Arizona homeowners are faced with countless solar ads and “certified” claims—but when it comes to the greater Phoenix metro, only two utility-recognized credentials actually exist:
SRP’s Preferred Solar Installer Program and the APS Qualified Technology Installer (QTI) designation. In both instances, the utilities strongly regulate and police the wording, so any company using alternative phrases such as “APS certified” or “SRP approved” is misleading customers—those titles simply don’t exist.
Both the SRP Preferred Installer Program and the APS Qualified Technology Installer designation identify contractors who have met strict licensing, training, and performance standards set by Arizona’s two largest electric utilities. For homeowners, they’re a sign that your installer isn’t just technically qualified—they’re committed to accountability, safety, and long-term service.
Salt River Project’s (SRP) Preferred Installer Program is a curated list of solar contractors that meet SRP’s technical and business requirements for residential solar installations. Only companies on this list may market themselves using SRP’s official designation—no other “SRP certified” or “approved by SRP” titles exist. To be sure that your target partner is actually an SRP Preferred Solar Installer, look for this logo, and check the SRP Preferred Installer database linked below.
To earn status as an SRP Preferred Solar Installer, contractors must:
Preferred installers must remain in good standing with the ROC and BBB, keep insurance current, and stay up-to-date on SRP policy and rate plan changes. SRP monitors customer feedback and can remove installers who fail to perform or misuse the SRP brand in any way.
SRP also regularly monitors installers or sales organizations that claim similar designations such as SRP preferred, SRP approved or similar. These are not real certifications and a major red flag for homeowners.
Using an SRP Preferred Installer means your project follows verified utility standards, helping to ensure:
Homeowners can verify eligibility directly through SRP’s Preferred Solar Installer directory.
APS created the QTI Program to vet contractors working with solar, batteries, EV chargers, HVAC systems, and home-performance upgrades. Only installers who meet APS’s standards are listed on its QTI search portal.
To become an APS QTI, a company must:
QTI companies undergo regular reviews to confirm compliance. If a contractor’s license lapses, BBB rating falls, or customer complaints accumulate, APS can suspend or revoke QTI status—removing that installer from all utility-sponsored programs until issues are resolved.
APS customers benefit when using QTI installers because:
Much like SRP, any claim of being “APS certified” or “APS approved” without the exact Qualified Technology Installer designation and logo is deceptive and should be considered a major red flag for homeowners. .
Earning and maintaining these titles isn’t a quick checklist; it reflects a company’s investment in training, compliance, and community reputation. Certified installers must continually demonstrate:
Naturally, this oversight benefits homeowners by filtering out inexperienced or transient installers who may not survive the next market cycle. If an installer is serious about providing safe and lasting installations, and more importantly, backing them for the long-term with a warranty, and they have not invested in the attaining these critical certifications, its a very good sign that their intentions are likely not long-term and their warranty promises are unlikely to last very long.
Beyond utility certification, you should evaluate your solar installer with the same care you’d give to any major home investment—perhaps even more. Solar systems are designed to operate for decades, with most manufacturer warranties lasting 25 to 30 years. That means your installer isn’t just a contractor—they’re a long-term partner responsible for ensuring your system performs as promised and your warranties remain valid. If your solar company goes out of business, your workmanship warranty disappears with them, and even manufacturer claims can become far more difficult to process.
Confirm your installer is listed as either an SRP Preferred Solar Installer or APS Qualified Technology Installer (Solar). Verify their ROC license and insurance coverage, and confirm they meet BBB rating standards.
Read more: Questions to Ask a Solar Panel Installer Before Hiring Them
A strong local track record means your installer is familiar with regional rate plans, incentives, and has direct relationships with utilities and permit offices. Just as important, local companies understand Arizona’s unique environmental challenges. The Sonoran Desert’s intense heat, dust, and monsoon weather can take a toll on solar panels, electronics, and racking systems. Experienced local installers know how to design and build systems that stand up to these conditions, and they’re familiar with local roof structures and utility timelines. Always ask for nearby references or case studies to confirm their experience in your area.
Find out who will actually install your system. Many solar sales organizations operate independently from the subcontractors who perform the installation. In those cases, it’s the subcontractor—not the sales company—who holds the licenses and ultimately bears responsibility for workmanship, warranties, and future service. When large portions of the work are subcontracted, quality control and accountability can suffer. Always confirm whether your installer uses in-house crews or third-party contractors before signing an agreement.
Expect detailed proposals that include design specifications, pricing, production estimates, and warranty coverage. Be wary of vague “ballpark” quotes generated without a thorough on-site inspection by a licensed solar installer. These quick estimates are often marketing tactics designed to get you under contract, only to be adjusted later through change orders once installers are on site. It’s a common bait-and-switch practice among less reputable firms. No price is truly final until a qualified technician has inspected your property in person and confirmed all installation details.
Quality installers don’t rely on satellite imagery alone—they perform full on-site evaluations that include roof inspections, structural checks, and shade analysis before finalizing a proposal. They’ll assess the roof’s condition, age, and material type, confirm it can support the system’s weight, and identify any repairs needed before installation. By analyzing sun exposure and obstructions throughout the year, they can design a system that delivers accurate performance and long-term reliability.
Look for strong workmanship coverage and a dedicated service department that stands behind every installation. A reputable installer will clearly outline how long their workmanship warranty lasts, what it covers, and how service requests are handled. Just as important, they’ll have a local, in-house team available to troubleshoot issues quickly—rather than outsourcing post-installation support or leaving you to deal with manufacturers on your own.
Related: What to Know About Solar Warranties and Service Departments
Ask which equipment brands your installer uses and whether they’re factory-certified to install those products—an important factor in maintaining manufacturer warranty coverage. Certified installers receive ongoing training directly from the manufacturer, ensuring they’re up to date on the latest product technology, installation standards, and safety requirements. They also benefit from priority access to OEM technical support, allowing them to diagnose and resolve issues faster and keep your system performing at its best.
Solar warranties generally fall into two main categories:
While manufacturers honor product and performance coverage, workmanship warranties are only valid as long as your installer is in business. Unfortunately, many installers vanish within a few years, leaving homeowners with no one to service or administer claims.
Choosing an SRP Preferred or APS QTI installer reduces that risk. These programs favor companies committed to longevity—those willing to be audited, insured, and held accountable. Their certification demonstrates an investment in the long term, which means they’re far more likely to be around to back your warranty decades down the road.
For a deeper dive, see What to Know About Solar Warranties and Solar Service Departments
Utility certifications aren’t marketing fluff—they’re your clearest signal that a solar company has made the investment to meet Arizona’s highest professional standards and intend to be around for the long haul.
When a contractor invests in SRP Preferred or APS QTI status, they’re investing in you—your safety, your savings, and the long-term performance of your solar system.
Before signing any solar contract, confirm your installer’s standing in these programs. It’s not the only indicator of quality and longevity, of course, but it’s a really good one.