Quick Answer
Get at least 3 quotes and verify each installer has proper licenses, insurance, and a solid warranty. Check reviews on Google, BBB, and SolarReviews. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics and "today only" pricing. The cheapest quote is not always the best value, and your relationship with your installer lasts 25+ years through warranty service.
Why Your Choice of Installer Matters
The solar industry has a reputation problem—and it's not entirely undeserved. Aggressive sales tactics, misleading savings projections, and companies disappearing before warranty claims are real issues. But plenty of excellent installers exist; you just need to know how to find them.
Your installer relationship lasts 25+ years. They're responsible for design, permitting, installation, and warranty service. A bad installer can turn a great investment into a nightmare. A good one makes the process smooth and ensures your system performs for decades.
From my experience:This is why I built SolarQuest AI in the first place. The solar industry's biggest problem isn't the technology—it's the sales culture. I've heard horror stories: salespeople promising tax credits that don't exist, installers vanishing before warranty claims, and "today only" pricing pressure that makes used car lots look tame. My rule: if an installer won't let you sleep on it, walk away. Good companies don't need pressure tactics because their work speaks for itself. Get three quotes minimum, verify licenses yourself, and read the actual contract—not the glossy brochure. Your future self will thank you.
Industry Reality
Prices for the same system can vary 30-50% between installers. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't always the best quality. Due diligence pays off. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Updated with current pricing, policy changes, and incentive information for 2026.
Check Licenses & Insurance
Required Licenses
Every state has different licensing requirements. At minimum, verify:
| License Type | Why It Matters | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor's license | Legal requirement to do business | State contractor licensing board website |
| Electrical license | Required for electrical work in most states | State electrical board |
| Solar-specific certification | Some states require NABCEP or equivalent | NABCEP.org directory |
Insurance Requirements
Verify these insurance policies are current and adequate:
- General liability: $1 million minimum; covers damage to your property
- Workers' compensation: Required in most states; covers worker injuries on your property
- Errors & omissions: Covers design mistakes; not required but indicates professionalism
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it's current. Your name can be added as an "additional insured" for extra protection.
Subcontractors
Many installers use subcontractors for some work. This isn't necessarily bad, but ask:
- Who does the electrical work?
- Are subcontractors licensed and insured?
- Who is responsible if a subcontractor causes damage?
- Will the same crew complete your project?
Research Reviews & Reputation
Where to Look
- Google Reviews: Most comprehensive; look for detailed reviews, not just stars
- BBB (Better Business Bureau): Check complaint history and resolution
- SolarReviews.com: Solar-specific reviews with verified customers
- EnergySage: Marketplace reviews from actual customers
- Yelp: Mixed quality but can reveal patterns
- Local Facebook groups: Ask neighbors who've gone solar
What to Look For in Reviews
- Communication: Did they respond promptly? Keep customers informed?
- Timeline: Did they meet promised deadlines?
- Problem resolution: How did they handle issues that arose?
- Post-install support: Were they responsive after installation?
- Production vs. estimate: Did the system produce as promised?
Red Flags in Reviews
- Consistent complaints about communication or ghosting
- Reports of damage to roof or property
- Sales pressure or bait-and-switch pricing
- Long delays between contract signing and installation
- Difficulty getting warranty service
Review Tip
Look at how the company responds to negative reviews. Professional, helpful responses indicate good customer service culture. Defensive or dismissive responses are a warning sign. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Get At Least 3 Quotes
Why Multiple Quotes Matter
Solar pricing varies dramatically. Getting multiple quotes helps you:
- Understand fair market pricing in your area
- Compare equipment options (panels, inverters, batteries)
- Evaluate different system designs
- Negotiate better terms
- Assess communication and professionalism before committing
How to Compare Quotes
| Metric | How to Calculate | Good Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per watt (gross) | Total cost ÷ system size in watts | $2.50-$3.50/W (varies by region) |
| Estimated production (kWh/year) | Provided in proposal | Compare at same system size |
| Cost per kWh (25 years) | Total cost ÷ (annual kWh × 25) | $0.04-$0.08/kWh |
Apples-to-Apples Comparison
To compare fairly, ensure quotes include:
- Same or equivalent equipment (panel wattage, inverter type)
- Same system size (kW)
- All permits, interconnection fees, and installation costs
- Monitoring equipment and setup
- Clear warranty terms
Understand Warranty Terms
Types of Warranties
| Warranty Type | Who Provides | What It Covers | Typical Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel product warranty | Panel manufacturer | Defects in materials/workmanship | 12-25 years |
| Panel performance warranty | Panel manufacturer | Output degradation beyond spec | 25-30 years |
| Inverter warranty | Inverter manufacturer | Inverter failure/defects | 12-25 years |
| Workmanship warranty | Installer | Installation errors, roof leaks | 1-25 years (varies widely) |
Key Questions About Warranties
- Workmanship warranty length: 10+ years is good; 2-5 years is concerning
- What's covered: Does workmanship include roof penetrations and leaks?
- Who handles claims: Installer? Manufacturer? Third party?
- Transferability: Can you transfer warranty if you sell your home?
- What's excluded: Read the fine print for exclusions
Warranty Reality
The installer's workmanship warranty is only as good as the company's longevity. A 25-year warranty from a company that closes in 5 years is worthless. Established, well-capitalized installers are safer bets. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Red Flags to Avoid
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
- "This price is only good today" (legitimate quotes don't expire in 24 hours)
- Refusing to leave a written quote for you to review
- Aggressive door-to-door sales with "limited time" offers
- Discouraging you from getting other quotes
- Rushing you to sign before you've read the contract
Unrealistic Promises
- Guaranteed savings percentages without seeing your usage
- "Your system will pay for itself in 3 years" (rarely accurate)
- Claims about incentives that don't exist or don't apply to you
- Promising the federal tax credit for purchased systems in 2026 (25D expired)
Business Warning Signs
- No physical office or address (PO box only)
- Won't provide license numbers or insurance certificates
- Lots of recent negative reviews or BBB complaints
- Requires large deposit upfront (more than 10-20%)
- No references from past customers
- Company is very new (under 3 years in business)
Questions to Ask Every Installer
About the Company
- How long have you been in business?
- How many systems have you installed in my area?
- Can I see your license and insurance certificates?
- Do you use subcontractors? For what work?
- What happens to my warranty if you go out of business?
About the Installation
- Who will design my system? What are their credentials?
- What equipment brands do you use? Why?
- How long from contract signing to installation?
- Will you handle all permits and utility paperwork?
- What's your process for roof penetrations and waterproofing?
About Support
- What monitoring do you provide? Is there a fee?
- How do I contact you if something goes wrong?
- What's your typical response time for service calls?
- Who handles warranty claims—you or the manufacturer?
- Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?
Bottom Line
Take your time choosing an installer. A few extra weeks of research can prevent years of headaches. Get multiple quotes, verify credentials, read reviews carefully, and trust your gut about high-pressure tactics. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Not Sure What to Ask?
We can help you prepare for conversations with installers and evaluate the quotes you receive.
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