How to Choose a Solar Installer (and Red Flags to Avoid)
The single biggest factor in whether your solar install goes well isn’t the panel brand - it’s the installer. They determine workmanship, whether your roof leaks, and whether someone’s around to honor the warranty. Here’s how to choose.
What to check before you sign
1. Licensing & insurance
Solar involves electrical and structural work, so most states require a licensed electrical or solar/specialty contractor. Confirm the license (and number), plus general liability and workers’ comp insurance. A respected (usually voluntary) credential is NABCEP certification.
2. Experience & track record
- How long in business, and how many installs?
- Reviews across multiple sources, not just their site.
- Local references and recent install addresses.
- Experience with your roof type and local building department.
3. Who actually does the work
Ask whether their own crew or a subcontractor installs. Subcontracting isn’t automatically bad, but you want to know who’s accountable.
4. Warranties - especially workmanship
Two kinds matter:
- Equipment (panels ~25 yr, inverter ~10-25 yr) - from the manufacturer.
- Workmanship - from the installer, covering their labor, including roof leaks from the mounting.
Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts and who backs it - a third-party- backed warranty survives if the installer goes out of business.
5. Financial stability
A newer but important check: the solar industry has seen big installers fail. A price far below everyone else, or pressure to sign unusual financing, can signal trouble. Your workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
6. A clear, itemized quote
It should list system size (kW), price per watt, equipment models, what’s included (permits, inspection, electrical upgrades), and financing terms with any escalators. See installation cost.
Red flags
- High-pressure “today only” pricing
- Door-to-door reps who won’t put details in writing
- “Free solar” claims or guaranteed specific tax savings
- Reluctance to share license numbers, references, or an itemized quote
- A quote far below all others
Get three quotes
Always compare at least three. It reveals fair pricing, equipment differences, and outliers - and keeps everyone honest.
Bottom line
Vet a solar installer like any major contractor: verify license + insurance, check experience and reviews, demand clear warranties (especially workmanship covering leaks) and an itemized quote, and confirm the company is financially sound. Get three quotes and never let pressure rush a five-figure, 25-year decision.
Educational information only, current as of June 2026. Verify licensing rules with your state and get all terms in writing.