Hiring a solar installer is a big decision, and a bad one can cost you thousands and years of headaches. Do the upfront work yourself, and you'll save money and stress. Here's what to ask and look for before signing anything.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their state contractor's license number before they even start their pitch. Then go verify it online with your state licensing board. If they hesitate or make excuses, walk. They need general liability insurance and workers' comp. If they don't have workers' comp and someone gets hurt on your roof, that bill lands on you. Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from their carrier, not just a paper they hand you.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how many residential systems they've installed in the last two years. Not total company history, but actual hands-on work by the crew that will show up. Then ask for three references from jobs done in the last year. Call those people and ask specific questions: Did the crew clean up every day? Did the system produce what they promised? Would they hire them again? One vague answer is fine. Two vague answers means you're getting a sales pitch, not honest feedback.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get at least three written quotes. If one quote is way lower than the others, ask why. Cheap parts, cheap labor, or a desperado trying to cover overhead — none are good signs. Ask for a start date and a realistic finish date in writing. Expect some delays from weather or permits, but anyone who says they can finish in a week is probably lying. Ask what happens if they go over schedule. Most contracts are silent on that, so you need to hear their answer.
Contract Questions
Read the whole contract. Look for the cancellation policy. You should be able to back out without penalty within three business days in most states, but double check. Look for a clause about who handles permit fees and structural repairs. Get everything in writing — model numbers of panels and inverters, warranty terms, and who covers labor if something fails in year four. Verbal promises are worthless when the salesman's gone.
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