Smart-E Inspection Process
The Connecticut Green Bank (Green Bank) has used third-party inspectors for many years to support its programs. For example, in the Residential Solar Investment Program, inspectors were an integral part of maintaining quality installations and ensuring the proper use of ratepayer dollars. Their experience and abilities provided assurance that systems were installed to a high standard. Although installers typically do excellent work, the knowledge that an expert might be evaluating an installation helps ensure a high and consistent level of workmanship.
The Green Bank periodically inspects projects financed with Smart-E Loans to ensure that the specified contracted equipment was installed properly, especially regarding safety, integrity, and performance, and to ensure a high and consistent level of workmanship amongst eligible contractors. These are important to the reputation of the Smart-E program and the growing clean energy economy. Smart-E inspectors are not meant to replace the local building official, who is focused on enforcing applicable building codes.
The Green Bank administers the Smart-E program and is responsible for its success. However, the Green Bank is not onsite for any project until after the loan has closed and installation is completed. The Green Bank’s inspectors provide direct, often in-person engagement with a project and the opportunity for quality assurance.
Inspectors are chosen via a Request for Qualifications process and are primarily Connecticut licensed professionals or engineers with technical expertise to determine if the installed measure(s) were completed to the highest standard. They can also explain the technical aspects of a project to the homeowner. It is common for a homeowner to reach out to an inspector for follow-up information or to thank them for explaining technologies.
The Smart-E Loan program creates value for homeowners by ensuring quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. This is achieved by requiring contractors to meet eligibility criteria and maintain their program eligibility by demonstrating quality workmanship through their inspected projects. The inspection process provides a level of comfort for our lender partners and homeowners.
