If you’ve been in the solar industry for a decade or more, you can usually tell (within minutes) if a company knows what it’s doing or if it’s just out to churn deals and disappear.

You know what high-quality installs look like.

You know the difference between a vertically-integrated installer and a “sales-only” company that outsources everything. You’ve seen the impact of bad design, inflated projections, and the consequences when there's no real service team standing behind the work.

But here’s the thing: homeowners don’t know any of that.

So what happens when a friend from across the country asks you, “Hey, I’m thinking of getting solar…what should I look out for?”

Well, you've thought about it. But have you written it down?

This post is our attempt to do just that. Think of it as a friendly checklist from one solar veteran to another, but written for the homeowner who's just trying to make a smart decision.

And honestly, this matters. A lot.

Because if we’re serious about moving the industry forward, we need to shift away from “selling solar” and toward truly consultative selling—guiding, not pushing. That’s how we build trust, increase adoption, and keep bad actors from giving solar a bad name.

Let’s jump into the checklist:

1. Go with a vertically-integrated installer (in-house work only).

If we've beat any horse to death, it's this one.

If a company doesn’t install its own systems and relies on subcontractors for everything, you’re not buying from the company—you’re buying from a sales org. And when problems happen (they always do), you’re stuck playing phone tag. Vertically-integrated companies manage everything, from the site visit to the final inspection. It means accountability, better quality, and usually, a better experience.

2. Check the panel layout: are they outside the roofline or on obstructions?

You’d be surprised how many proposals show panels floating mid-air or partially covering chimneys.

If the design looks “too perfect,” it probably is. A trustworthy company will design with your actual roof shape and obstructions in mind, not just to hit some dreamy production number.

3. Don’t let them use a utility escalation rate higher than 5%.

Solar ROI calculators love to play with this one. Sure, utility rates have been rising, but assuming 6–8% annual increases just to make the savings look better? That’s a red flag.

A 5% escalation rate is more realistic. Anything above that is a bit of smoke and mirrors.

4. Make sure they include a shading analysis.

Your roof is unique.

Trees, vents, nearby buildings—all of them impact production.

A legitimate proposal should include a shading analysis and ideally a solar “heat map” of your roof. If your installer can’t explain where the production numbers come from, or if they’re quoting over 1,500 kWh/kW installed, ask for proof or walk away.

5. Ask about service: Who’s fixing things when they break?

Inverters fail. Connections loosen. WiFi goes down. That’s normal. But what’s the company’s plan when something breaks? If they can’t give you a clear answer—or they say “don’t worry, it never happens”—run.

A real installer will have a dedicated **service and maintenance team**, and they'll explain exactly what happens if your system needs help.

6. Get both cash and financing quotes.

Too many companies only show the financed price, and it hides the true cost. Like buying a car, solar financing often includes hidden fees and dealer markups.

If you’re in a position to pay cash, that’s usually the lowest-cost option over time. But if you prefer monthly payments, that’s okay too. Just make sure you compare both side-by-side.

And if the interest rate looks too good to be true, double-check the fine print.

7. Check the equipment: Tier 1 panels and 10-year inverter warranty minimum.

Will solar work if you have a homemade solar panel and a no-name inverter? It sure will!

Does that mean you should do it? No, it doesn't.

Pick quality equipment that has a solid warranty and bankability, so you know it will last the test of time.

8. Ask how many installs they’ve done, and request a local reference.

You do not want to be someone's guinea pig.

You don’t want to be part of someone’s learning curve.

Look for companies with at least 500 installations under their belt.

Even better if they can show a third-party Net Promoter Score (NPS)—ideally above 50. And always, always ask for a reference from your own area. If they’ve truly done good work nearby, they’ll have happy customers willing to vouch for them.

9. Workmanship warranty: not too short, not too long.

Most good installers offer at least a *10-year workmanship warranty. *That’s fair, considering we’re talking about a small power plant on your roof. But if you see a 25- or 30-year workmanship warranty, be skeptical.

Solar companies haven’t even been around that long, so what’s the real guarantee?

10. Look for NABCEP certifications.

If your installer has NABCEP PV Installation Professional or NABCEP Technical Sales credentials, that’s a very good sign. These certifications take real work—years of hands-on experience, training, and exams. It shows you’re working with a professional, not someone who just signed up to sell solar last month.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, buying solar isn’t just about lowering your electric bill: it’s about making a 25+ year investment in your home. So take your time. Ask questions. Do your homework. And don’t be afraid to walk away from companies that can’t give you straight answers.

If we, as an industry, help homeowners make smarter decisions, then we all win. The reputation of solar improves, adoption increases, and fewer people get burned by shady sales tactics.

Solar isn’t just a product.

It’s a promise. Let’s make sure we all treat it that way.

Do you have any questions? Let’s talk!