8 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Solar Company

Choosing a solar company isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about finding a company you can trust for the long haul. A solar system is a 25+ year investment, and the company you hire will be responsible for making sure it runs efficiently for decades to come.

Unfortunately, too many homeowners fall into the trap of picking the cheapest bid, only to find out later that the installation was rushed, the customer service is nonexistent, or worse—the company is no longer in business when they need service.

If you’re researching solar installers, here are the real questions that will help you separate the reputable companies from the ones looking for a quick sale.

1. What happens if something goes wrong with my system?

Solar systems are low-maintenance, but they’re not maintenance-free. Inverters fail, panels get dirty, and monitoring issues can pop up.

Ask:

• How long is the workmanship warranty?

• Is there a labor warranty?

• Will they come out to service your system if needed, and at what cost?

A company that stands behind its work should have clear answers here.

2. Who actually installs the system?

Some solar companies use in-house crews, while others subcontract the work to third parties. If a company subcontracts installations, there’s a higher chance of inconsistencies in workmanship.

Ask:

• Are the installers full-time employees?

• Are they NABCEP-certified? (This is the gold standard for solar professionals.)

• Do they have a licensed electrician overseeing the work?

3. What’s included in the quote? Some companies use low initial pricing as a bait-and-switch, leaving out key costs like permitting, panel upgrades, or connection fees.

Ask:

• Does the quote include all permitting and utility interconnection fees?

• Are there additional costs for roof work or service panel upgrades?

• What specific equipment (panel brand, inverter model) is included?

4. Are their energy estimates realistic?

We always recommend getting 2-3 quotes from local solar companies, and comparing their energy estimates. Similar sized systems should produce the same amount. If one is wildly higher than the others– it’s likely unrealistic, or doesn’t factor in shading that the others do.

Ask:

• What annual energy inflation rate are they using? (It should be around 2-4%, not 6-8%.)

• Do their estimates line up with your other quotes?

5. What financing options do they offer?

Financing can make solar more accessible, but it can inflate the cost of your project. If a company is pushing a “no money down” offer, make sure you understand the terms.

Ask:

• What is the actual system price, before financing?

• What are the dealer fees? (Some add 30-40% to the system cost.)

• Is a solar loan the best option for you, or would a HELOC or cash purchase save more money?

6. What kind of panels and inverters do they use?

While most solar panels are trouble-free, higher-end panels can yield more energy over time. Similarly, inverters with low failure rates are worth more in the long-term than systems with lower-quality components.

Ask:

• Are the solar panels from a reputable company?

• What’s their experience with the inverter brand they’re installing?

7. Do they help with incentives and paperwork?

Navigating incentives, SRECs, and net metering can be overwhelming. Some companies leave this burden on the homeowner.

Ask:

• Do they help with SREC registration?

• Will they handle utility interconnection and rebates?

8. What do their past customers say?

Reviews tell you a lot about a company’s track record. Be wary of companies that only show cherry-picked testimonials.

Ask:

• What’s their Google rating?

• Do they have complaints at the Better Business Bureau?

• What do customers say on Reddit?

• Can you speak to past customers?

A great company should have plenty of happy customers willing to vouch for them.

The Bottom Line:

A good solar installation isn’t just about the day the panels go up—it’s about decades of reliability. Choose the company that you trust, and that has a track record of supporting their customers over the years.