How to choose a solar installer: a 15-point checklist
Credentials
- Contractor license: verify it on your state's contractor licensing board website (requirements vary by state; some also require an electrical license).
- Insurance: ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and confirm with the insurer.
- Certification: ask whether the designer/installer holds a NABCEP certification (you can verify it in NABCEP's directory).
- Track record: ask for local references and how long the company has installed in your utility's territory.
- Complaint history: search your state attorney general and consumer protection office for complaints.
The proposal
- Equipment models are named (panels, inverters, batteries, racking).
- Production estimate in kWh, with the assumptions used (check it with PVWatts).
- Savings claims show the electricity rate and rate-increase assumption used.
- Incentives assumed are named, with eligibility rules (see 2026 federal change).
- Total price and cost per watt, before incentives.
The contract
- Workmanship warranty length and who honors it if the installer closes.
- Who handles permits, inspection and utility interconnection, and what happens if interconnection is delayed.
- Payment schedule tied to milestones, not a large up-front deposit.
- Cancellation rights (federal and many state rules give a cooling-off period for certain door-to-door sales).
- Roof penetration warranty and responsibility for roof leaks.
Red flags
Per the FTC: "free" solar offers, claims of government or utility affiliation, pressure to sign immediately or on a tablet without seeing the full contract, and demands for large up-front payments.