Decisions, Decisions: Choosing a Solar Installer

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The process of going solar can seem complex, so it's important to hire the right professionals to make it easier. So how do you choose a qualified, certified, and experienced solar system installer who uses high-quality solar panels?

The quick answer is to research and interview several installers. Here are some of the most important factors to consider as you embark on your residential solar energy journey:

• Credentials – Look for installers with certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).The NABCEP is widely recognized as the gold standard among renewable energy system installers. Make sure the installer you choose is licensed, bonded, and insured to install residential solar projects in your area. Ask them if they will be using subcontractors on your project and verify the subcontractors’ credentials as well. 
   
• Experience and Expertise – Choose installers who have experience installing solar equipment and are knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. A good rule of thumb is to work with installers who have at least three years of experience. Ask them questions like:  
  • How long have they been in business?   
  • How many solar energy systems have they installed? I 
  • What modules do they use and why?  
  • Can they clearly explain which solar energy incentives you are eligible for and how they work?  
  • What can they tell you about coverage under warranties if there’s a problem with a component or the energy system after installation? 
     
• Transparency – The installer should be upfront with you about the process and be willing to answer all your questions at any time. There shouldn’t be any mystery about the work being done on your home. Further, if your installer uses subcontractors, make sure you know which portions of the project they will handle and how your installer will oversee their work. 

• Roof Conditions – When you hire an installer, one of the first things they should check is your roof’s condition. Ask your installer if your roof needs repair prior to installation. Also, ask who is responsible if the roof gets damaged or if a roof leak develops. 

  Most roofs have protruding vent pipes. Some installers will place the panels to fit around these vents, but you may not like how that looks. If you’re getting your roof repaired prior to installation and you have protruding vents, you can ask if the vents can be moved to a spot where there won’t be solar panels. If they can’t, ask your roofer about replacing protruding vent pipes with low-profile vent openings, which can fit underneath solar panels. Ask your installer to include any roof repairs and vent relocation in their proposal. 

• Reputation and Testimonials – Do your due diligence by reading online reviews from installers’ past customers. The installers you’re considering should be able to give you references from previous clients who can share their installation experience. When comparing installers, pay attention to how well they communicate and clearly explain how your system will work. 
   
• Talk to Friends and Neighbors – When in doubt about what installer to trust, reach out to people you know who have gone solar to find out what they learned from the experience.  
   
• Pricing – Different installers are likely to have different rates for the same job, so it is important to compare quotes. Most experienced installers will come to look at your home and then give you a price proposal based on your home’s size, energy usage, and other factors. For an idea of what you might pay, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Tracking the Sun report contains installation prices across the United States. To compare, convert your quote to cost per watt. You can calculate this by dividing the cost of the system by the system’s capacity in watts. Since capacity is measured in kilowatts(kW), multiply the number of kW in the system by 1,000, then divide the system’s cost by that number. 
   
• English Language Assistance – If you are not fluent in English, it might be helpful to have someone you trust who is fluent in English and Spanish assist you with choosing a solar system installer. 

For more information on going solar, check out the resources available from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, including the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar, which demystifies the installation process. 

This blog post is part of DOE’s Summer of Solar campaign, which lifts up stories of Americans who use solar energy and the communities that are making it easier to go solar.