The Solar Trade Ally Network should be commended. Despite a higher-than-average project volume to start 2018 due to the urgency imposed by the sunset of the Residential Energy Tax Credit, network-wide average ratings did not falter, showing that contractors did not sacrifice quality. Going forward, Energy Trust is reducing the number of rating periods to three times per year.

Energy Trust emailed new star rating reports to all active Solar trade allies with ratings based on project activity between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. Rating evaluation periods will now occur every four months, in February, June, and October, and will continue to evaluate the previous year of each trade ally’s program participation.

Highlights from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018:

• A total of 115 solar trade ally contractors were enrolled in the Energy Trust Trade Ally Network. Of those, 69 trade allies (8 fewer than the previous rating period) submitted applications or completed projects, qualifying them to receive a star rating.
• 48 solar trade ally contractors have a top star rating of two-and-a-half or three stars—more than two-thirds of the trade allies rated during the period.
• The most common installation corrections issued were for inaccurate as-built system documentation on site (2.1.5) and improperly secured disconnect switch covers (2.3.18).
• The most common design corrections issued were for missing or incomplete information.

Program benefits, such as eligibility to receive free customer leads and access to business development funds are determined by a trade ally’s current star rating. Solar trade allies can also use their rating as a selling point with customers to point out your familiarity with best practices and Energy Trust incentive processes.

The next rating period ends September 30, 2018.

For complete details on how star ratings are determined, see the Solar Trade Ally Rating System document.