If you’ve spent any time researching switching to solar power, you’ve probably seen the same headlines: “How to Pick the Right Solar Installer” or “Avoid These Solar Scams”—and if you’re like most homeowners, the sheer volume of information can make the process feel overwhelming. As someone who’s been in the solar PV supply game for over a decade, I’ve seen it all: clients who jumped for the lowest quote only to be stuck with shoddy workmanship, others who fell for fast-talking sales pitches that disappeared after the deposit, and plenty who found a reliable installer that made the whole process feel seamless. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on how to separate the trustworthy installers from the ones that will leave you frustrated. I’m not here to push my own products (though I do supply high-quality solar panels and inverters to qualified installers) — I’m here to walk you through the step-by-step process that my own team uses when vetting partners, and what I tell every client looking to make one of the biggest home upgrades of their life. Solar PV
First things first: don’t make the mistake of choosing an installer based on price alone. I’ve had homeowners come to me after getting three quotes, where one was $5,000 cheaper than the other two, and ask why our panels (the ones the cheap installer is quoting) cost more. The answer isn’t that my panels are overpriced — it’s that the cheap installer is probably cutting corners somewhere else. Maybe they’re using unskilled labor that doesn’t know how to properly mount panels to withstand high winds or heavy snow, or maybe they’re buying low-quality inverters that will need replacing in five years instead of the standard 15 to 20 years. A reliable solar installer will give you a detailed quote that breaks down every cost: the cost of the panels, the inverters, wiring, mounting hardware, labor, permits, inspections, and even post-installation monitoring. If a quote is vague, or if it’s significantly lower than the others you’ve received, that’s a red flag. Cheap isn’t a deal here — it’s a warning sign. I always tell people to think of this like buying a car: you wouldn’t choose the cheapest model without checking its safety ratings, right? Solar is the same way. Your installer’s experience and the quality of their work are non-negotiable, and those things cost money.
Next, verify their credentials, and I don’t just mean their license to do electrical work in your state or country. Every reputable solar installer should be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) in the U.S., or a similar governing body depending on where you live. NABCEP certification means that their technicians have passed rigorous exams on solar PV design, installation, and safety, and that they follow industry standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and other global bodies. I always tell clients to ask for a copy of their NABCEP certification, and even to check the number online to make sure it’s current. Beyond that, look for installers that have insurance: general liability insurance (at least $1 million) to cover damage to your home during installation, and workers’ compensation insurance to cover any injuries their employees get on your property. If an installer doesn’t have insurance, you could be on the hook if someone gets hurt on your roof, and that’s a risk no homeowner should take. Another thing to check: if they’re a member of a reputable trade association, like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in the U.S. or the Solar Trade Association (STA) in the UK. These organizations enforce ethical codes for their members, so being part of one means the installer is held to a higher standard.
Then, ask for references — and not just the ones the installer gives you. Any trustworthy company will have a list of happy past customers, but you should go a step further. Ask if you can visit one of their recent installations, or at least ask for contact information for three to five clients who had their solar system installed at least six months ago (enough time to see how it’s performing, and if any issues have popped up). When you call those references, don’t just ask “Did they do good work?” — ask specific questions. How did they handle delays? Was the installer on time for every appointment? Did they clean up the job site every day? Was there any damage to your roof or landscaping, and was it fixed? Most importantly, ask if the system is performing as expected. A reliable installer will stand behind their work, so if a reference says the system is producing less power than they were promised, that’s a big red flag. I’ve had clients tell me that an installer left their yard full of debris after the job, or that they never followed up to explain how to use the monitoring app, and those are the kinds of small issues that turn a great upgrade into a headache. If an installer hesitates to give you references, or if most of the references give you lukewarm reviews, cross them off your list immediately.
Another key step: check their track record with local permits and inspections. Solar installation isn’t just putting panels on your roof — you have to get permits from your local building department, electrical inspection from your utility company, and sometimes even zoning approval if you live in a historic district or an area with strict rules about exterior modifications. A reliable installer will handle all of this for you, and they’ll do it on time. If an installer tells you that you have to handle permits yourself, that’s a sign they’re either disorganized or cutting corners. They should also be familiar with your utility’s interconnection rules, because that’s how you get paid for excess power you send back to the grid. I’ve heard too many horror stories where an installer installed a system that didn’t comply with the utility’s rules, so the homeowner couldn’t connect to the grid for six months, costing them thousands in lost savings. A trustworthy installer will know the ins and outs of local regulations, and they’ll make sure your system is approved before they even start drilling holes in your roof.
Don’t forget to ask about warranties — because this is where a lot of people get burned. There are three main warranties you need to pay attention to: the product warranty, the workmanship warranty, and the performance warranty. The product warranty covers the solar panels and inverters themselves, and it should be at least 10 years for panels, and 5 to 10 years for inverters, with options to extend them to 25 years. Workmanship warranties cover any mistakes the installer makes, like bad wiring or improperly mounted panels, and a reliable installer will give you at least a 10-year workmanship warranty, sometimes even longer. The performance warranty is the most important one, because it guarantees that your panels will produce a certain amount of power over time. Most reputable panel manufacturers offer a performance warranty that says your panels will still produce at least 80% of their original power after 25 years. But here’s the catch: some installers will offer a performance warranty, while others won’t. If an installer doesn’t offer a performance warranty, that means they don’t stand behind the work they’re doing, and you could end up with a system that produces less power than you expected, with no way to get compensated for it. I always tell clients to read the fine print of every warranty, because some warranties are only transferable if you sell your home, while others are void if you don’t have the system maintained by the installer. Make sure you know exactly what’s covered, and for how long.
Now, let’s talk about red flags that you should never ignore. First, any installer that pressures you to sign a contract immediately, or offers a “limited time deal” that expires in 24 hours. A legitimate solar company won’t push you to make a decision on the spot. They’ll give you time to get multiple quotes, check references, and do your research. Second, any installer that doesn’t have a physical office. If they only communicate via text or phone, and can’t show you a real address, that’s a scam. Third, any installer that asks for a huge deposit upfront. Most reputable solar companies will ask for a deposit of 10% to 20% of the total cost, but anything over that is a sign they’re planning to take your money and run. And fourth, any installer that doesn’t explain the financial part of going solar clearly. If you’re getting a solar loan, a lease, or a power purchase agreement (PPA), they should break down every payment, every term, and exactly how much you’ll save on your electric bill. If they use confusing jargon or avoid your questions about costs, that’s a problem.
I should also mention that I’ve seen a lot of confusion between solar lease vs. purchased systems, and how that ties into choosing an installer. If you’re looking to buy your system outright, either with cash or a loan, you’ll want an installer that works with all major equipment brands, so you have options for panels and inverters. If you’re looking for a lease or PPA, that’s a different structure, and you’ll want an installer that specializes in those, because they have different requirements. No matter which option you choose, make sure the installer knows what you want, and that they can deliver on that.
At the end of the day, choosing a reliable solar PV installer is all about doing your due diligence. It’s not just about getting solar panels on your roof — it’s about choosing a partner who will be there for you for 25 years or more, answering your questions, maintaining your system, and making sure you get the maximum savings from your investment. I’ve spent decades working with installers who share my commitment to quality, and when I help a client pick one, I tell them to take their time, ask a lot of questions, and don’t settle for anything less than someone who stands behind their work.
Industrial Terminal Block If you’re ready to start exploring your solar options, or if you want to talk about what to look for in an installer for your specific home, I’m here to help. We work with top-rated, vetted installers across the country, and we can connect you with resources to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re in the planning stages or ready to get quotes, reach out to us to start the conversation.
References
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). (2023). “Consumer Guide to Solar Installation.” Retrieved from SEIA Industry Resources
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). (2022). “Solar PV Installation Certification Standards.” Retrieved from NABCEP Official Documentation
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). (2021). “Standard for Grid-Connected PV Systems.” Retrieved from IEC Technical Reports
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “Choosing a Solar Installer.” Retrieved from EnergySage Consumer Guides
- Solar Trade Association (STA). (2022). “Best Practice Standards for Solar Installations in the UK.” Retrieved from STA Industry Guidelines
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