to ensure safety and minimize harm.
- First Aid Training for Employees: Ensuring employees are trained in basic first aid.
- Minimum Each Crew Lead: At least one crew lead on every team must be trained in first aid.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact (9 points): This category evaluates the company's environmental responsibility. It considers the use of eco-friendly materials (3 points), energy efficiency (3 points), and recycling practices (3 points). Adopting these practices helps minimize the environmental footprint of solar installations and promotes sustainability.
Sustainability
We ensure companies use eco-friendly materials and implement strategies to minimize waste.
- Use of Eco-Friendly Materials: Utilizing materials that have a minimal impact on the environment.
- Minimization of Waste: Implementing strategies to reduce waste during the installation and operation processes.
Energy Efficiency
We confirm the use of high-efficiency solar panels and the optimization of overall system performance.
- Installation of High-Efficiency Solar Panels: Using solar panels with high energy conversion rates, specifically avoiding less efficient polycrystalline panels.
- Optimization of System Performance: Enhancing the overall performance of the solar system, including selecting appropriate inverter types to handle shade or obstructions effectively.
Recycling
We confirm proper disposal and recycling of old solar panels and materials, including a structured disposal plan.
- Proper Disposal and Recycling of Old Solar Panels and Materials: Ensuring that outdated or broken solar panels and other materials are recycled rather than simply discarded.
- Disposal Plan: Having a clear, structured plan for the disposal and recycling of materials used in solar installations.
Financial Health
Financial Health (6 points): Examining the company's financial stability, this category includes financial stability (2 points), transparent customer financing options (2 points), and competitive pricing strategies (2 points). Strong financial health ensures the company can sustain its operations and offer fair pricing to customers.
Financial Stability
We verify audited financial statements and maintain creditworthiness to ensure financial stability.
- Audited Financial Statements: Providing financial statements that have been reviewed and verified by an independent auditor, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
- Creditworthiness: Maintaining a good credit rating, indicating the company's ability to meet its financial obligations and secure financing if needed.
Customer Financing
We check the availability of financing options and ensure transparency in financial agreements for customers.
- Availability of Financing Options for Customers: Providing various financing plans or loans to help customers afford solar installations.
- Transparency in Financial Agreements: Ensuring that all terms and conditions of the financing options are clearly communicated and easy to understand, without hidden fees or misleading information.
Pricing
We review competitive pricing strategies and ensure a transparent breakdown of all costs for customers.
- Competitive Pricing Strategy: Setting prices that are competitive within the market, offering good value compared to other providers.
- Breakdown of Costs for Transparency: Providing a detailed explanation of all costs involved, so customers understand exactly what they are paying for without hidden fees or surprises.
Customer Service
Customer Service (15 points): This category evaluates the quality of customer support provided. It includes the quality of customer support (5 points), the comprehensiveness of warranties (5 points), and the availability of maintenance services (5 points). Excellent customer service ensures that customers are satisfied and supported throughout the life of their solar systems.
Support Services
We verify the availability of customer support and the quality of after-sales service provided.
- Availability of Customer Support and Service Team: Ensuring that customers have access to a dedicated team for assistance and support.
- Quality of After-Sales Service: Providing high-quality support after the sale, including instructions on system installation.
Warranty
We verify comprehensive warranties on products and services, with clear terms for workmanship and product coverage.
- Comprehensive Warranty on Products and Services: Offering a warranty that covers both the products and the installation services.
- Clear Warranty Terms: Clearly defining the terms of the warranty, differentiating between workmanship coverage and product coverage.
Maintenance
We confirm the availability of maintenance services and the offering of maintenance plans to customers.
- Availability of Maintenance Services: Providing maintenance services even outside of warranty coverage.
- Maintenance Plan Offered to Customers: Offering customers a plan for regular maintenance to ensure the system continues to operate efficiently.
Technical Competency
Technical Competency (9 points): Assessing the technical expertise of the company, this category includes proper system design based on site assessment (3 points), performance monitoring tools (3 points), and the capability for upgrades and repairs (3 points). Technical competency ensures that the solar systems are designed and maintained for optimal performance.
System Design
We verify proper system design based on site assessments, considering shading, roof orientation, and other factors.
- Proper System Design Based on Site Assessment: Designing solar systems tailored to the specific conditions of each site.
- Consideration of Shading, Roof Orientation, and Other Factors: Taking into account factors like shading, roof orientation, and local codes to optimize system performance.
Performance Monitoring
We confirm the provision of performance monitoring tools and conduct regular system audits to ensure optimal performance.
- Tools for Monitoring System Performance: Providing tools to monitor both energy consumption and production.
- Regular Performance Checks: Conducting system audits on a quarterly or annual basis to ensure optimal performance.
Upgrades and Repairs
We verify the capability to handle system upgrades and ensure quick response times for repair requests.
- Capability to Handle System Upgrades: Offering services for system upgrades, including installation of additional components like batteries, to future-proof the system.
- Quick Response to Repair Requests: Ensuring a fast response time for repair requests to minimize downtime.
Training and Development
Training and Development (6 points): This category focuses on the company's investment in employee development. It includes regular training programs (2 points), keeping staff updated with the latest industry trends and technologies (2 points), and offering career development opportunities (2 points). Continuous training and development help maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
Employee Training
We confirm regular training programs for staff and the availability of certification programs for industry recognition.
- Regular Training Programs for Staff: Providing continuous educational opportunities to enhance employees' skills and knowledge.
- Certification Programs: Offering programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications for staff.
Knowledge Updates
We verify that staff are kept updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
- Keeping Staff Updated with the Latest Industry Trends and Technologies: Ensuring employees are informed about the newest developments and innovations in the solar industry.
Career Development
We verify career advancement opportunities within the company, providing paths for employee growth.
- Opportunities for Career Advancement Within the Company: Providing paths for employees to grow and advance their careers within the organization.
Documentation and Reporting
Documentation and Reporting (5 points): Evaluating the company's record-keeping and reporting practices, this category includes detailed record-keeping (2 points) and regular reporting to Truth In Solar (3 points). Accurate documentation and transparent reporting are crucial for accountability and continuous improvement.
Record Keeping
We verify detailed project records, customer interaction documentation, and OSHA injury reporting compliance.
- Detailed Records of All Projects: Keeping thorough documentation of each project undertaken.
- Documentation of Customer Interactions: Recording all interactions with customers to ensure a clear history of communications and services provided.
- OSHA Documentation - Injury Reporting: Maintaining required Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) documentation, including reports of any injuries.
Reporting
We ensure regular reporting to Truth In Solar and transparency in audit findings.
- Regular Reporting to Truth In Solar: Providing frequent updates and reports to Truth In Solar.
- Transparency in Audit Findings: Ensuring that the results of audits are clear, honest, and accessible.
Certification Threshold and Consequences for Non-Compliance
If a company scores below 70, they receive an improvement plan and have a 3-month grace period to request a re-audit. Scoring 70 or above regains certification; below 70 results in certification loss. Persistent failure leads to temporary removal and a "Failed Audit - Certification Revoked" notation. Multiple failures may result in permanent removal.
Initial Failure
Notification: Inform the company of audit results and areas of non-compliance or poor performance.
Improvement Plan: Provide a detailed improvement plan with deadlines and specific actions needed.
Grace Period: Offer a 3-month grace period for the company to implement the improvement plan and request a re-audit.
Re-Audit Process
Re-Audit Request: The company can request a re-audit after the grace period or upon completing the improvement plan.
Re-Audit Fee: A fee is charged to cover the cost of the second evaluation.
Outcome: Scoring 70 or above regains certification status. Scoring below 70 again results in certification loss and further actions.
Persistent Failure
Failed Re-Audit: Notify the company of failure and consequences.
Removal from Site: Temporarily remove the company from the directory.
Outcome: Add a notation on their detailed page stating, "Failed Audit - Certification Revoked," with the exact date of the audit failure included for transparency. Provide clear instructions for the company rectify situation.
Permanament Removal
Multiple Failures: If a company fails to improve after multiple audits (e.g., two consecutive failed re-audits), they will be removed from the platform.
Notification: Inform the company of the decision and provide the detailed reasons for the permanent removal from the directory.
Outcome: Company is permantely removed.
Jessica R.
Residential
Josh M.
Residential
Mike R
Residential
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