1. Will they provide a comprehensive lighting analysis as opposed to just dropping off a simple price quote?
You deserve more than that. There needs to be discussion with your employees with regard to areas of concern that may be under lit or over lit, where motion sensors or daylight harvesting can be used to reduce energy costs. Your proposal should include not only your project cost, but any utility company rebate incentives, your projected savings along with supporting documentation as to how those savings projections were calculated. It should have a payback page showing your return on investment. It ought to include carbon footprint reduction calculations, helping you assure your customers that your company is environmentally conscious and “Green”. Your proposal should include finance options allowing your energy reduction initiative to be paid for using the positive cash flow from your monthly utility cost savings. Finally if your proposal includes multiple customer testimonials from similar facilities, it will build confidence you’ll be satisfied in the end.
2. Can they provide a photometric analysis?
This is a straight forward computer generated program which demonstrates the light output of different fixtures in a true “apples to apples” comparison. A photometric will show the light levels you can expect PRIOR to installation. This is the time to compare your existing light levels to predicted light levels, NOT after it’s too late and your project has been completed.
3. Do they have the necessary knowledge and expertise?
Is your contractor qualified and familiar with filing all the necessary pre and post applications required by your utility company to qualify for eligible rebate incentive dollars, at no additional cost to you? Do they specialize in lighting upgrades? Can they provide lots of references giving you peace of mind?
4. Are they capable getting your company financed, giving you the option to pay for your lighting upgrade using the savings you will realize on your utility bills.
This option helps if the monies to complete your project haven’t been budgeted. You also may not want to tie up your line of credit on a project that may take 2+ years to pay for itself. This also frees up your line of credit and may offer accelerated depreciation of your monthly payments.
5. Are they willing to work 2nd or 3rd shift or weekends at no additional charge to help reduce potential disruption to your operation?
6. What about disposal of your old fixtures and recycling of your mercury laden lamps, is that included?
Your old HID or fluorescent lamps are required to be recycled as hazardous waste. Will your contractor provide certification, eliminating your company from any potential liability due to improper disposal?
7. Has your lighting retrofit provider got the track record and customer testimonials to back up their promises and commitments after the sale?
8. Are they a true “TURN-KEY” lighting specialist and contractor?
You deserve to have a lighting contractor who specializes in turnkey lighting retrofits and employs trained lighting installers experienced in lighting retrofit projects for your environment. You have enough on your plate. You need a contractor who specialize in lighting upgrades and will take the ball and run with it. This allows you to concentrate on your responsibilities, while they do their job.
9. Does their price include articulating and/or scissors lifts?
If not, these can add up to thousands of dollars of additional expense.
10. Does their price to you include sales tax?
Ohio state law requires businesses, even many who consider themselves tax exempt, to pay sales tax on materials portion of your project. You certainly don’t want a surprise charge at the end of your project for thousands of dollars in unexpected sales tax.
ROI Energy provides all these benefits with no surprise fees.
Call today 330-931-3905 or email Bob@ROI-Energy.com for your no-risk lighting analysis.
ROI-Energy: Specializing in turn-key lighting retrofits for manufacturers, warehouses and offices.
“Quality is like buying oats – if you want nice, clean oats, you must pay a fair price; however – if you’re satisfied with oats that have already been through the horse – those oats can be had a little cheaper!” ~Anonymous.
