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How to Choose a Solar Installer: Questions That Matter

The installer determines whether your solar lasts 25 years. Here’s how to vet them properly — accreditation, insurance, references and the red flags.

WaterFuelAndSolarEnergy.com Editorial Team Updated December 2024 9 min read

A poorly installed system can underperform or fail years before it should. The right installer is more important than the panel brand, and there are concrete ways to check them.

Accreditation and licences

  • Check your country/region’s installer accreditation (e.g. CEC-approved in Australia)
  • Confirm current electrical contractor licence
  • Ask for proof of public liability insurance
  • Look for established manufacturer partnerships

The questions that separate good from great

  1. How many similar systems have you installed this year?
  2. Do you use your own installation crews or subcontractors?
  3. Who handles permits and inspections?
  4. What happens if you go out of business?
  5. Can I see your monitoring portal on a live install?
Should I pick the cheapest installer?
No — the cheapest is often the most expensive over 25 years. Pick the reliable one whose price is fair, not the absolute lowest.

Red flags

  • High-pressure same-day discounts
  • Refusal to give written warranties
  • Vague answers on credentials
  • Demanding full payment up front