Solar Certifications to Look for When Selecting Your Installer in Arizona

When it comes to going solar, choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment. Professional certifications—like those from NABCEP, utility-preferred contractor programs, or licensed trade credentials—help ensure that the team designing and installing your system has invested in the necessary training to meet the best industry standards for safety, performance, and reliability. But credentials alone aren't the whole story.

The best results often come from vertically integrated solar companies—firms that manage the entire process in-house, from sales through installation and long-term service. This unified approach creates clear accountability, ensures consistent quality control, and helps eliminate the miscommunication and finger-pointing that can arise when third-party subcontractors are brought in by sales-only outfits. You may be surprised to learn that many solar companies operate as sales-only teams – choosing to outsource design, installation and service. This model often leaves customers with a fragmented experience, unclear responsibilities, and inconsistent support.

Keep reading to learn what certifications to look for, how to spot a sales-only solar team, and these things matter when choosing a solar installer you can trust.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) is a legal requirement for any contractor working in Arizona on a project that costs more than $1,000, including solar installations. 

The AZROC was established to protect consumers and uphold construction standards across the state. It ensures that contractors meet basic qualifications, follow safety codes, and operate with local regulations. If a contractor doesn’t carry an AZROC license, it’s a major red flag. 

Every licensed solar company in Arizona must display its ROC number on public materials like trucks, websites, brochures, and business cards. You can also search any installer’s name at www.roc.az.gov to confirm whether they’re properly licensed, when their license was issued, and if there have been any complaints or violations on file. 

NABCEP certification

NABCEP certification is the gold standard for solar installers. It stands for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is the most respected certification body in the solar industry. 

To be NABCEP certified, solar professionals must complete advanced coursework, hands-on experience, and pass a rigorous exam that tests their understanding of solar technology, industry best practices, and electrical codes, and safety protocols. They also commit to ongoing education to keep their certification up to date and stay current with evolving solar technologies and code requirements. 

NABCEP certifications include: 

• PV Installation Professional (PVIP)
• Solar Heating Installer Certification
• PV Design Specialist Certification
• PV Technical Sales Certification. 

Looking for a NABCEP-certified solar installer helps ensure:

• Trusted expertise: NABCEP-certified installers have proven their technical knowledge and practical skills

• Higher-quality installations: Because of their advanced training and expertise, NABCEP-certified professionals are likely to install a more efficient, longer-lasting solar energy system with fewer maintenance issues over time

• Ethics and accountability: Certified professionals are held to a strict Code of Ethics and are accountable to NABCEP’s strict Standards of Conduct 

• Focus on safety: NABCEP emphasizes proper system grounding and bonding, National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance, and safe installation practices that help reduce the risk of accidents both during and after installation. 

Arizona utility solar certifications

Arizona’s two largest utility companies, APS and SRP, also have solar certification programs. Solar panel installations need to integrate well with the grid, and these certifications ensure that solar installers meet the highest standards for safety and reliability. 

APS Qualified Technology Installer (QTI)

If you’re an APS customer, hiring a Qualified Technology Installer (QTI) means your solar system installer will have gone through advanced training and meets strict quality standards set by APS. This certification is only given to established, trusted contractors who understand APS’s grid requirements and customer service expectations. 

To qualify for APS certification, solar installers must: 

• Hold an active solar license with the AZROC
• Maintain a physical location in Arizona for customers to visit (local is best when it comes to solar installations – more on that later)
• Complete APS-specific training for at least three management-level staff
• Carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
• Uphold a ‘B’ rating or better with the Better Business Bureau (solar QTIs must maintain an ‘A’)
• Demonstrate proper customer service and communication practices
• Show hands-on experience with solar, battery, or electric vehicle (EV) charger installations (depending on the service type – if they offer all three then demonstrated experience with all three is needed). 

Beyond just knowing you’re hiring a reliable and experienced installer, some APS incentives – like the AC Rebate or Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Checkup – might only be available through a QTI. 

You can find a current list of APS Qualified Technology Installers here. 

SRP Preferred Solar Installer

Salt River Project (SRP) also offers a Preferred Solar Installer program to ensure its customers receive high-quality solar installations that are compatible with SRP’s rate plans and interconnection guidelines. 

SRP Preferred Installers must meet several criteria, including:

• Holding an active ROC-issued solar contractor license
• Operating under the same business name, leadership, and license for at least two years
• Maintaining an ‘A’ rating or higher with the BBB with no unresolved complaints
• Completing SRP-specific training on solar pricing plans and customer expectations. 

If you’re an SRP customer, choosing an SRP Preferred Installer can simplify your installation process and provide easier access to utility rebates or system approvals. These companies are not only vetted for technical skill but also for customer experience and business integrity, so you can be sure you’re going with a reliable solar installer with your best interests in mind. 

You can view a full list of SRP Preferred Installers here.

Manufacturer Certifications 

When selecting a solar installer, it's crucial to consider manufacturer certifications, especially for advanced energy storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall and Generac PWRcell energy storage systems. These certifications ensure that installers have undergone specific training offered by the manufacturer, and are authorized to install and service these products, which is often a prerequisite for warranty validity and optimal system performance.​

Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer: Installers must complete Tesla's training programs and pass the Powerwall exam with a score of 80% or higher to become certified. This certification grants access to Tesla's energy products, training resources, and the tools necessary for selling, installing and servicing Tesla batteries.

Generac PWRcell Certified Installer: To offer Generac's battery energy storage systems, installers are required to attend an eight-hour certification training. This program is part of Generac's PWRpartner Program, which provides installers with resources, support, and recognition for their expertise in delivering resilient and efficient energy solutions. 

Sadly it is possible for non-certified installers to acquire and install most manufacturer systems without certification. Keep in mind that doing so risks voiding the manufacturer warranty and losing access to support, software updates, and proper system performance. To ensure full protection and reliability, these systems should always be installed by certified professionals.

See: Should I Get Battery Storage for My Solar Energy System?

What else to look for in a solar installer

Beyond the above certifications, here are some other important things to consider when hiring a solar installer in Arizona:

1. How many years of experience do they have?

One of the first things to check is how long the company has been in business and how many systems they’ve installed. Solar installers with at least ten years of experience have likely built a solid reputation and gained significant local expertise. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for a solar installer’s ROC license issue date, examples of past work and customer reference, or photos of successful installations. Most reputable solar companies will be happy to provide this information if you ask. 

The reason why it’s so important to check how long a solar company has been in business is that it gives confidence they’ll be around in the future to service your system for the duration of the warranty and beyond. Unfortunately, the solar industry is rife with scams and shady companies, and the last thing you want is your installer disappearing or closing down when you need them most.

Read more about how to avoid a dodgy solar company in our article: Solar Panel Scams and How to Avoid Them.

2. Are there positive customer reviews? 

Customer reviews provide real-world insight into what it’s like to work with a solar company. Look for online reviews on trusted third-party websites like Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and SolarReviews.com.  

If a company has very few reviews for how long they’ve been in business, or a high number of unresolved complaints, it could be a red flag. 

3. Do they have experience in your local area?

Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring a solar installer with expertise in your local area. Arizona has unique permitting rules, an extreme climate, and net billing/net metering policies that not all national brands understand. 

A local Arizona solar company will: 

• Have established relationships with utilities and permitting offices
• Know how to navigate utility requirements
• Understand net billing and how it can impact your payback period
• Use solar panels that are built to handle Arizona’s intense heat. 

Local solar companies are also more likely to provide personalized, attentive service. Since they’re based in the local community, they’re more invested in cultivating a strong reputation and willing to go the extra mile for their customers. 

See: Net Billing And The Case for Arizona’s Solar Market

4. Do they offer roof inspections?

Solar panels are designed to last for decades and it’s important that your roof is in good condition before they go up – otherwise, you might be faced with the costly and disruptive process of removing and reinstalling your solar system to make roof repairs. 

Reputable solar installers will inspect your roof’s condition in person and flag any potential issues during the initial assessment. This shows you they have the long-term lifespan of your solar panel system in mind. 

Read More: Why Quality Roofing Matters for Solar Panels Installation

5. Do they handle everything, or outsource?

There are two types of solar companies: 

1. Some handle sales then outsource the actual installation to subcontractors
2. Others do everything in-house, from sales to installation, warranty, customer service, and beyond. These are known as vertically integrated solar companies. 

Choosing a vertically integrated solar installer means you’ll be working with the same company throughout every step of the process—from system design and permitting to installation and long-term service. This structure offers clear advantages: there’s a single point of accountability, consistent quality control, and streamlined communication across all phases of the project. If an issue arises, you know exactly who to call for help, and it’s often the person you purchased the system from. 

By contrast, sales-only solar teams often hand off your project to a third-party contractor once the sale is made. While this model can sometimes lower upfront costs or expand geographic reach, it often leads to fragmented service, inconsistent installation quality, and finger-pointing if problems occur. Long-term support can be slower and more complicated, especially when it comes to warranty claims or troubleshooting.

The best way to determine whether a solar company is vertically integrated or simply a sales-only operation is to ask a few direct questions early in the sales process, such as:

1. “Will your company be handling the installation, or do you use subcontractors?”
   
   
   • A vertically integrated company will say they handle everything in-house.
   • A sales-only company may say something like “we partner with local installers.”
     
     
2. “Can you provide your Arizona Registry of Contractors number?”
   • This is required by the State of Arizona to be displayed on all marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc.)
   • If they can’t produce it, they’re probably not licensed. 
   • You can also look up the company’s name at the AZ ROC website.
     
     
3. “If there’s an issue after installation, who do I contact—your company or someone else?”
   
   
   • Vertically integrated companies provide direct service and support.
   • Sales-only companies may refer you to the installer or a third-party service provider.
     
     
4. “Are your installers licensed employees? Are you employed by the installer holding the Arizona license?”
   
   
   • Look for language like “our crews,” “our sales team,” or “our licensed electricians.”
     
     
5. “Are you certified by the manufacturers you’re recommending?”
   
   
   • Certified installers (e.g., Tesla or Generac) are more likely to be integrated firms with hands-on experience.
   • You can often verify these certifications on the manufacturer’s website where they list their local partners in your area. 

6. Do they offer help with financing?

Solar can be a major upfront investment and not everyone has the ability to pay for a complete installation upfront. A good solar installer will explain all your financing options, including loans, and leases, and help you choose the one that best fits your budget.

Don’t be afraid to ask your installer what financing options are available, how financing might impact your total savings over time, and if they have any prepayment or early-exit penalties. 

7. Can they provide detailed price estimates?

It’s essential to choose a solar installer who can provide a clear, no-obligation upfront estimate of the total cost of your system, including solar equipment, labor, permits, and any add-ons like tree removal or roof repairs. Trusted installers will also help you understand your potential return on investment (ROI) and estimated payback period. 

Be careful here not to shop around for the best deal. Some companies may offer lower quotes, but this usually comes at the expense of cutting corners on quality or service levels. Instead, look for installers that balance value for money with demonstrated expertise and a warranty that shows they stand by their workmanship and products. Most importantly, look for an installer that has been around a while. This is the best indicator that they manage their business responsibly and have long-term intentions in your area. 

8. Do they use high-quality equipment?

Not all solar panels, inverters, or batteries are created equal. The quality of your system components will affect the performance, longevity, and ROI of your solar system. Naturally, higher-quality materials will mean fewer maintenance issues, better energy production, and a longer lifespan. 

Some questions to ask your solar installer here include:

• What brand of solar panels and inverters do you use?
• Why did you choose them?
• What are the warranties? 

Feel free to research the brands and components yourself and read reviews before you go ahead. 

9. Do they offer reliable support?

Solar panels last for decades, and so will your relationship with your solar company. For that reason, you want to find an installer that offers post-installation support and assistance.

If you’re based in Arizona, it’s important to choose a solar installer with an in-house service department based nearby. This ensures they’ll always be available in case of any issues with your solar panels, providing peace of mind as well as confidence in your system’s performance.

Arizona’s trusted solar installation company

When you install solar panels, you’re entering a decades-long relationship with the solar company. Before you choose a solar company, take your time to research them carefully and make sure they’ll have your best interests in mind for the lifetime of your solar system. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we bring nearly two decades of local expertise to every project we take on. Our entire ethos is built around a desire to ‘wow’ our customers and our consistently high standards have allowed us to become one of Arizona’s most trusted solar installers. 

Our certifications include:

• AZROC: 270331
• SRP Preferred Solar Installer
• APS Qualified Technology Installer
• NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
• Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.

We back every solar installation with our Platinum Installation methodology, which include:

• All in-house labor – we never outsource
• Code-compliant metal conduit rated for Arizona’s extreme heat
• Expert wire management for long-term safety and durability
• Advanced roof-sealing techniques to protect your home
• Premium equipment options that look as good as they perform
• NABCEP, APS, SRP, and RISE certified and a member of reputable industry associations such as SEIA.  

See why thousands of homeowners and businesses in Arizona have trusted us with their projects and contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.