Top questions to ask when choosing a solar installer

Choosing a solar installer can feel like a daunting task if you’re not sure what to look for.  There are a number of important factors to consider when making a big financial investment such as going solar, and understanding what types of questions to ask potential installers will help you find the right company for your specific needs. 

EnergySage has helped connect thousands of homeowners with installers, so we put together a list of the most helpful questions prospective buyers can ask to select the right installer and the best solar system for their needs.  

Good installers want you to ask questions, ranging from panel size and hardware requirements, to warranty packages and financing options, to installer licenses and certifications.   

“It's important you talk to an expert, and that you understand that this is essentially an open heart surgery for your house,” said John Wagner, head of sales at Custom Solar Solutions, an installer based in Atlanta.  

Ultimately, you’ll have questions unique to your property and your project. Here are some worthwhile questions you can ask installers when you’re vetting who’s right to take on your solar project.

While solar reviews are generally a good indication of the overall reputation of an installer, there are specific factors to consider when doing your research. Once you’ve narrowed down your options and are deciding between a handful of quotes from reputable companies, here’s what we recommend you look out for:

Any reputable installation company should be able to provide references that you can talk to directly about their experience. Considering the size of the investment you’re making, feel free to be as picky as you’d like with the type of references you’re looking for.

For example, if you’re installing a ground mounted solar panel installation, ask for a reference on a ground mounted install they’ve done. Or, if you want to see an installation in person, asking for a reference located close by. It’s also never a bad idea to ask for a reference for an installation that’s now a few years old. That way, you can learn how the company works with customers after the installation is complete and, on the chance they had a service call, how the company responded to it.

Look to see how long the installation company has been in business. If your system needs servicing down the line, you’ll want to make sure your installer is still around. Many customers will also ask solar contractors about their install history and the number of projects they’ve done to verify that the company has a good amount of experience.

The number of installations a company has done indicates their experience, but you should also consider how much work they’ve done in your local market. Solar installation companies working in your area for a while will be more familiar with local permitting practices and interconnection applications with your utility company, both of which can speed the installation process along and possibly prevent costly missteps.

Solar installers should always carry the necessary licensing and insurance to operate, which vary depending on the state(s) where they conduct business. Most licensing information is available online publicly, and trusted installation companies should be able to provide in-depth information upon request.

Many companies will carry additional industry certifications outside the basic licensing and insurance requirements. One of the more popular ones is the North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar PV Installation Professional Certification. Many install companies have one or multiple lead installers that are NABCEP-certified. In our experience, if a company you’re interviewing doesn’t have these certifications, it’s smart to consider a different installer.

Not every company can install on the same timeline, so if timing is important to you, ask for a timeline upfront. The project depends not just on your area and how quickly the permitting and interconnection process happens, but also on the company’s ability to perform the work. Some companies have a larger crew for installations, more openings in their installation calendar, or project managers that help move the project along faster.

If you’re on a particular timeline to go solar (for instance, looking to get solar as soon as possible to take advantage of tax incentives), talk to prospective installers about how quickly they can get your system up and running once you sign a contract. The solar installation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Solar panels usually don’t require much maintenance, but it’s important to know who to call if something goes wrong. Multiple warranties typically come with your solar energy system, including manufacturer warranties for different components and workmanship warranties from your installer. 

The workmanship warranty is specific to the work the installer performs, and is typically good for somewhere between one and 10 years. Be sure to check with your installer to see what’s included in the warranty, if there are any exclusions, and if there’s any cost to you in the event they have to come out and check on or replace some equipment.

In some cases, solar installers rely on subcontractors to perform some, or all, of the work for your solar installation. It’s a common practice industry-wide, but make sure your installer is upfront with you about who will be completing the work on your home. 

Ask what portion of the installation the subcontractors will complete, and what oversight the company you purchase your system from has over the subcontractors. At the end of the day, the most important question is who will stand behind the quality of your installation.

You want to know who will be monitoring your solar system if anything goes wrong and you need repairs or maintenance once work is completed, said Wagner. For example, Custom Solar Solutions sets up alerts for their customers so the company can see right away when there’s an issue with someone’s system.

“Is there someone else at your company who will get alerts or monitor proactively every day?” Wagner said. “Is there a team who's like a command center that can see everything?”  

Most companies don’t charge extra for their monitoring service, so think twice about working with an installer who wants you to pay more for what should typically be a standard service. “If they do that, that's a red flag,” Wagner said.

Finally, it’s always worth seeing what other people have to say about their experience with a company, so you should still check out online reviews to confirm other homeowners have had positive experiences. To ensure that you’re looking at meaningful reviews, focus on websites with a good reputation and a proven track record of review validation, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp. You can also look at our reviews on EnergySage to see how our customers have felt about working with our top-rated installers.

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