OC Goes Solar (“OCGS”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to foster and promote the deployment of affordable renewable energy generation throughout Orange County, California, specifically the widespread use of residential photovoltaic solar panels + energy storage systems. As a means to promote this mission, OCGS has established an annual solar drive program.

Every year, all-volunteer members of the contractor review committee select the solar contractors for program-participating homeowners after evaluating the following factors:

1. Firm Profile (Company size, financial stability and capacity, and local structure)

2. Qualification of the Project Teams (qualification of key project team members and crews)

3. Local Offices and Employees (office location and local employees’ qualifications)

4. Employment Practices (number of full and part-time employees the contractor employees, compensation, insurance)

5. Scope of Services and Schedule (bid preparation and sales; quality control procedure; energy efficiency programs, services or education for customers; ability to manage customer service; warranties services)

6. Equipment and Installation (flashing and racking; electrical components; photovoltaic modules; inverters and electrical components; energy storage systems)

7. Pricing Schedule

The contractor review committee used its best judgment in applying these criteria to select the most qualified candidates. However, by choosing the installers, neither the committee nor OCGS is endorsing the quality of the selected installers nor guaranteeing the lowest price possible or level of performance.

The selected installers will have a direct relationship with participating homeowners concerning permitting, installation, rebates, warranties, performance of the installed Photovoltaic (PV) + Energy Storage (ESS) systems, aesthetic configuration, size of the system, cost, insurance claims, and related matters.

The selected installers will pay OCGS $ 0.10 per watt (DC) for program management and promotion. However, OCGS is neither a solar provider nor a salesperson for any solar provider. OCGS does not have any employment relationship with the selected installers. OCGS remains a clearinghouse for solar energy information and provides education to homeowners. OCGS encourages consumers to make independent assessments before entering into any contracts.

All signed contracts are between the homeowner and the solar contractor/installer. Neither the City of Irvine, the selection committee, nor OCGS is a party to any contracts.