Notes on Residential Solar Installation Contracts

Notes on Residential Solar Installation Contracts

First, contract subjects and qualification review

Installation party qualifications

Verify whether the installation party has legal business qualifications, such as business licenses, relevant qualification certificates for power engineering construction, etc. For instance, the installation party is required to provide a copy of the qualification documents and affix the official seal to ensure that it has the ability to undertake solar energy installation projects.

Understand the installation party's construction experience, review its past similar project cases, and evaluate its professional level and service quality.

The information of both sides is clear

The contract should clearly specify the detailed information of both Party A and Party B (i.e., the owner and the installer), including names, addresses, contact details, etc. Avoid subsequent communication problems or legal disputes caused by inaccurate information.

Second, scope and content of the project

Clarify the installation scope

Describe in detail the installation location of the solar energy system, such as the specific area and size of the roof. For example, it is noted that it is to be installed on the south-facing sloping roof of the villa, with an installation area of [X] square meters.

Clearly define the types and quantities of components to be installed, as well as the specifications and models of supporting equipment such as inverters, brackets, and cables. Although the specific brand and price are not involved, the basic parameters of the equipment need to be described to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the installation content.

Including auxiliary engineering

The contract should cover auxiliary works related to solar installation, such as roof waterproofing treatment, cable laying, grounding system installation, etc. Clarify the specific requirements and standards of these auxiliary projects to avoid additional items or quality disputes in the later stage.

Third, project quality and standards

Follow national standards

The installation project should comply with relevant national and local standards and norms, such as the "Code for Design of Photovoltaic Power Stations" and the "Code for Acceptance of Photovoltaic Power Generation Projects", etc. It is clearly required in the contract that the installation party carry out construction and acceptance in accordance with these standards.

Quality Assurance Clause

Agree on the responsibility and time limit that the installation party shall bear for the project quality. For instance, it is stipulated that within a certain period (such as [X] years) after the project is completed and accepted as qualified, the installer shall be responsible for free repair or replacement of any faults or damages caused by construction quality issues.

Clearly define the scope of quality assurance, including major equipment such as components and inverters, as well as supporting facilities such as brackets and cables.

Fourth, Construction period and progress

Clarify the start and completion dates

The contract should clearly stipulate the start date and completion date of the project to avoid delays in the construction period. At the same time, the handling methods for project delays caused by force majeure or other special reasons should be agreed upon.

Schedule

The installation party is required to provide a detailed construction schedule, including the start and end times of each stage, as well as the acceptance arrangements for key nodes. The owner can supervise and inspect the project in accordance with the schedule plan.

Fifth, Acceptance and Delivery

Acceptance criteria

Establish clear acceptance criteria, including aspects such as the power generation efficiency, electrical performance, and safety performance of the system. For instance, it is stipulated that the power generation efficiency of the system under standard test conditions should reach a certain level, electrical connections should comply with relevant norms, and grounding resistance should meet safety requirements, etc.

Acceptance procedure

Clarify the procedures and processes for acceptance, including initial acceptance, trial operation and final acceptance, etc. The initial inspection shall be organized by the installation party itself, with the participation of the owner. During the trial operation period, the owner conducts actual use and monitoring of the system. The final acceptance shall be conducted jointly by both parties. After confirming that the project meets the acceptance standards, the acceptance report shall be signed.

Delivery documents

The installer shall provide relevant technical documents and materials at the time of project delivery, such as system design drawings, equipment manuals, acceptance reports, etc. These documents are of great significance for the owner's subsequent system maintenance and management.

Sixth, after-sales service and maintenance

After-sales service content

Clearly define the after-sales service content provided by the installation party, including fault repair, equipment maintenance, technical consultation, etc. For instance, it is stipulated that upon receiving the owner's maintenance notice, the installer should respond within a certain period of time (such as [X] hours) and arrive at the site for maintenance within a reasonable time.

Maintenance cycle and requirements

Agree on the maintenance cycle and requirements of the system, such as regularly checking the cleanliness of components and inspecting whether electrical connections are loose, etc. The installer shall carry out maintenance as agreed and record the maintenance situation.

Spare parts supply

Clarify the installation party's responsibility for the supply of spare parts during the after-sales service period. Ensure that when the equipment malfunctions, the necessary spare parts can be provided in a timely manner for replacement.

Seventh, Liability for Breach of Contract and Dispute Resolution

Liability for breach of contract

Clarify the liability for breach of contract by both parties during the performance of the contract, such as compensation liability in cases of project delay, substandard quality, and inadequate after-sales service. The agreement on liability for breach of contract should be specific, clear and operational.

Dispute resolution methods

Agree on the methods for resolving contract disputes, such as negotiation, arbitration or litigation. It is recommended to give priority to resolving the issue through negotiation. If negotiation fails, arbitration or litigation can be chosen. At the same time, clearly define the arbitration institution or the court with jurisdiction over litigation.

The eighth, Other Clauses

Confidentiality clause

If the contract involves the business secrets or technical information of both parties, a confidentiality clause should be stipulated, clearly defining the confidentiality obligations and responsibilities of both parties regarding the confidential information.

Contract modification and termination

Stipulate the conditions and procedures for contract modification and termination. For instance, if it is necessary to modify or terminate the contract due to force majeure or other special reasons, both parties shall reach a consensus through consultation and sign a written agreement.

Force majeure

Clarify the scope of force majeure and the handling methods. After the occurrence of a force majeure event, the affected party shall promptly notify the other party and provide relevant proof documents. Both parties shall, based on the extent of the impact of force majeure, negotiate to decide whether to continue performing the contract or partially perform it.