Choosing a qualified installer is the most important part of any home performance or electrification upgrade. This is especially true for projects that require a significant investment, like solar panel installation. There are a lot of untrustworthy solar contractors out there and you don’t want to get scammed!
In this guide, we explain how you can evaluate solar contractors to find a reputable contractor for your home solar panel installation.
Researching Solar Installers
Solar panels and battery storage systems have risen in popularity in California in recent years, which led to a corresponding rise in solar installers. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to research your options so you can choose a solar installer that does high-quality work.
Talk to Friends & Neighbors
Getting a first-hand recommendation from someone you trust is one of the best ways to find a contractor. If you know someone who has installed solar panels, ask them who their installer was and what their experience was like.
Search Solar Directories
Searching for solar installers online is easy, but a quick Google search isn't always the best way to find a contractor. The results aren’t vetted, so you can’t trust them without doing a lot of additional research. The Clean Energy Connection, on the other hand, provides a curated list of vetted solar contractors with proven experience and expertise. It’s the best place to find a solar installer online.
Evaluating Solar Installer Credentials
Once you have your list of installers, it’s time to look at their experience and credentials. Comparing credentials will help you pare down your list and choose between solar companies.
Here are some of the most important questions to ask a solar installer you’re thinking about hiring.
- Experience - Find out how long your installer has been in business and how many installations they’ve completed. If an installer has been operating successfully for many years, it’s a good sign that they’re a reputable company.
- Reviews - It’s always important to read customer reviews so you can get a first-hand account of an installer’s service.
- Certifications - North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is the gold standard for solar contractors. Be on the lookout for installers that hold this certification—it’s a sign of quality and expertise.
- Licenses - It’s essential to confirm that your solar installer is a licensed and insured contractor certified to do business in California. The Clean Energy Connection performs regular license checks to make sure every contractor listed in the directory holds a valid license. You can also use the California Contractors State License Board’s license check tool to verify a contractor’s license.
Spotting Red Flags & Avoiding Scams
While you’re doing your research, keep an eye out for the warning signs that a solar installer isn’t legitimate. Some of the most common tactics used by scam artists in the solar industry include:
- Fake Discounts and Rebates - Scammers often lure victims by promising exclusive discounts or access to government rebates that don't exist or are misrepresented. While there are some excellent, legitimate solar incentives available, anything that sounds too good to be true (like free solar panels) probably is.
- Lease Scams - Some scammers push for solar leases with unfavorable terms, like escalating payments or long-term contracts that are hard to break, under the guise of saving you money.
- Misrepresentation of Benefits - Overstating the energy production or financial benefits to make the deal appear more attractive than it is can be a tactic to watch out for.
It’s also possible to encounter installers who aren’t out to scam you but simply don’t do high-quality work. To avoid low-quality installers, make sure you do your research, get multiple quotes, and ask for references. By taking some extra steps during the research process, you can save yourself a lot of headaches.
Find the Best Solar Installers in California with the Clean Energy Connection
The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find a qualified solar installer near you in California. Our free online directory features the best clean energy contractors in California. To be listed, contractors must pass routine license checks and undergo customer satisfaction surveys to ensure they are a reputable company providing high-quality service. You can filter your search by services, location, rebates, languages, and more to find the best solar panel installer for your project.