How to Choose a Solar Installer: 7 Things to Check Before You Sign

1. Verify Licensing and Insurance

Every solar installer must be licensed in your state. Requirements vary by state, but typically include:

• Electrical contractor license: Required to connect solar to your home's electrical system
• General contractor license: Required in most states for roof penetrations
• NABCEP certification: The gold standard for solar professionals (not required but a strong sign of quality)
• General liability insurance: Minimum $1M — protects you if a worker damages your property
• Workers' compensation insurance: Covers workers injured on your property

Ask for proof of all licenses and insurance before signing. A legitimate installer will provide these without hesitation. You can also verify contractor licenses through your state licensing board's website.

2. Get At Least 3 Quotes

Solar pricing varies significantly between installers — sometimes by $5,000–$10,000 for identical systems. Getting multiple quotes is the single best way to ensure fair pricing.

What to Compare

• Price per watt (divide total cost by system size in watts)
• Panel brand and model (not just efficiency rating)
• Inverter type and brand
• Warranty terms (installer workmanship, panel product, panel performance)
• Timeline from signing to installation
• What is and is not included (permits, utility interconnection, monitoring)

The cheapest quote is not always the best — a significantly lower price often means inferior equipment or a company cutting corners on labor. The goal is the best value, not the lowest sticker price.

3. Check Reviews and Track Record

A solar company's reputation is your best protection. Here is where to look:

• Google Reviews: Look for installers with 50+ reviews and a rating above 4.3. Read recent reviews — companies change.
• Better Business Bureau: Check their BBB rating and complaint history. Unresolved complaints are a red flag.
• State contractor licensing board: Many states list disciplinary actions against licensed contractors online.
• Local neighborhood groups: Ask on Nextdoor or local Facebook groups for installer recommendations from actual neighbors.

How Long Have They Been in Business?

The solar industry has a high failure rate. A company with less than 3 years of history may not be around in year 10 when your inverter needs replacing. Look for established local installers with a 5+ year track record.

4–7. Contract, Equipment, Timeline, and Red Flags

4. Read the Contract Carefully

Key contract terms to verify before signing:

• Exact equipment specified (panel model/brand, inverter model/brand)
• Total installed price with no ambiguous add-on clauses
• Workmanship warranty (minimum 10 years)
• Cancellation policy and refund terms
• Who handles permitting and utility interconnection
• Payment schedule (never pay more than 50% upfront)

5. Verify Equipment Quality

Ask for the specific panel and inverter brands. Look up their warranty terms independently. Reputable panel brands: LG, SunPower, REC, Panasonic, QCells, Canadian Solar. Reputable inverter brands: Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius.

6. Confirm the Timeline

From contract signing to system activation typically takes 2–4 months (permitting, inspection, utility interconnection). Longer in some states. Get a written timeline estimate and ask who handles delays.

7. Watch for These Red Flags

• High-pressure tactics or same-day signing pressure
• Unusually low price with vague equipment specs
• Unable to provide proof of license or insurance
• Requesting more than 50% payment before installation begins
• No physical business address (only a website)
• Recently formed company with no review history