What Questions Should I Ask a Solar Company?

The Essential Questions

Before signing anything, ask these questions. A good company will answer them directly. A bad company will dodge, deflect, or pressure you.

Pricing Questions

1. "What is the all-in price per watt?"

This is the most important number for comparing quotes. Total price ÷ system size in watts.

Good answer: "$2.90 per watt, which includes everything — permits, installation, interconnection."

Red flag: "Let me show you the monthly payment instead..." (They're hiding bad math)

2. "What's included vs. excluded?"

Some quotes look cheap until you realize they don't include:

- Permit fees

- Main panel upgrade

- Trenching for ground mounts

- Interconnection fees

Get it in writing. If it's not in the contract, it's not included.

Equipment Questions

3. "What exact panels and inverters are you using?"

You want specific model numbers, not vague descriptions.

Good answer: "QCELL Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400W panels with Enphase IQ8M microinverters."

Red flag: "Premium Tier 1 panels with top-quality inverters." (What does that actually mean?)

4. "Why did you choose this equipment?"

A knowledgeable installer should be able to explain their equipment choices and why they fit your situation.

Warranty Questions

5. "What is your workmanship warranty?"

This covers installation quality — roof penetrations, wiring, mounting.

Industry standard: 10 years

Better companies: 15–25 years

A 10-year workmanship warranty is acceptable. Push back on anything less.

6. "What happens if your company goes out of business?"

This is uncomfortable to ask, but important. 75–80% of solar companies from 3 years ago no longer exist.

Good answer: "Our equipment warranties (Enphase 25 years, panel manufacturer 25 years) transfer to you directly. We also have relationships with [other company] who would service orphaned systems."

Red flag: Defensive response, subject change, or "that won't happen."

Company Questions

7. "How long have you been in business?"

Longer is generally better. 5+ years is a good threshold.

8. "Are you local? Do you have an office I can visit?"

Out-of-state companies often subcontract everything locally and disappear when problems arise.

Verify: Check for local Google Business listing, local BBB presence, physical address.

9. "Can I see your contractor license and certifications?"

Ask for:

- State contractor license number (verify it's active online)

- NABCEP certification (industry credential)

- Enphase/SolarEdge certifications

10. "Who actually does the installation?"

Some companies subcontract everything. The salesperson might work for a different company than the installers.

Better: Company with W2 installation crews who are trained and accountable.

Service & Support Questions

11. "Who handles warranty claims — you or the manufacturer?"

Good answer: "We handle everything. You call us, we diagnose the issue, we coordinate with manufacturers, we do the repair."

Worse answer: "You'll need to contact Enphase directly." (This is technically fine, but less support for you)

12. "What's your typical response time for service calls?"

Get a real answer. "Within 48 hours" is different from "within 2 weeks."

13. "Do you charge truck roll fees for service visits?"

Some companies charge $150+ just to show up, even for warranty issues. Know this upfront.

Process Questions

14. "What's the timeline from contract to power-on?"

Typical: 6–12 weeks. Varies by permitting jurisdiction and utility.

15. "Will I need a main panel upgrade?"

Older homes with 100A panels often need upgrades. This can add $2,000–$4,000. Better to know upfront than be surprised.

16. "What happens if you damage my roof?"

A professional answer involves their insurance coverage and repair process. Defensiveness is a red flag.

Final Questions

17. "Can I talk to some of your recent customers?"

A company with happy customers will connect you. A company with unhappy customers will make excuses.

18. "Can I have a day to think about this?"

Any pressure to sign today is a red flag. Good companies let you make informed decisions.

Classic scam line: "This price is only available if you sign today."

Walk away.

The Roofer Warning

If you ever need roof work done after solar is installed:

NEVER let a roofer or "two guys with a truck" remove your solar panels.

This will:

- Void your installer's workmanship warranty

- Possibly void manufacturer warranties

- Risk illegal electrical work if no licensed electrician is present

- Often result in improper reinstallation (reused feet, skipped wire replacement, leaks)

Always use your solar installer — or if they're gone, a licensed solar contractor — for any removal/reinstallation work.