What Questions Should I Ask My Solar Company?

What Questions Should I Ask My Solar Company?

Last Updated: June 2026 • A Practical Guide for Homeowners Before Signing Any Solar Contract

Most homeowners spend more time researching a new appliance than they spend questioning a solar company before signing a $20,000 to $35,000 contract. Solar salespeople are trained to keep conversations moving forward toward a signature. Knowing the right questions to ask puts you back in control, helps you compare bids fairly, and protects you from the most common mistakes people make when going solar.

This guide gives you 40 specific questions organized by topic, explains why each question matters, and tells you what a good answer looks like versus a red flag. Print this out or save it to your phone before your next solar consultation.

⚡ Quick Answer

The most important questions to ask any solar company cover five areas: company credentials and experience, system design and panel specifications, warranties and what they actually cover, the full cost breakdown and financing terms, and what happens after installation. Any solar company that cannot answer these questions clearly and in writing is not one you should trust with a 25-year investment.

Key Takeaways

  • Always Get Three Quotes: Solar prices vary 20 to 40% between installers for identical equipment. Getting at least three quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying.
  • Ask for Itemized Pricing: A quote that only shows a total system price makes it impossible to compare against other bids. Always ask for a line-item breakdown.
  • Verify Licenses and Insurance: Your installer must carry state contractor and electrical licenses and general liability insurance. Ask for copies before signing.
  • Know What the Warranty Covers: Panel warranties, inverter warranties, and workmanship warranties are all different. Know exactly what each one covers and for how long.
  • Understand the Production Estimate: Ask how the annual kWh estimate was calculated and what assumptions it uses. A realistic estimate is based on your actual roof orientation, local weather data, and panel degradation.
  • Never Sign on the First Visit: Any sales rep who pressures you to sign on the same day is not interested in a good outcome for you. Good installers give you time to review and compare.
  • Ask What Happens When Things Go Wrong: A company's response to this question tells you more about their long-term service commitment than any sales presentation.

Section 1: Questions About the Company



Before you evaluate any system design or pricing, you need to know whether the company standing in front of you is genuinely qualified to do the work. These questions establish whether they are a legitimate, stable business you can trust with a long-term investment.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer Red Flag
How long have you been in business? Solar companies fail at a high rate. A company less than 3 years old may not be around to honor warranties. 5 or more years in business with verifiable local project history Less than 2 years old, or evasive about company founding date
Are you licensed and insured in this state? Unlicensed installation can void permits, insurance, and warranties. You are personally liable if an uninsured worker is injured on your property. State solar or electrical contractor license number provided on request, plus general liability and workers' compensation certificates Cannot produce license numbers or insurance certificates immediately
Are your installers employees or subcontractors? Many large solar companies use subcontractors whose quality and training they cannot fully control. Direct employees who are NABCEP certified or trained in-house with documented quality standards All installation is subcontracted to whoever is available
Can you provide references from local customers? Recent local references confirm the company actually completes projects and stands behind its work in your area. 3 to 5 local references provided promptly with contact information Only generic online reviews offered, no specific local references
Do you have NABCEP certified technicians on staff? NABCEP certification is the solar industry's primary professional credential. Certified installers have passed rigorous training and examination. At least one NABCEP certified installer or designer involved in your project No staff certifications and no explanation of training standards
How many installations have you done in this city or county? Local experience means familiarity with your local building department, utility interconnection process, and common roof types in your area. Dozens or hundreds of local installations with specific project examples No local project history or vague references to work "in the region"

Section 2: Questions About the System Design


A solar system that is incorrectly sized or poorly designed will underperform for its entire 25-year life. These questions help you verify that the design is based on accurate data about your home and energy use, not just a standard template applied to every customer.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
How did you calculate the recommended system size? System size should be based on your actual electricity usage, not a generic formula. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing means you still pay high grid bills. Based on 12 months of your actual electricity bills, local peak sun hours, roof orientation, and shading analysis
What tools did you use to analyze shade on my roof? Shading from trees, chimneys, and neighboring buildings can reduce production by 20 to 50%. A design without a shading analysis is unreliable. Solar Pathfinder, Aurora Solar, or equivalent software with a shade-adjusted production model specific to your roof
What is the estimated annual kWh production? This number, not the panel wattage, determines how much of your electricity bill the system actually offsets. A specific kWh per year figure based on your roof, not a range. Should match your actual annual usage within 10 to 20%.
What software did you use to model production? Professional design software like Aurora Solar, PVWatts, or similar gives reliable, defensible production estimates. Back-of-envelope math does not. Named software with a printed or PDF report showing inputs and outputs
Is my roof strong enough to support the panels? Older roofs or certain structural conditions may require reinforcement before solar installation. This adds cost that should be identified before you sign. A physical or satellite-assisted roof assessment with clear documentation of any structural concerns identified
How old is my roof and do you recommend replacing it first? Removing and reinstalling panels to replace a roof later can cost $3,000 to $8,000. If your roof has less than 10 years of life left, replacing it before installing solar can save money long term. Honest assessment with a specific recommendation based on your actual roof age and condition

Section 3: Questions About the Equipment


The specific brand and model of panels and inverter in your system matters enormously over 25 years. These questions make sure you know exactly what you are buying and why that equipment was chosen.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
What specific panel brand and model are you proposing? Some installers substitute cheaper panels after signing. The specific model must be in your contract, not just a brand name. Specific model number (e.g., LONGi LR5-54HTH 420M). Written into the contract before signing.
Are these Tier 1 panels? Tier 1 status indicates the manufacturer has the financial strength and scale to back long-term warranties. Off-brand panels from unknown manufacturers are a 25-year financial risk. Named Tier 1 manufacturer confirmed on a current bankability list (LONGi, JA Solar, Trina, Canadian Solar, Jinko, Q CELLS)
What inverter are you using and why? The inverter is the component most likely to need replacement before the panels do. Brand and quality matter. The reason it was chosen for your specific roof matters too (shade, orientation, monitoring). Specific model from a reputable brand (Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius) with a clear explanation of why it suits your roof and usage pattern
What is the panel efficiency rating? Higher efficiency panels produce more power per square foot. This matters if your roof space is limited. Specific percentage (e.g., 20.9%) from the datasheet. Not a vague claim of "high efficiency."
Does the contract allow you to substitute different equipment? Some contracts include language that allows the installer to swap the specified panels or inverter for "equivalent or better" products. This gives them room to downgrade without your knowledge. Contract lists the specific panel model, wattage, and inverter model and requires written homeowner consent for any change
Is rapid shutdown included and required in my jurisdiction? NEC 2017 and later require rapid shutdown on most rooftop solar systems for firefighter safety. Non-compliant systems can fail inspection. Confirmation that the design includes NEC-compliant rapid shutdown, with the specific device specified

Section 4: Questions About Cost and Financing


Solar pricing is not transparent by default. The questions below help you understand every dollar in a quote and make sure you are comparing bids on equal footing.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
Can I have an itemized price breakdown? A single total price makes it impossible to understand what you are paying for or compare against other bids fairly. A written line-item breakdown showing panel cost, inverter, racking, labor, permits, and overhead separately
What is the price per watt for this system? Price per watt is the standard metric for comparing solar quotes. It should fall between $2.80 and $3.20 per watt for most residential systems in 2026. A clear dollar-per-watt figure calculated from total price divided by total system wattage
What does the net price look like after the federal tax credit? The gross price is not what you will actually pay. The 30% ITC substantially reduces the real cost. A good installer will show you both figures. Clear presentation of gross cost, 30% ITC value, and net cost after credit
If I am financing, does the loan include a dealer fee? Many low-interest solar loans include hidden dealer fees of 15 to 30% added to the financed amount. This inflates your total system cost by thousands of dollars without disclosure. Clear confirmation of whether a dealer fee applies, how much it is, and how it is reflected in the total financed amount
What state, local, or utility incentives are included in your calculation? A reputable installer should know the specific incentives available in your jurisdiction and apply them to your net cost estimate. Named incentives (e.g., NY-Sun rebate, MA state tax credit, SGIP storage rebate) applied specifically to your project
What is the estimated payback period for this system? The payback period tells you when the system starts generating net savings. An honest estimate is based on real production data and your actual electricity rate, not optimistic assumptions. A specific number of years based on documented assumptions for electricity rate, annual production, and escalation rate

Section 5: Questions About Warranties


Solar panels come with up to four different warranties that cover different things. Understanding what each warranty covers, for how long, and who you call when there is a problem is essential before you sign.

The Four Warranties in a Solar System

  • Panel Product Warranty: Covers defects in materials and manufacturing. Typically 12 to 25 years. Ask for the specific length for your panel model.
  • Panel Performance Warranty: Guarantees the panel will produce at least a stated percentage of its original output over time. Usually 25 years with an annual degradation limit of 0.5 to 0.7% per year.
  • Inverter Warranty: String inverters typically have a 10 to 12-year warranty. Microinverters (Enphase) carry a 25-year warranty. This difference significantly affects long-term cost of ownership.
  • Workmanship Warranty: Covers the quality of the installation itself: roof penetrations, wiring connections, mounting hardware. Provided by your installer, not the manufacturer. Minimum 10 years expected from reputable companies.
Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
What is the workmanship warranty and who backs it? If your installer goes out of business, their workmanship warranty has no one to honor it. Some installers back their warranty through a third-party insurance program for this reason. Minimum 10-year workmanship warranty backed by either the installer or a third-party warranty insurance program
If a panel fails, what is the process to get it replaced? Warranty documents describe what is covered, but the actual claims process determines how quickly you get help and who pays for labor to access and replace a panel on your roof. A clear step-by-step process with defined timelines, confirmation of whether labor cost is included, and a local service contact
Are the warranties transferable if I sell my home? Non-transferable warranties significantly reduce the value of the solar system to a buyer. Transferable warranties make your home more attractive at resale. All warranties (panel, inverter, workmanship) are transferable to the next owner at no cost or for a nominal transfer fee
What happens to my workmanship warranty if you go out of business? An installer warranty from a company that no longer exists is worthless. This is a real risk in the solar industry where company failure rates are high. Third-party warranty insurance (e.g., SolarInsure or similar) that remains in effect regardless of installer business status

Section 6: Questions About Installation and Timeline


Solar installation involves roof work, electrical work, permits, and utility coordination. Understanding the timeline and process helps you plan your schedule and know when to follow up.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
What is the total timeline from signing to Permission to Operate? Total timeline includes permit processing, installation, inspection, and utility interconnection. Knowing this helps you plan and sets realistic expectations. A specific range in weeks with explanation of each phase: design, permits, install, inspection, utility PTO
Will your crew do the installation or will you use subcontractors? Subcontracted crews are harder to hold accountable for quality and may not follow the original design exactly. In-house crews with NABCEP certification or in-house training program. If subcontractors are used, a quality control process should be described.
How will you protect my roof from leaks? Roof penetrations for mounting hardware are a leading cause of solar-related roof damage. The flashing and sealant method matters. Named flashing system (e.g., Quickmount PV, SnapNrack) with a specific sealing process and post-installation inspection protocol
Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel? Some older homes require a service panel upgrade to safely accommodate solar backfeed. This adds $1,500 to $4,000 to the project cost and should be identified upfront, not after signing. Clear answer based on an actual review of your panel capacity, with cost included in the quote if an upgrade is needed
Will you handle all permits and utility interconnection? This is part of a complete installation service. Any company that asks you to handle permits yourself is not a full-service installer. Yes, permits and interconnection applications are handled entirely by the installer with updates provided to you at each milestone

Section 7: Questions About What Happens After Installation


A solar system is a 25-year asset. What happens in years 5, 10, and 20 is just as important as what happens at installation. These questions reveal whether a company is committed to the long-term relationship or just focused on closing the sale.

Question to Ask Why It Matters Good Answer
What monitoring system will I have access to? Monitoring lets you verify your system is producing as promised. Without it, you would not know if a panel or inverter failed silently. Named monitoring platform (e.g., Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge app, SMA SunnyPortal) with a specific explanation of what you can track and how to read it
What do I do if my system stops working? The answer to this question reveals the actual service commitment. A vague answer means poor post-sale support is likely. A specific process: contact this number, expect a response within this time window, here is how we diagnose remotely before scheduling a site visit
How will you know if my system is underperforming without me noticing? Top installers proactively monitor systems and contact customers when production drops below expected levels. This is a meaningful differentiator between high-quality and basic service providers. The company monitors all installed systems and alerts customers proactively when production deviates from expected output
What happens when my inverter needs replacement after the warranty expires? String inverters typically last 10 to 15 years, so most homeowners will need at least one replacement. Knowing the expected cost and process avoids a surprise mid-ownership. Clear explanation of expected inverter lifespan, approximate replacement cost, and whether the company offers extended warranty plans
Can I add battery storage later and how? Many homeowners want storage but are not ready to pay for it at installation. Knowing whether the system design allows for future storage addition without major rework is important for long-term planning. Specific answer about whether the inverter is storage-ready, which battery products are compatible, and the estimated cost to add storage later

Red Flags: Answers That Should Make You Walk Away

Beyond the specific questions, certain behaviors and responses during a solar sales consultation are warning signs that the company is not one you want to do business with.

⚠ Walk Away If You See These Warning Signs

  • Pressure to sign the same day. "This price is only good today" is a manipulation tactic, not a business reality. Reputable installers hold quotes for 30 days or more.
  • Refusal to provide an itemized price breakdown. If they will not show you what each component costs, they are hiding something.
  • No written warranty documentation before signing. Every warranty term should be documented in writing before you commit to anything.
  • Production estimates that would eliminate your entire electricity bill completely. Systems are sized to offset typical usage. Claims of 100% offset for a home with significant shading or variable usage are often inflated.
  • Cannot name the specific panel model or inverter brand. "High-quality panels" is not a product specification. Demand specific model numbers.
  • The salesperson becomes defensive or dismissive when you ask detailed questions. A confident, quality installer welcomes detailed questions. One who does not has something to hide.
  • No local office address or physical presence. Out-of-state or online-only companies can disappear after installation. Always verify a local, physical business address.

Printable Question Checklist

Print or save this checklist before your next solar consultation. Use it to take notes and compare answers across multiple companies.

SOLAR COMPANY QUESTION CHECKLIST

Company
□ How long have you been in business?
□ Can you provide your state license number and insurance certificates?
□ Are your installers employees or subcontractors?
□ Can you provide 3 to 5 recent local references?
□ Do you have NABCEP certified staff?

System Design
□ How was the system size calculated?
□ What shading analysis software did you use?
□ What is the estimated annual kWh production?
□ Is my roof structurally adequate?
□ Should I replace my roof first?

Equipment
□ What is the specific panel model number?
□ Is this a Tier 1 manufacturer?
□ What inverter and why?
□ Does the contract allow equipment substitution?
□ Is rapid shutdown included?

Cost and Financing
□ Can I have an itemized breakdown?
□ What is the price per watt?
□ What is the net cost after the 30% ITC?
□ Does the loan include a dealer fee?
□ What state and local incentives apply?

Warranties
□ How long is the panel product and performance warranty?
□ How long is the inverter warranty?
□ How long is your workmanship warranty?
□ What if you go out of business?
□ Are all warranties transferable?

Installation and After
□ What is the total timeline to Permission to Operate?
□ Will I need a panel upgrade?
□ What monitoring platform will I have?
□ What do I do if the system stops working?
□ Can I add battery storage later?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar quotes should I get before deciding?

Get at least three quotes from different installers for the same system size and equivalent panel brands. Solar prices vary 20 to 40% between installers for identical equipment. Getting multiple quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying. Use the same question checklist for each company so you can compare their answers fairly, not just their prices.

Should I trust a solar company that cold calls or knocks on my door?

Treat unsolicited contacts with the same caution you would apply to any high-pressure sales approach. Door-to-door and cold call solar sales are commonly associated with high-pressure tactics and inflated pricing. Use the question checklist above on any company regardless of how they found you. A company that cannot answer these questions clearly should not receive your business, whether they called you or you found them online.

Is a longer warranty always better?

A longer warranty is better only if the company backing it will still exist to honor it. A 25-year workmanship warranty from a 1-year-old company is less valuable than a 10-year workmanship warranty from a 15-year-old company with third-party warranty insurance. Ask specifically how the warranty stays in force if the installer goes out of business. Third-party warranty insurance programs like SolarInsure protect you regardless of what happens to the original installer.

What should the production estimate be based on?

A legitimate production estimate should be based on your specific roof orientation, panel tilt angle, a shading analysis for your actual site, local historical irradiance data from a source like NREL or NASA, your specific panel brand efficiency rating, and a panel degradation factor. An estimate that simply multiplies your system wattage by a generic sun hours number is not reliable and may significantly overstate what the system will actually produce.

Can I negotiate solar prices?

Yes. Solar pricing has meaningful room for negotiation, especially if you have competing quotes in hand. Showing an installer a lower bid from a competitor for equivalent equipment often results in a price match or additional value added (extended warranty, monitoring subscription, cleaning kit). Never negotiate by asking for a lower price without a competing bid. Instead, show the competing quote and ask them to beat or match it.

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Whether you are a homeowner who wants to buy panels directly or a contractor sourcing equipment for the next project, Portlandia Electric Supply offers Tier 1 solar panels, inverters, battery storage, racking, and complete system kits at competitive wholesale pricing. Nationwide delivery from 12+ distribution hubs. NABCEP-certified design support. No pressure, no hidden fees.

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Portlandia Electric Supply is a nationwide distributor of Tier 1 solar panels, inverters, battery storage systems, EV charging hardware, racking, circuit breakers, generators, and complete electrical project kits. With 12+ distribution hubs, 3,800+ in-stock SKUs, NABCEP-certified design support, and a network of 8,500+ solution providers, Portlandia serves contractors, EPCs, developers, and homeowners with fast delivery and expert procurement guidance.

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Article: What Questions Should I Ask My Solar Company? 40 Questions Before You Sign

Category: Solar Energy | Solar Buying Guide | Homeowner Resources | Solar Installation | Consumer Protection

Last Updated: June 2026 - A Practical Guide for Homeowners Before Signing Any Solar Contract

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes. Always verify credentials, warranties, and contract terms directly with your installer and consult a licensed professional for project-specific advice.

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