How to Choose a Solar Installer: 7 Questions to Ask First

Choosing a solar installer is the most important decision you'll make when going solar. The panels themselves are largely commodities at this point — most Tier 1 manufacturers produce reliable equipment. The installer is what separates a system that performs for 25 years from one that causes headaches from year one.

Here are the seven questions I recommend asking every installer before you sign anything.

1. How long have you been installing solar in this area?

Local experience matters more than national scale. A company that understands your utility's net metering policies, permit requirements, and weather patterns will produce a better design and smoother install. Look for at least three years of local installations.

2. What panels and inverters do you use, and why?

A good installer can explain why they chose specific equipment for your roof, not just hand you a brand name. They should be able to discuss the tradeoffs between microinverters and string inverters, monocrystalline vs. bifacial panels, and how their choice affects your specific situation.

3. Can you share recent installations in my area?

Ask for addresses or neighborhoods of recent jobs. Drive by if you can. Look for clean conduit work, panels mounted flush to the roof, and proper flashing around roof penetrations. If they hesitate to share references, that's a red flag.

4. What warranty covers what, and who backs it?

There are three warranties to track: equipment (panels/inverters), workmanship (installation quality), and production (energy output guarantee). Equipment is usually backed by the manufacturer. Workmanship should be backed by the installer — and if they go out of business, that warranty is worth little. Ask about their company's financial stability and whether they offer a production guarantee.

5. How do you handle roof penetrations and leaks?

Every solar installation requires roof penetrations for mounting. A quality installer uses flashing systems specifically designed for solar, not generic caulk. Ask about their leak repair policy and whether they guarantee the roof penetrations for the life of the system.

6. What's the timeline from contract to activation?

Typical timelines are 4-8 weeks from signing to PTO (permission to operate). Delays often happen during permitting and utility approval, not installation. A transparent installer will walk you through each step and give you realistic timelines.

7. What happens if my system underperforms?

This is the most important question. A reputable installer has a monitoring system, a response protocol for underperformance, and a clear process for warranty claims. If they can't articulate this, keep looking.

The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A slightly more expensive installer with a strong local reputation and transparent warranties will save you money and stress over the life of your system.