How to Choose a Solar Installer

Your installer determines the quality of your system for the next 25+ years. A great system with bad installation underperforms. A mediocre system with excellent installation lasts decades. Here's how to choose well.

Green Flags

Licensed and insured — they should have electrical certifications and liability insurance. Ask to see both.

Established business — at least 2–3 years of operation with a verifiable track record. Solar companies come and go; you need yours to exist when warranty claims arise.

Site visit before quoting — any installer who quotes a price from a photo alone is cutting corners. A proper assessment requires measuring the roof, checking structural integrity, assessing shading, and planning cable routes.

Clear, detailed quote — itemized costs, specific equipment models (not just "Tier 1 panels"), expected production in kWh, warranty terms for each component, and a timeline.

References and reviews — real reviews from real customers. Ask for 2–3 references you can contact directly.

Red Flags

Pressure tactics — "this price is only valid today" or "we have one slot left this month." Good installers have consistent pricing.

Unrealistic promises — if the projected savings seem too good, they probably are. Compare their estimates against our calculator.

No site visit — quoting without seeing your roof means they'll discover problems mid-installation.

Subcontracting everything — some companies are just salespeople who subcontract the actual work. Ask who will physically install your system.

Poor communication — if they're slow to respond before you've paid, imagine what happens after.

Questions to Ask

1. Who manufactures the panels and inverter you're proposing?
2. What is the expected annual production in kWh?
3. What warranties do you offer (panels, inverter, workmanship)?
4. Do you handle permits and grid connection?
5. Can I see 3 recent installations similar to mine?
6. What happens if there's a problem in year 5? Year 15?
7. Will your own team install, or do you subcontract?

Get Multiple Quotes

Always get at least 3 quotes. This lets you:

• Compare pricing (cost per watt)
• Evaluate communication and professionalism
• Verify that production estimates are consistent
• Negotiate from an informed position

Browse verified installers and request quotes through our directory.