How to Choose a Solar Installer (and Red Flags to Avoid)

The installer you pick shapes everything: the quality of the work, the warranty you can actually rely on, and whether the company will still be around in five years to honor it. With installer bankruptcies hitting the industry, choosing well matters more than ever. Here’s how.

What to check before you sign

1. Licensing and credentials

Solar installation involves electrical work, so most states require a licensed electrical or solar contractor. Confirm the company holds the right license for your state, plus general liability insurance and workers’ comp. A widely respected (though usually voluntary) credential is NABCEP certification - the industry’s gold standard for installer competency.

2. Track record and reviews

How long have they been in business?
Read reviews across multiple sources (not just their own site).
Ask for local references and addresses of recent installs.

3. Equipment quality

The installer should use reputable panel and inverter brands with strong warranties. Good equipment matters doubly because manufacturer warranties survive even if the installer doesn’t.

4. Warranties - read them carefully

There are several, and they’re not the same thing:

Equipment warranty (panels, inverter) - from the manufacturer.
Workmanship warranty - from the installer, covering their labor.
Production guarantee - promises a minimum output (not all offer this).

Ask how long each lasts and who backs it. Third-party-backed workmanship warranties are more durable than ones that depend on the installer staying in business.

5. Financial stability

This is the newer, underrated check. Ask how long they’ve operated and look for signs of trouble. A company offering prices far below everyone else, or pushing unusual financing, may be under strain. Your workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it.

6. A clear, itemized quote

A good quote spells out system size (kW), panel and inverter models, total price, price per watt, financing terms, and any escalators. Vague, pressure-filled quotes are a warning sign.

Red flags to walk away from

High-pressure sales - “this price is only good today.”
Door-to-door reps who won’t leave details in writing.
Promises of “free solar” or guaranteed specific tax benefits - be skeptical, especially after the federal purchase credit ended.
Reluctance to provide license numbers, references, or an itemized quote.
Quotes far below all others - quality, or the company, may be at risk.

Get multiple quotes

Always get at least three quotes. It’s the single best way to understand fair pricing, compare equipment, and spot outliers. Use them to check your payback math and confirm whether solar is worth it for your home.

Questions worth asking

Are you licensed and insured in my state? What’s your license number?
Who installs the system - your crew or a subcontractor?
What panels and inverter will you use, and why?
What does each warranty cover, for how long, and who backs it?
What happens to my warranty and monitoring if your company is sold or closes?
Can I see the full itemized quote and financing terms in writing?

Bottom line

Pick an installer the way you’d pick a contractor for any major home project: verify the license, demand clear warranties and an itemized quote, favor strong equipment brands, and check that the company is financially sound. Get three quotes, avoid high-pressure sales, and don’t let a too-good-to-be-true price rush you into a decision.

Educational information only, current as of June 2026. Verify licensing requirements with your state and confirm all terms in writing.