Choosing to go solar is the exciting part. Choosing the company that will drill dozens of holes in your roof, handle a complex electrical project worth tens of thousands of dollars, and be your partner for the next 25 years is the most important decision you will make in the entire process. The quality of your installer is the single biggest factor that determines whether your solar journey is a rewarding investment or a costly nightmare.
The market is flooded with slick marketing companies and high-pressure salespeople. So, how do you separate the true professionals from the fly-by-night operations? This guide provides a 7-step checklist to help you vet potential installers like a pro and choose a solar company you can trust.
1. Verify Their License and Insurance
This is non-negotiable. Do not even consider a company that is not properly licensed and insured.
- License: Ask for their state contractor’s license number. For solar, they should have a specific license, such as a C-46 Solar Contractor license in California or be a licensed Electrical Contractor in Texas. You can then verify this number directly on your state’s contractor licensing board website. This confirms they are a legitimate business that is accountable to a regulatory body.
- Insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance that shows they have both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you from any liability if a worker is injured on your property or your home is damaged during the installation.
2. Check for NABCEP Certification
While a state license is the minimum requirement, the “gold standard” for individual installer expertise is certification from the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). NABCEP is a nationally respected organization that offers rigorous certification programs for solar professionals. A company that employs NABCEP-certified installers is demonstrating a serious commitment to quality, training, and industry best practices. It’s a strong sign that you are dealing with true experts.
3. Read Reviews from Multiple, Unbiased Sources
Any company can put glowing testimonials on its own website. You need to look at independent, third-party review sites to get the real story. Look for the company on:
- Google Reviews
- Yelp
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Solar-specific sites like SolarReviews.com
Pay less attention to the five-star reviews and more attention to the patterns in the negative reviews. Are multiple customers complaining about the same issues—poor communication, unexpected costs, underperforming systems, or damage after installation? A pattern of negative reviews is a major red flag.
4. Get at Least Three Competing Quotes
You cannot know if a price is fair until you have something to compare it to. We recommend getting at least three, detailed quotes from different licensed installers. This will give you a clear sense of the average market rate for a system of your size in your area. Be wary of any bid that is dramatically lower than the others; it could be a sign they are using cheap, low-quality equipment or cutting corners on labor.
5. Scrutinize the Proposed Equipment
A professional quote will list the exact make and model number of both the solar panels and the inverters they plan to install. Do not accept vague descriptions like “380-watt Tier-1 panels.” Once you have the model numbers, do a quick Google search. Are they from a reputable, financially stable manufacturer with a long history? A great solar installation can be ruined by low-quality hardware that fails prematurely.
6. Ask About the Workmanship Warranty
Your solar system has two key warranties. The manufacturer’s warranty covers the physical hardware. The installer’s workmanship warranty covers the quality of the labor, including your roof. This is the warranty that protects you from issues like roof leaks. A confident, high-quality installer will offer a workmanship warranty of at least 10 years, with many top-tier companies now offering 25 years to match the panel warranty. A short workmanship warranty (1-5 years) can be a sign that the company doesn’t stand behind its own work.
7. Assess the Sales Process Itself
Finally, trust your gut. Was the salesperson patient and educational, or did they use high-pressure tactics? A professional consultant will take the time to answer all your questions. A deceptive salesperson will try to rush you into a decision with claims of a “special price” that is only good for that day. A professional process is a sign of a professional company.
Conclusion: Due Diligence is Your Best Defense
Choosing the right solar installer is the most critical step you can take to prevent a future dispute. If you’ve already signed a contract and now realize you missed some of these red flags, it’s not too late. Our expert case review can analyze your situation and determine if your installer failed to meet professional or legal standards.