[RE-wrenches] List etiquette

William Miller william at millersolar.com
Sat Mar 14 00:20:31 PDT 2009


Friends:

I admit I have been guilty of writing a harsh word on this site.  I don't 
defend the practice, but it is trying when one hears of supposedly 
experienced contractors making very dangerous mistakes.

It is not difficult to learn a lot about any installer in this internet 
age.  You can look up a contractor's license status on the licensing board 
web site (if they have a license).  You can review their company web site, 
read how experienced they are and see that they have a top-notch crew.  You 
can go back to the contractor's license site and see that they have 
certified that they are not running a crew so they don't have to pay 
worker's comp insurance.  All of those youngsters on the roof must be 
"independent contractors."

It is frustrating to compete against cut-rate contractors when you have 
paid your dues and are paying the cost to be legitimate.  I make a fairly 
good living repairing the work of other solar electric contractors.  I see 
them abuse retirees something fierce.  I wish there were some way to get 
those people back the money they have spent on disreputable installers, but 
it is expensive to go to court.

We have to let a lot of work go because we are underbid by less experienced 
installers.  Many electrical contractors and out-of-work used car 
salespeople are getting into the solar electric business lately, because, 
how hard can it really be?

William Miller



Please note new e-mail address and domain:

William Miller
Miller Solar
Voice :805-438-5600     Fax: 805-438-4607
email: william at millersolar.com
http://millersolar.com
License No. C-10-773985
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