The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Installer

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Installer

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Jeremy Pearl
Jan 26

Are you considering installing solar panels for your home or business?

Congratulations, you’ve made a great decision.

But you’re probably wondering:

“How do I choose the best solar installer for my project?”

The quality of work a solar panel contractor provides is essential to any installation in relation to the system’s reliability, safety, longevity, and overall performance.

That said, this guide is designed to help you determine how to choose the ideal solar company.

Read on.

How to Pick the Best Solar Installer for Your Project

So many important factors go into selecting the right solar company for your installation.

Here are 11 things you need to look for.

1. Verify Licenses, Insurance, and Certifications

Business licenses and insurance policies protect both you and the company. Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction, so understand how they apply to your area.

It is crucial to choose a fully certified solar installer with a professionally trained team of certified electricians and solar construction professionals working alongside them.

Your solar partner should have the certification they need, a proven track record, and knowledge of current safety practices.

At a minimum, the solar installer you choose to work with should hold a general electrical contractor’s license, also known as a C-10 license, and general liability insurance. The installer should also be OSHA-certified.

Ideally, the company should also be able to provide quality assurance certifications that back up industry expertise for installing all types of solar panels and similar energy systems.

Currently, organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offer certifications that are the gold standard in the solar industry.

The company should be happy to discuss all the details outlining solar power systems they’ve installed for previous clients.

2. Choose a Self-Performing Installer

The design and installation process is technically challenging and involved. Whether you own a commercial business or a home, you will want your contractor to have direct control and oversight over the installation work performed.

You should also be aware that there are different kinds of solar companies, including solar panel equipment manufacturers and distributors, solar panel installation companies, and solar financing companies. If you want to add a new solar panel system to your home, you’ll need a solar installer to help you.

You want your installer to self-perform the installation and have direct, in-house advanced solar training and knowledge of how best to install solar power equipment safely.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Before you hire an installer, get multiple quotes from different solar energy contractors. This allows you to compare and contrast the things that matter most to your having a positive overall experience: their knowledge & experience, do they communicate clearly, do they follow-through with their promises, their timeliness, the equipment they recommend, and pricing.

To provide an accurate quote, most solar installers will schedule an appointment to visit your property, assess your roof, and determine the viability of a solar panel system.

During this visit, be sure to ask the installer any questions you may have. Obtain a copy of the quote in writing and review all collected quotes before you make a hiring decision.

To learn more about how to compare quotes, check out our blog on the topic.

4. Learn About Subcontractor Qualifications

If your solar contractor intends to use subcontractors, it’s crucial to have a good sense of the track record and qualifications of those entities.

Some circumstances call for a solar company to use subcontractors for specific tasks. The best companies are always transparent about why and how they use subcontractors.

Subcontractors may be used to complete a limited and specialized scope of work, or they might be used to complete the majority of the installation labor.

In either case, it is critical that the prime contractor have expert supervision present on the job site to maintain strict quality control.

Here at Sandbar, we self-perform the vast majority of our installations and maintain strict, on-site supervision and quality control across 100% of our jobs. 

Ask about the quality control process in place for managing subcontractor work. Also, be sure to inquire about subcontractor qualifications and track records. Search for and read online reviews from previous customers or ask the team for references that speak to the quality of their previous work.

Research the company on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and BBB. Ideally, the team should be able to show you examples of systems they’ve installed for previous clients.

If possible, choose a company that not only sells but also installs systems with its own experienced crews.

5. Choose a Local Brand

When it comes to solar installers, homeowners can choose between a local or a national company.

While some may assume that national installers are the smarter choice – since these companies may be larger – a local installer is always a better choice.

Not only are local installers more reliable than national installers, you also won’t have to jump through hoops to speak with a tech.

Working with a local company allows for a more personalized experience and better service while also supporting local workers and families in your community.

Not sure how to find a local installer? You probably know someone who has already worked with a local company to have residential solar panels installed at their property.

Ask them about the contractor they worked with and how they rate the experience. This is a great way to find and connect with reliable local companies.

6. Look for Installers Who Provide Maintenance

Most people assume that all solar installers also provide maintenance for PV panels.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, though.

Many solar installers don’t provide any follow-up maintenance. Unfortunately, this leaves you without support if your system needs service in the years following installation.

To avoid this, find a solar installer who also provides solar maintenance. This team will be a one-stop shop for your rooftop solar panel system. They’ll manage the system from installation throughout its lifespan.

7. Avoid Cheap Solar & Consider Financing Options

If the price seems too good to be true on your rooftop solar panel systems, it is.

If you don’t have money on hand for an installation, financing can make a big difference. An established solar company can help you explore sound financing options.

While this isn’t their main role, they can advise you on different plans, guide you through the steps, and make the process easier.

8. Consider Different Solar Panel Brands

There are different solar panel brands available at different price points, but you shouldn’t make a decision based solely on cost. The leading brands are similar in terms of efficiency rating, performance, material quality, and warranty.

Different solar panel brands are manufactured in different wattage increments. Unit costs are more accurately measured as price per watt. The final cost of your project is determined by its total wattage, not the price per panel.

Other important factors to consider are the product’s maintenance track record, including any recalls, and the manufacturer’s reputation.

An experienced solar panel contractor is your best resource for detailed information about different systems for your home.

9. Confirm Workmanship Warranties

A workmanship warranty is an important part of any solar panel installation. These warranties cover any problems that may arise due to installation mistakes.

For example, if a panel comes loose, the repair will be covered by a workmanship warranty. Average warranties cover the design and construction of a solar energy system for 1 to 10 years, although some extend as long as 25 years.

You can sometimes purchase an operation and maintenance contract separately from the installation process. However, it’s much easier and more reliable to deal with a company that backs its projects with in-house workmanship warranties.

Be wary of new companies promising extended warranties. While these companies may promise long-term protection, there’s no guarantee that they’ll still be in business in 20 years if you need them to actually honor the warranty. Instead, look for established solar installers with a long track record of successful business.

10. Look for Expect Advice and Guidance

The best solar company gives you advice and guidance on the right solar panel system for your home or business.

You want a strong working relationship based on trust, so expect open lines of communication and a commitment to keep you posted as the project progresses.

11. Verify Bankability

Larger companies usually have excellent track records for success, and that keeps them bankable.

If a small contractor goes bankrupt, that can stall an ongoing installation or void workmanship warranties on a finished job.

An established solar panel company is your best choice for long-term project security.

Key Questions to Ask a Solar Installer

Asking the following questions gives you a better idea of how well the company can work for you:

  • Do you self-perform your installation work?
  • If you do not self-perform the installation, can you tell who or what company will be performing the installation work?
  • What is the track record and qualifications of that installation company?
  • What solar equipment (panels and inverters) do you recommend and why?
  • What quality control practices do you enforce during the installation process to ensure that the equipment is safely and correctly installed?
  • Can you verify quote numbers?
  • What kind of energy production can I expect from my panels?
  • What kind of financing options do you offer?

Looking to go Solar? We Can Help!

When you pick a solar installer for your project, you want to know that you’re choosing honest professionals who meet all regulatory requirements and demonstrate real industry expertise. You also want solid warranties that protect your investment.

Here at Sandbar Solar & Electric, We provide installation services to home and business owners across the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast. Systems are designed, engineered, and stamped by our in-house electrical engineer, and all permitting is handled in-house.

Certified electricians and trained professional installers then install the systems. Sandbar offers ongoing maintenance and service options throughout the lifespan of your system.

If you’d like to request a free solar consultation, contact our friendly experts today.

About the Author

Jeremy has worked in the solar industry since 2006. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from UC Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies. Jeremy has spent most of his solar career in residential sales and Sales Management in both California and Hawaii. He was raised in Santa Cruz County and is passionate about helping local residents make the switch to clean and reliable renewable energy. Jeremy lives on the Westside with his wife and two boys and enjoys music, photography and hiking in his personal time.