How many quotes should I get before choosing a solar installer?

Getting at least three quotes is a commonly recommended baseline, since solar pricing and system design recommendations can vary meaningfully between installers even for the same home, giving you a real basis for comparison rather than judging a single quote in isolation.

Is it better to choose a large national installer or a local company?

Neither is automatically better — large national installers often have more financial stability and standardized processes, while local companies sometimes offer more personalized service and community reputation. Evaluate each specific company on licensing, reviews, warranty terms, and experience rather than assuming size determines quality.

Should I be worried if an installer pressures me to sign the same day?

Yes, this is a legitimate red flag. Legitimate installers understand that a system costing thousands of dollars is a decision worth taking time on, and pushy same-day-signature tactics are a common warning sign covered in more detail in our guide on solar sales scams and red flags.

How to Choose a Solar Installer: A Practical Checklist

Choosing an installer matters as much as choosing equipment — the same panels installed well versus poorly can mean very different real-world performance and long-term reliability. Here’s what to actually check.

Verify licensing and certifications

Confirm your installer holds the required state contractor and electrical licenses for your location — licensing requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s contractor licensing board directly.
Look for NABCEP certification (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) for the individuals designing or installing your system — a widely recognized industry credential, though not universally required.
Confirm proper insurance, including liability coverage, to protect you if something goes wrong during installation.

Check real reviews and track record

Look beyond the installer’s own website to independent review platforms, and read a range of reviews, not just the top few.
Ask for references from recent, similarly sized projects in your area, and actually call them.
Check how long the company has operated in your specific area — a longer track record generally reduces the risk that the workmanship warranty becomes unenforceable if the company closes (see our warranties guide).

Compare multiple detailed quotes

Get at least three quotes and ask each installer to break down:

Price per watt, not just total system cost
Specific equipment brands and models (panels and inverters)
Warranty terms — performance, product, and workmanship
What’s included (permitting fees, monitoring equipment, etc.) versus billed separately

See our cost factors guide for context on why quotes can vary so much for seemingly similar systems.

Evaluate the proposed system design, not just the price

Does the proposed system size match a reasonable estimate for your actual usage (see our sizing guide)?
Does the installer’s shading and roof assessment seem thorough, or does it feel rushed?
Can they explain their equipment choices (like string inverter vs microinverter) in terms specific to your roof?

Ask about post-installation support

What is the process if something goes wrong after installation?
Do they offer ongoing monitoring support, or is that entirely self-service through an app?
How do they handle warranty claims — do you contact them directly, or the manufacturer?

Red flags to watch for

High-pressure sales tactics or same-day signature requirements
Vague or evasive answers about licensing, insurance, or specific equipment
Reluctance to provide written references or a detailed, itemized quote
Claims that sound too good to be true, like guaranteed “free” solar with no real financing structure explained

See our full guide on solar sales scams and red flags for a deeper look at these warning signs.

A practical process to follow

Get at least three quotes from different installers.
Verify licensing, insurance, and certifications for each.
Check independent reviews and call at least one or two references.
Compare detailed, itemized quotes — not just the bottom-line total.
Ask the questions to ask before signing directly, and don’t sign until you’re comfortable with the answers.

Bottom line

The lowest quote isn’t automatically the best choice, and the flashiest sales pitch isn’t either — a thorough, licensed, well-reviewed installer with clear warranty terms and a solid local track record is worth more over your system’s decades-long lifespan than a small difference in upfront price.