20 Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer

Why it matters

Experience matters in solar installation. Companies with a longer track record are more likely to still be around to honor warranties and have refined their installation process. Look for at least 5 years of experience in your local market.

What a good answer looks like

A strong answer includes specific years in business, number of installations completed, and examples of projects similar to yours. Be cautious of companies that are brand new or cannot provide a history of completed work.

Why it matters

An unlicensed or uninsured installer puts you at legal and financial risk. If something goes wrong during installation, you could be liable for property damage or injuries. Every state has different licensing requirements for electrical and general contracting work.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should be able to provide their license number, proof of general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage on the spot. They should hold a valid electrical contractor license or work with a licensed electrician.

Why it matters

In-house crews typically deliver more consistent quality and better accountability. When subcontractors are used, there can be communication gaps and less direct oversight. Knowing who will be on your roof matters for quality control.

What a good answer looks like

Ideally, the company uses its own trained installation crews. If subcontractors are used, the company should explain their vetting process, quality standards, and who is responsible if issues arise during or after installation.

Why it matters

References from homeowners in your area give you real-world feedback on the installer's work quality, communication, and after-sale support. Local references also confirm the company has experience navigating your area's permitting and utility processes.

What a good answer looks like

A reputable installer should readily provide at least 3-5 recent references in your area. They may also point you to online reviews on Google, SolarReviews, or the Better Business Bureau.

Why it matters

Certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) indicate that installers have met rigorous training and competency standards. Certified installers are more likely to follow best practices and deliver a higher-quality installation.

What a good answer looks like

Look for NABCEP certification for at least the lead installer or project manager. Other relevant certifications include OSHA safety training, manufacturer-specific certifications (e.g., Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer), and state-specific electrical licenses.

Why it matters

Not all solar panels are created equal. Tier 1 panels from established manufacturers offer better efficiency, longer warranties, and more reliable performance. The panel brand also affects your system's production, appearance, and long-term value.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should recommend specific brands with clear reasoning, such as efficiency ratings, warranty length, and degradation rates. Top-tier residential brands include SunPower, REC, Panasonic, LG, and Q Cells. Avoid installers who are vague about equipment.

Why it matters

The inverter converts DC power from panels to AC power for your home. String inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers each have trade-offs in cost, performance, and monitoring. The right choice depends on your roof layout and shading conditions.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should explain why they recommend a specific inverter type for your situation. Microinverters (e.g., Enphase) are best for shaded or complex roofs. String inverters with power optimizers (e.g., SolarEdge) work well for uniform roofs. They should explain panel-level monitoring capabilities.

Why it matters

An oversized system wastes money, while an undersized system leaves savings on the table. The installer should base the system size on your actual electricity usage, roof space, shading analysis, and energy goals rather than just a rough estimate.

What a good answer looks like

A thorough answer includes reviewing 12 months of your utility bills, conducting a shading analysis (ideally with satellite imagery or an on-site assessment), accounting for future energy needs (EV, pool, etc.), and explaining the offset percentage they are targeting.

Why it matters

Battery storage is increasingly important for backup power, time-of-use optimization, and maximizing self-consumption. Even if you do not add a battery today, knowing the installer can support one later ensures your system is battery-ready.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should offer at least one reputable battery brand (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, Generac PWRcell, etc.) and be able to explain how battery storage integrates with your solar system. They should also confirm your system design is battery-ready for future addition.

Why it matters

Monitoring lets you track your system's production in real time, identify issues early, and verify your savings. Without monitoring, problems can go undetected for months, costing you money. Panel-level monitoring is more granular than system-level.

What a good answer looks like

A good installer includes a monitoring platform (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge, Tesla app, etc.) with panel-level production data accessible via a mobile app and web portal. They should explain how alerts work and what they monitor proactively on your behalf.

Why it matters

The total installed price is the single most important number in any solar proposal. It should include all equipment, labor, permitting, and interconnection costs. Comparing this number across proposals ensures you are evaluating apples to apples.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should provide a clear, line-itemized proposal showing equipment costs, labor, permitting fees, and any additional charges. The price should be stated as both total dollars and dollars per watt. A typical residential system costs $2.50-$3.50 per watt before incentives.

Why it matters

The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit is the largest single incentive for going solar. Filing for it requires specific documentation including the system cost, installation date, and equipment details. Some states and utilities have additional incentive paperwork.

What a good answer looks like

A quality installer provides all documentation needed to claim the federal ITC, including IRS Form 5695 guidance, a detailed invoice, and manufacturer certification statements. They should also assist with any state incentive applications and utility interconnection paperwork.

Why it matters

Solar financing terms can significantly impact your total cost and monthly savings. Options typically include cash purchase, solar loans, leases, and PPAs. Understanding the terms, interest rates, and total costs of each option helps you make the best financial decision.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should present multiple financing options with clear terms, rates, and total cost comparisons. They should be transparent about dealer fees built into loan rates and explain how each option affects your ownership, tax credit eligibility, and long-term savings.

Why it matters

Some installers quote a low initial price then add fees for roof work, electrical upgrades, trenching, or permitting after signing. Understanding all potential additional costs upfront prevents surprises and budget overruns.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should clearly state that the quoted price is all-inclusive or explicitly list any conditions that could trigger additional charges (main panel upgrade, roof repairs, trenching for ground mounts). Get this commitment in writing in the contract.

Why it matters

Solar systems can affect your home sale depending on how they are financed. Owned systems (cash or loan) typically increase home value. Leased systems or PPAs require transfer to the new buyer, which can complicate the sale if the buyer does not qualify or agree.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should explain the transfer process for their financing options. For owned systems, they should note the typical home value increase (4% on average). For leases or PPAs, they should explain the buyout option and transfer requirements, and confirm these are clearly stated in the contract.

Why it matters

A solar system is a 25+ year investment, so warranty coverage is critical. You need to understand the difference between panel manufacturer warranties, inverter warranties, and the installer's workmanship warranty. Gaps in coverage can leave you exposed to costly repairs.

What a good answer looks like

Look for 25-year panel production warranties (guaranteeing at least 80-85% production at year 25), 12-25 year inverter warranties (microinverters typically have 25-year warranties), and a 10-25 year workmanship warranty from the installer covering roof penetrations, wiring, and installation quality.

Why it matters

When your system has an issue, you need a clear path to resolution. Some installers handle all warranty claims directly, while others require you to contact the equipment manufacturer. Knowing the process in advance saves frustration during a problem.

What a good answer looks like

The installer should be your first point of contact for all issues and handle warranty claims with manufacturers on your behalf. They should provide a dedicated support phone number or portal, specify response time commitments, and explain their process for diagnosing and resolving issues.

Why it matters

The workmanship warranty covers the installation itself, including roof penetrations, wiring, racking, and mounting. This is separate from equipment warranties and is often the most important warranty because installation defects cause the most common problems.

What a good answer looks like

A strong workmanship warranty covers at least 10 years (25 is ideal) and includes roof leak repairs, electrical connections, racking and mounting hardware, and labor for any repairs needed due to installation defects. The warranty should be backed by the installer's insurance.

Why it matters

A production guarantee ensures your system produces a minimum amount of energy each year. If it underperforms, the installer compensates you for the shortfall. This protects you from design errors, shading miscalculations, or equipment underperformance.

What a good answer looks like

The best installers guarantee a specific annual kWh production figure based on their system design. If the system produces less than the guaranteed amount (typically with a small tolerance), they should either troubleshoot the issue or provide financial compensation for the difference.

Why it matters

While solar systems are low-maintenance, they are not zero-maintenance. Understanding what is needed helps you plan ahead and protect your investment. Regular inspection can catch issues before they become costly problems.

What a good answer looks like

Solar panels generally require only occasional cleaning (1-2 times per year in most climates) and a periodic visual inspection for debris, damage, or shading from new tree growth. The installer should explain whether they offer maintenance plans and what regular monitoring they provide to flag performance issues.