Ask These 5 Questions Before Hiring a Solar Installer in 2025

iring the right solar installer isn’t just about finding someone who knows how to bolt panels onto your roof. It’s about securing a partner who will help you navigate the complexities of permits, incentives, costs, and maintenance plans. The good news? With the right insights, you’ll be able to cut through the noise and make confident decisions.

At SunValue, we've put together a handy guide of the top five things to discuss with your installer before you sign on the dotted line. From decoding warranties (because who really has time for all that fine print?) to uncovering any sneaky hidden costs, we've got some insider tips that will empower you to take charge of your solar journey.

1. What’s the Warranty Situation?

Home solar panels are built to last decades—typically 25–30 years—but no product is completely foolproof. Sometimes, a panel can just give up, maybe from a crack or a malfunction, leaving you worried about potential repair costs.

Why It’s Important:

From manufacturing flaws to weather-related wear and tear, things can go wrong. A solid warranty ensures you’re protected from unexpected expenses and can enjoy your solar investment without worry.

Most solar systems are backed by three types of warranties:

• Panel warranty: Covers manufacturing defects (think cracks or faulty cells).
• Inverter warranty: Covers the «brains» of your system, the part that converts solar energy into usable electricity.
• Workmanship warranty: Protects against installation oopsies, like roof leaks or loose wiring.

What to Look For:

• Panels: Aim for a 25-year warranty. Anything less? Raise an eyebrow.
• Inverters: These typically last 10-15 years, so a 10-year warranty is good.
• Workmanship: A 5-10 year warranty is standard, but the longer, the better.

Red Flags:

• Vague or overly complicated warranty terms.
• Short warranties that don’t match industry norms.

Pro Tip:

Always get the warranty terms in writing. Don’t just take their word for it—read the fine print. Call the panel or inverter manufacturer directly to confirm that your installer is authorized to service the equipment under warranty. A little detective work now can save you a world of pain later.

2. Do You Offer a Performance Guarantee?

Solar panels are supposed to work hard for you and cover a big chunk of your energy bill, but what happens if they don’t? A performance guarantee holds your installer accountable for delivering the energy production they initially promised.

Why It’s Important:

Think of a performance guarantee as your safety net. It ensures your system delivers at least 90% of its forecasted output, so those electric bills won’t sneak back up. Since solar production can vary based on panel quality, shade, or installation quirks, this guarantee puts the responsibility on the company to fix the issue or pay up if your panels don’t perform as promised.

What to Look For:

• Clear metrics: How much energy will your system produce annually? For example, it might promise that your system will produce at least 90% of the estimated output in the first 10 years and 80% in the next 15 years.
• Remedies for Underperformance: What happens if the system underperforms? Will they compensate you, fix the issue, or both?
• Monitoring Tools: Most installers these days provide handy monitoring systems or apps that let you track your system’s production in real time. This helps you easily check if everything’s working as promised.

Red Flags:

• Broad promises with zero production numbers.
• No plan for addressing underperformance.

Pro Tip:

Don’t settle for verbal promises. Ask for a copy of the performance estimate and guarantee in writing. Then, ideally, double-check their math—use online solar calculators or consult an independent expert.

3. What Are the Total Costs—Really?

Investing in solar is a brilliant financial desidion, but only as long as you’ve got all the facts. Those catchy ads promising “$0 down” or “free solar panels” might sound too good to be true, and often, they are. It’s essential to understand the real numbers upfront and avoid unexpected costs later.

Why It’s Important:

While solar panels are the headliners, there’s more to the solar story. The price tag includes everything from equipment to labor, permits, and even ongoing monitoring. If you don’t have a clear picture of what you’re paying for, surprise charges could pop up later. Pinning down the full costs early helps you stay in control and make sure your system delivers the savings you’re after.

What to Look For:

• Transparent pricing: Make sure the quote lists everything—hardware like panels and inverters, installation costs, permits, and extras like monitoring systems.
• Incentives: Are any tax credits or rebates included in the cost? If so, double-check that you actually qualify.
• Financing terms: If you’re financing, ask about interest rates, monthly payments, and total repayment amounts.

Red Flags:

• An installer who can’t or won’t provide an itemized breakdown.
• Quotes that seem suspiciously low (they might be cutting corners on materials or labor).

Pro Tip:

Gather quotes from at least three installation firms to compare. Then, check reviews and follow up with former customers to find out if their final bill matched the initial quote.

4. Are You Certified and Qualified?

You wouldn’t hire someone without checking their resume, right? The same goes for a solar company. Remember, setting up solar panels is a complex project. From electrical work to navigating local regulations, It’s no place for guesswork.

Why It’s Important:

Want quality work? Start with credentials and experience. A certified, licensed solar company will know how to properly size and install your system, handle permits, and dodge rookie mistakes. Asking about qualifications ensures you’re hiring a pro—not someone figuring it out as they go.

What to Look For:

• Certifications: Look for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification. It’s the gold standard.
• Licenses: Ensure they’re licensed to operate in your state or region.
• Local Experience: An installer familiar with your area is more likely to navigate local permitting and utility requirements smoothly.
• Manufacturer Training: Manufacturers often offer training programs to ensure installers know their products inside out. If your installer is certified, you can trust they’re qualified to handle the equipment they plan to use.

Red Flags:

• They dodge questions about credentials or offer vague answers like “We’ve been in the business for years!” without proof.
• No proof of local experience or completed projects.

Pro Tip:

Ask for their license numbers and certifications in writing. Then, verify them through state licensing boards or professional organizations like NABCEP. Don’t just take their word for it—trust, but verify.

5. System Monitoring: What’s Included?

Your solar panels are made to weather the storm—literally—but they’re not entirely a “set it and forget it” deal. Check-ups and a watchful eye on their performance will keep them operating at peak efficiency.

Why It’s Important:

A little dust here, a wiring glitch there, and suddenly your setup isn’t delivering as promised. Luckily, monitoring systems are like a trusty watchdog, catching problems early so they don’t spiral into costly problems.

What to Look For:

• Monitoring system: Can you track your system’s performance in real time? Most reputable installers offer apps or dashboards.
• Service plans: Do they offer maintenance packages? If so, what’s included (e.g., cleaning, inspections)?
• Service request process: How do they handle repairs or replacements, and what’s the response time?

Red Flags:

• No monitoring system or a clunky one that’s hard to use.
• The installer can’t explain how they handle ongoing maintenance or leaves it entirely up to you
• High fees for basic maintenance tasks like cleaning or monitoring.

Pro Tip:

Before committing, ask the installer to show you how the monitoring system works. A live demo will help you understand what kind of data you’ll see and whether the platform is user-friendly. Also, it’s a good idea to ask for an estimate of annual maintenance fees so you can factor them into your overall budget.

More Tips for Choosing the Right Solar Installer

Obtain Multiple Detailed Quotes

Comparing multiple proposals helps you understand market rates, different system designs, and services offered. It ensures you're getting the best value for your investment.

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  • Request detailed, itemized quotes from at least three reputable installers.
  • Ensure each quote includes equipment specifications, total costs, timelines, and terms.
  • Compare not just the price but also the quality of equipment, warranties, and projected energy output.

Check Company Reputation and Track Record

A company's history indicates reliability and future support prospects.

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  • Check out platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, or Google Reviews to see what other homeowners are saying.
  • Request examples of past projects that are similar to yours.
  • Check if the firm has had any legal issues or negative news coverage in the past.
  • Red Flags: Frequent bad feedback, unresolved problems, or a total lack of visibility online.

Give the Contract a Careful Read

The contract legally binds both parties. Understanding all terms prevents future disputes and ensures all promises are documented.

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  • Go over every detail carefully, especially the fine print and terms of service.
  • Review the terms for payment plans, change orders, cancellations, and dispute resolution.
  • Be cautious of ambiguous language or terms that heavily favor the installer.
  • Red Flags: High-pressure tactics urging you to sign quickly, unwillingness to provide a copy of the contract for review.

Secure All Agreements in Writing

Verbal promises are not legally binding. Written agreements protect your interests.

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  • Ensure all aspects discussed are included in the contract or as formal addendums.
  • Do not rely on emails or informal communications as substitutes for contractual terms.
  • Red Flags: Reluctance to document promises or terms discussed.

Final Thoughts

Our final advice: stay sharp and keep your nonsense detector finely tuned. Don’t worry about being “that” person who asks too many questions—good installers actually appreciate well-informed homeowners. If something feels off or you’re getting rushed answers, that’s your sign to walk away and find a team you can truly trust.