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10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar Installer

A residential solar system is a 25-year investment that involves your roof structure, electrical system, utility interconnection, and potentially complex financing. The solar industry has significant variation in equipment quality, installation practices, and post-installation support. The wrong installer can leave you with a system that underperforms, a voided roof warranty, or financing terms that cost more than the electricity you save.

10 QuestionsPrintable ChecklistAvg Cost: $15,000 - $35,000 per system

Questions to Ask

1Have you assessed my roof's structural condition, age, and remaining lifespan?

Why It Matters

Solar panels last 25-30 years. If your roof has 5-10 years of life left, you'll need to remove the panels, reroof, and reinstall them -- costing thousands in additional labor.

Red Flag

They don't ask about roof age or condition, or they recommend installing on a roof that clearly needs replacement soon.

Pro Tip

If your roof is more than 15 years old (asphalt shingles) or showing wear, replace it before solar installation. Some solar companies offer roof replacement bundled with solar to save on labor costs.

2What specific panels and inverter will you install, and why did you choose them?

Why It Matters

Panel efficiency ranges from 18% to 23%, and inverter type (string vs. microinverter vs. power optimizer) affects performance, monitoring, and maintenance. These aren't interchangeable.

Red Flag

They can't name the specific panel model and inverter, or they push proprietary equipment that you can't find reviews for.

Pro Tip

Look for Tier 1 panel manufacturers with at least a 25-year performance warranty. Microinverters (Enphase) or power optimizers (SolarEdge) outperform string inverters on roofs with shading or multiple orientations.

3What is my estimated annual production in kilowatt-hours, and how did you calculate it?

Why It Matters

Production estimates should be based on your specific roof orientation, tilt, shading, and local solar irradiance data -- not generic marketing numbers. Overestimated production means underdelivered savings.

Red Flag

They give a production estimate without visiting your home or performing a shade analysis.

Pro Tip

Ask them to show you the modeling software output (PVWatts, Aurora, Helioscope) that accounts for your roof pitch, azimuth, shading, and local weather data. Compare their estimate to your actual electricity usage.

4How does my roof warranty work after solar installation, and who is responsible for roof leaks at penetration points?

Why It Matters

Every roof-mounted panel requires mounting hardware that penetrates your roof. Improper flashing or sealing at these points causes leaks. Many roof manufacturers void the warranty if unqualified contractors make penetrations.

Red Flag

They don't address roof warranty implications, or they use minimal flashing at penetration points.

Pro Tip

Ask about their flashing method. Quality installers use flashed standoffs with sealant and waterproof membrane, not just caulk. Some solar companies offer a separate roof penetration warranty.

5What are my financing options, and what is the true total cost over the loan term?

Why It Matters

Solar loans often include dealer fees (10-30% of system cost) that are rolled into the loan, making the financed price much higher than the cash price. Leases and PPAs may prevent you from claiming the federal tax credit.

Red Flag

They focus only on monthly payment savings without disclosing the total loan cost, dealer fees, or loan APR.

Pro Tip

Get the cash purchase price and compare it to the total cost of financing (monthly payment x loan term). A $25,000 system financed at 5% for 25 years with dealer fees can cost over $50,000 total.

6Will you handle the utility interconnection, permits, and inspection?

Why It Matters

Solar installation requires building permits, electrical permits, utility interconnection agreements, and inspections. Some installers handle everything; others leave paperwork to the homeowner.

Red Flag

They expect you to handle permits and utility paperwork yourself.

Pro Tip

A full-service installer handles: building permit, electrical permit, utility interconnection application, all inspections, and system commissioning. This should be included in the quoted price.

7What monitoring system is included, and what does it track?

Why It Matters

Panel-level monitoring lets you see the output of each individual panel, making it easy to spot underperformance or failures. System-level monitoring only shows total output, hiding problems.

Red Flag

No monitoring is included, or only basic system-level monitoring is offered.

Pro Tip

Microinverter and power optimizer systems inherently provide panel-level monitoring. Ask for app-based monitoring that you can check from your phone.

8What happens if my system underperforms the estimate?

Why It Matters

Some installers offer production guarantees that compensate you if actual output falls below the estimated production. Without this, you absorb the risk of an underperforming system.

Red Flag

They guarantee high production numbers verbally but won't put a production guarantee in writing.

Pro Tip

A written production guarantee (typically 85-95% of estimated production) with financial compensation for shortfalls shows the installer stands behind their design and installation quality.

9What are the warranty terms for panels, inverter, workmanship, and roof penetrations?

Why It Matters

You should have four separate warranties: panel manufacturer (25-30 years), inverter manufacturer (12-25 years), installer workmanship (10-25 years), and roof penetration warranty (10+ years).

Red Flag

They bundle everything into a single vague warranty, or the workmanship warranty is less than 10 years.

Pro Tip

Get each warranty in writing with the specific terms. Verify that the installer has been in business long enough to honor a 25-year warranty, or that the warranty is backed by a third party.

10Are you licensed as an electrical contractor, and who does the electrical connection to my panel?

Why It Matters

Solar installation involves DC and AC electrical work, panel connections, and potentially a main panel upgrade. This work should be performed by licensed electricians, not general laborers.

Red Flag

The installation crew does electrical work without a licensed electrician, or they subcontract the electrical to a company you've never heard of.

Pro Tip

The ideal installer has a licensed electrician on staff or as a regular subcontractor. Ask specifically about who connects the inverter to your electrical panel and whether they'll perform a load calculation.

Bonus Tips for Hiring a Solar Installer

  • Get at least three quotes and compare: system size, panel brand/model, inverter type, production estimate, cash price, financed price, and warranty terms side by side.
  • Check for state and local incentives in addition to the 30% federal tax credit. Your utility may offer additional rebates or favorable net metering rates.
  • Ask your homeowner's insurance agent whether solar panels are covered under your existing policy or whether you need a rider. Most policies cover panels as part of the dwelling structure.
  • If a salesperson pressures you to sign today for a 'limited-time discount,' walk away. Solar equipment prices are declining, and genuine installers don't use high-pressure sales tactics.

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