10 Things to Check Before Hiring Solar System Installers

As homeowners across the country increasingly turn to solar energy to reduce their monthly expenses, the demand for solar installations has surged. This growing interest has led to a proliferation of solar companies, many operating as sales-only organizations that outsource their installation work to the lowest bidder. Not all installers provide the same level of quality, experience, and training, however. This blog will help you make a good decision when selecting a solar partner. 

Modern solar panels come with warranties that last from 25 to 30 years. Therefore, selecting a reliable solar installation partner is crucial, not just for a smooth installation experience but also for long-term support. If your solar installer goes out of business, accessing warranty or service support can become significantly more challenging. We’ve seen this situation firsthand; our Service Department frequently receives calls from customers whose previous installers have ceased operations, leaving them scrambling for support. Sadly, these calls are a daily occurrence. 

Let’s take a closer look at the ten key factors to consider when choosing a solar installer. This is one of your very first solar decisions, and arguably one of the most important.

1. How many years of experience do they have?

One of the first things to check before hiring a solar installer is how long they’ve been in business and how many systems they’ve installed. 

Ideally, you’ll want to choose a company that has been in business for at least 15 to 20 years. This not only means they’ve gained significant local expertise, but it also means that they’ve been around long enough to build a reputation. Before you choose a solar installer, ask them how long they’ve been in business, the number of systems they’ve installed, and if you can see past examples of their work. Most reputable solar companies are happy to provide references if you ask. They should have ample photos of their work. 

Another reason to check how long a solar company has been in business is that you can feel confident they’ll be around in the future to service the system for the duration of the warranty and beyond. The best indicator that they’ll be around for the long haul is if they’ve been around for a while already. In short it demonstrates responsible business management. The last thing you want is your installer disappearing or closing down when you need them most.

See Similar: How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

2. Do they have any certifications?

This one is really important. Solar energy systems are sophisticated high-voltage devices that interact with the utility grid as well as all the appliances in your home. The last thing you want is an unlicensed, untrained and inexperienced contractor messing around with the electrical systems in your house where a mistake can be deadly.  

All Arizona contractors are required to be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC). The ROC number should appear on all public facing materials, including trucks, business cards, brochures, and the company website. You can also look up the company’s name by visiting www.roc.az.gov. This database will show you when the license was issued, so you’ll know immediately how long the company has been in business and if they’re operating legally. If there is no ROC record, find a different partner. 

In Arizona our two biggest power utilities - APS and SRP - certify solar installers to ensure that they have the training necessary for safe and reliable grid integration. You can easily find out which solar installers have received these critical certifications by following these links and searching by company name. If your prospective company isn’t listed, they have not received this critical training from the utility. Proceed at your own risk. 

• SRP Preferred Solar Installer 
• APS Qualified Technology Installer

Solar-specific technical certifications can provide valuable insights into a company’s commitment to training and safety. One of the most reputable certifications is from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Earning this certification involves completing coursework and passing a demanding exam. Additionally, NABCEP-certified installers are required to pursue ongoing education, ensuring they stay current with the latest technologies and best practices.

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, education and training is not only encouraged but required for our team. We know first-hand that delivering quality begins with being the most qualified. Our industry certifications allow us to work with A-list commercial clients such as Target, SubZero, PepsiCo and many more. This extensive knowledge and training benefits our residential customers as well. 

Our certifications include: 

• AZROC: 270331
• SRP Preferred Solar Installer
• APS Qualified Technology Installer
• NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
• RISE CSRP Certified Solar Roofing Professional
• Certified Envelope Professional with the Building Performance Institute
• Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer. 

3. Are there positive customer reviews?

Customer reviews offer real-world insights from those who have hired the company to install their solar energy systems. You can think of these reviews as first-hand accounts of what you can expect from the installation process, system performance, quality of solar equipment, energy savings, customer service and support, and overall satisfaction of working with that installer. 

Numerous positive reviews for a company can demonstrate reliability and credibility, instilling confidence in your purchase. On the other hand, many negative reviews are a sign to potentially avoid that particular installer. 

When looking at past customer reviews, aim for neutral third party websites, such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, or SolarReviews.com. Check that the number of reviews matches the company’s years of experience. It may be a red flag, for example, if a company has been around for 20 years but has only two reviews. On the other hand, a company with a high volume of positive reviews demonstrates consistent satisfaction amongst its clients.

Keep Reading: How Does Solar Power Work?

4. Do they have experience installing solar panels in your local area?

While national companies might have more widespread name recognition or online reviews, there are several advantages to choosing a local company to install your solar energy system. These include: 

• More attentive service: Local solar companies often provide more personalized and attentive service. Since they’re focused on a specific region, local companies are more invested in cultivating a strong reputation within the community. This usually drives them to go the extra mile and provide customers with personalized solutions, quick responses to inquiries, and ongoing support. You can probably even visit their local offices to preview product offerings in person. With national brands, this is generally not an option. 

• Understanding of local regulations: Local solar installers will also have more in-depth knowledge of local regulations, such as specific permits and paperwork required, which can make the installation process go more smoothly and quickly. 

• Local AHJ Relationships: Local installers work hard to cultivate strong relationships with local authorities of jurisdiction. This includes power utilities, city permitting offices, and even HOAs. National brands rarely have the same level of local relationships. 

• Awareness of solar incentives: In most cases, local solar companies will be more informed about any state or local solar incentives, tax credits, or rebates that can help you maximize savings and reduce your upfront installation costs. The most reputable companies may even be directly involved in shaping local solar policies and incentives. National brands rarely work so intimately on a local level. 

• In-depth knowledge of net billing rules: Every state has different rules around net billing (also known as net metering), and a local solar installer will be able to clearly explain the rules in your state and how they can benefit you. This is especially important because net billing rules can significantly impact the payback period of your solar system.

• Faster response times: Working with a local solar installer often  means you can expect faster response times in case of emergency repairs or maintenance. There’s a reason that national brands often subcontract their service work to local companies. 
• Experience with local climate: Finally, local solar installation companies will have years of experience working with your local climate. In states like Arizona, one of the hottest areas of the country, a local installer will know which panels are best able to handle the state’s weather conditions. On the other hand, national brands tend to buy panels in bulk to service multiple states, which can result in reduced efficiency if the panels aren’t appropriate for your local climate.

See: Maximizing Solar Efficiency in Extreme Heat: A 2024 Guide

5. Do they offer roof inspection services?

Solar panels and roof inspections go hand-in-hand. Before you install solar panels, it’s essential that you have an expert check your roof’s structural integrity. Solar panels are designed to last for decades, but if your roof needs replacement or repairs after installation, you’ll face the costly process of removing and reinstalling the panels to access the roofing material underneath. 

A good solar installer will inspect your roof’s condition in person, and make recommendations as part of their initial assessment process. This shows they have your best interests, and the long-term lifespan of your solar panel, in mind. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we always conduct a thorough roof inspection to make sure that the mounting area is healthy enough to last for the life of a solar array. We’ll even call in a third party roofer to conduct a more in-depth assessment if the roof is particularly old. 

Keep Reading: 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Quality Roofing for Solar Installations

6. Is the person selling you the panels from the same company as the installers?

There are two types of solar companies: those who send their own employees to install your solar panels and those who'll outsource the work to subcontractors. With an in-house solar installer, the same company who sold you the panels will be there every step of the process, from sales to installation, customer service, and ongoing support. A company that uses subcontractors will usually just sell you the solar panels then send someone else to do the installation. While some independent sales organizations are great - investing in training and certifications so that their customers are well served - many aren’t so committed to quality. This is because Sales-only solar companies are not required to secure any technical certifications or special solar training. 

If you feel undue pressure to make a purchase decision, or if the answers to your questions seem vague, we recommend choosing an in-house solar company. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, having a single company handle both sales and installation reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and delays, as everyone involved is working towards the same goal. Secondly, an in-house installer will have an in-depth knowledge of their products, meaning they can offer customized solutions and advice on which system works best for you and your needs. An in-house solar company will also be fully accountable for the entire project, giving you a single point of contact for any questions or concerns that arise.

While subcontractors can still be reliable and trustworthy, they’re not a direct representative of the solar company doing the actual installation. This can translate to having less accountability and vested interest in customer satisfaction after the sale is completed.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a solar company that outsources the installation,  so long as you find out who is doing the installation and apply the same due diligence to both the installer and the sales agent. 

7. Do they offer help with financing?

Solar panel systems can be a significant investment, and not everyone has the ability to pay for them upfront. A good solar installer will offer various financing options, including loans and leases. These options can make solar more accessible by spreading the cost over several years or reducing your upfront expenses.

It’s important to understand the financing options available to you because the terms can significantly impact the overall savings you’ll see from your solar system. For example, a loan might offer lower monthly payments, while a lease might eliminate upfront costs entirely. A good installer will help you navigate these options and choose the one that best fits your financial situation. 

See More: Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels – Which is Best For You?

8. Are they able to offer you price estimates?

It’s important to choose a solar installer that can provide upfront, no-obligation, price estimates so you can understand the total cost of your system, including equipment, labor, permits, and any additional services like roof repair or tree removal. This ensures there'll be no surprises when it comes to paying the bill. A reputable installer will also explain the potential return on investment (ROI) and how long you might expect for your system to pay for itself through energy savings.

When working with price estimates, be careful not to shop around for the best deal. While some installers may quickly offer to lower their prices, this usually comes at the expense of cutting corners on quality or service levels. Instead, look for installers that give you value for money and stand by their workmanship and products. 

9. Do they know the quality of materials used?

The quality of the materials used in solar panel installations will directly impact the system’s performance and longevity. If a solar installer uses high-quality materials, it usually means fewer maintenance issues, better energy production, and a longer lifespan for your solar system. 

When choosing a solar installer, ask about the brands and types of solar panels they use and why they’ve chosen them. While a solar installer that uses high-quality components might cost more upfront, they’ll typically deliver better long-term value. Don’t be afraid to research the brands and components online for reviews before you proceed with a company.

10. Do they offer ongoing support?

The relationship with your solar installer shouldn’t end once the panels are installed. Before signing up with a solar company, make sure to ask if they offer ongoing support and assistance post-installation. Do they have an in-house service department? Is it local? How long have they been servicing Arizona systems? These are all great questions to ask. A competent solar installer will provide continuous support in case of any issues with your solar panels, helping ensure your system continues to operate efficiently over its lifespan. 

Whether it’s a question about your system's performance or a need for maintenance, at Sun Valley Solar Solutions we remain at your service long after installation.

Questions to ask your solar installer

You can never ask your solar installer too many questions. The more you ask about the installation process, materials, and aftercare before you sign up, the more confident you can be about what to expect. Below are some questions to ask your solar installer: 

• What experience do they have installing solar systems, be it residential or commercial?
• Can you view any case studies or past examples of work?
• Do they have the appropriate licensing, certifications, and insurance to complete the job safely and competently?
• What equipment will they use for the installation, and why have they chosen that equipment in particular? 
• Are they familiar with any local solar incentives or tax credits you can qualify for?
• Do they offer ongoing support and emergency repair services?
• Are they able to offer guidance around financing your solar system?
• Do they subcontract the installation, and if so, how do they ensure quality? 
• What problems have other homeowners experienced with their installations, if any? 
• What is the solar panel, inverter, or battery warranty? 
• Do they offer a workmanship warranty? 

Solar Installations Forged in Platinum. 

At the end of the day, the solar installer you choose should stand by you for the entire lifetime of your solar panels. That’s a long relationship, so it’s worth taking the time to do your due diligence and ensure they have your best interests at heart.  

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we not only offer bespoke solar energy solutions for homeowners and businesses, but also have a vested interest in becoming your trusted partner for the lifespan of your solar panels. Our entire ethos is built around a desire to 'wow' our customers and this drive to consistently deliver quality work has allowed us to become one of Arizona's most successful solar energy installers. 

Every one of our residential solar installations is backed by our Platinum Installation methodology: 

1. No outsourcing: We design, build, and service all solar projects ourselves.
2. Conduit suitable for Arizona’s climate: In Arizona's extreme heat, plastic and PVC conduit can wear prematurely and place your home at risk. We only use metal conduit for maximum safety and longevity.
3. Proper wire management: We tightly bundle wires to reduce wear, add a terminal block to junction boxes to improve durability, and use metal ferrules to terminate each wire and prevent fraying.
4. Extra mile for roof integrity: The best solar installers rely on the 3-Course method of sealing, and we take this a step further by applying an additional sealant under the baseplate.
5. We value aesthetics: We provide all-black panel and racking options for a sleek, glass-like alternative and use a virtually invisible tile replacement mounting system that matches your existing roof tiles and is painted the same color as your roof. 
6. Certifications & experience: When you choose Sun Valley Solar Solutions, you’re choosing a team that’s backed by numerous qualifications, exceptional craftsmanship,  and award-winning, industry-recognized quality of service. 

See why thousands of homeowners and businesses in Arizona have trusted us with their projects and get in touch with our team now for a free, no-obligation quote.