Price comparison is necessary but not sufficient — these questions reveal more about what you're actually buying.
How long have they been installing solar, specifically in your area?
Local experience matters for navigating your specific jurisdiction's permitting process, your utility's interconnection requirements, and regional considerations like snow load or hurricane wind ratings — a company new to your specific area, even if experienced elsewhere, may face a steeper learning curve on local requirements.
Who actually performs the installation?
Some solar companies use their own employed crews; others subcontract installation work — neither is automatically better, but knowing which affects who to expect on your roof and who's directly accountable for workmanship quality.
What's the specific workmanship warranty, and what happens if the company closes?
See our warranty guide for the general framework — but ask this specific installer directly about their own history, financial stability, and what (if anything) backs the warranty if they're no longer in business.
How do they size the system, and can you see the math?
A good installer should walk through their usage-based sizing logic clearly, not just hand you a number — cross-check their proposed size against the solar panel calculator using your own usage data.
What happens if production underperforms the estimate?
Some installers offer a production guarantee with a specific remedy if actual output falls meaningfully short of the estimate; others don't. Understanding this upfront, before signing, avoids a difficult conversation later if production disappoints.
Can they provide references from installations at least 2-3 years old?
Recent installations don't reveal how a system — or the company's ongoing support — holds up over time; references from established, several-year-old installations are more informative about long-term reliability and support quality.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always choose the installer with the longest track record?
Longer experience is generally a positive signal, but isn't the only factor — a newer company with strong reviews, clear answers to these questions, and solid financial backing can still be a good choice; weigh multiple factors together.
Is it reasonable to ask an installer for references?
Yes, entirely reasonable — a reputable installer should be able to provide references, ideally including some from installations completed a few years ago, not just recent ones.