What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Signing
For homeowners, making the switch to solar power can end up being one of the best financial decisions to be made. However, much of the wisdom behind this decision will come down to the installer that a homeowner chooses. In fact, it matters just as much as the decision itself.
Even the best solar power system, when installed poorly, or a smooth sales pitch that’s been backed by a company that may not even be around in five years—common situations like these can turn a smart investment into a serious headache.With dozens of solar companies in your local area competing for your business, knowing how to separate top-tier professionals from the rest is an essential first step.
Start With Licensing and Insurance
Any reputable solar installer will be licensed to work in the state where you live. Further, they should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. But don’t just take the company’s word for it.
During the sales process, be sure to ask for documentation and then take steps to quickly verify it. Licensing requirements vary by state, but your state’s contractor licensing board website makes it easy to confirm a company’s standing. An unlicensed or uninsured contractor can leave you exposed, should something go wrong during or after the installation process.
Look for Solar Manufacturer Certifications
The best solar installers will be certified by the manufacturers whose products they install. SunPower, LG, Panasonic, and other leading panel manufacturers all offer individula installer certification programs that require training, demonstrated installation quality, and ongoing compliance.
A certified installer will not only know the product inside and out, but they will often have access to enhanced warranty terms that uncertified installers can’t offer. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is the gold standard in the solar industry. It should communicate a strong signal that you’re dealing with a serious solar professional.
Evaluate Warranties Carefully
A solar installation comes with multiple layers of warranty coverage—the panel manufacturer’s product warranty, the inverter warranty, and the installer’s workmanship warranty. Panel warranties typically run 25 years, but workmanship warranties vary widely, from as little as one year to ten or more.
Make sure you ask every residential solar installer you speak with to walk you through all three warranty layers in writing. If a company is vague about workmanship coverage, you’re likely look at a red flag. You can read more about what to know before buying residential solar panels on our blog, including a breakdown of what warranty terms to push for.
Check Reviews and Local Reputation
Online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and EnergySage can tell you a lot about how a solar company treats its customers after the sale. Be sure you pay attention to how the installation company responds to negative reviews — that tells you more than the five-star ratings do. Prioritize installers with a meaningful local track record over national companies that subcontract to third-party crews because accountability is much easier to establish with a local business.
Pricing in the solar industry varies more than homeowners might expect. When you solicit three unique quotes, you’ll have a more realistic sense of the market rate for your system size. This will also help you to spot outliers in either direction — a quote that’s dramatically lower than the others deserves scrutiny, not celebration. Use each quote as an opportunity to ask questions and to assess how well the company communicates. The NREL PVWatts Calculator is a free tool that can help you independently estimate what your system should produce, so you can evaluate quotes with a baseline in hand.
Choosing the right installer takes a little extra time upfront — but it protects what is likely a $15,000–$25,000 investment for decades to come. If you’re ready to start comparing options, enter your zip code to get a free solar savings estimate and connect with qualified installers in your area.