A decade ago, you could count the number of solar installers in your area with the fingers in your hand; there were only a few hundred across the country.

But as the prices of solar panels has dropped more than 70% in the last ten years, making home solar energy systems affordable to the average homeowners, the number of people who get on your roof and put up those photovoltaic (PV) modules has grown exponentially.

The United States now has over 242,000 solar workers, according to the National Solar Jobs Census 2018. These jobs are providing clean, affordable, renewable energy in all 50 states. In fact, solar jobs increased in 29 states in 2018, including many states with emerging solar markets. States with the highest employment gains include Florida, Illinois, Texas, and New York State.

So when you’re getting ready to make the switch to solar, you’ll be flooded with choices, from small mom-and-pop businesses to large corporations, all promising their technicians are the best for the job.

But how do you select the right solar installer for your needs?

Here are a few recommendations:

Licensed to install

The installer will be your guide in getting the domestic solar power system turned on. The contractor will provide suggestions for the size of the solar array based on your energy needs and budget. And being that those solar panels will be on your roof for 25 plus years, it’s best you get someone with experience and a license.

This is also important because many cities require contractors to have a license when they ask for a permit for the solar installation. Many utilities - who ultimately give the go-ahead to turn on the system - also have this requirement.

Most states only require an electrical license. But for a more knowledgeable installer, you’d want one certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This is a nationally-recognized, independent, voluntary certification program for photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal system installers. To become NABCEP-certified, installers must attain at least one year of installation experience and must document all training and installations. Installers must also pass a rigorous exam, sign a code of ethics, and take continuing education courses for re-certification every three years.

What are they saying?

According to the eCommerce Foundation, 88% of buyers research products online before making a purchase and 86% will hesitate to purchase form a business that has negative reviews. 

“Online reputation” is now more important than ever. Customers’ reviews are a good way to check the work and experience an installer has done in the past. If you see many negative comments, from different individuals, about shoddy work or problems, you should stay away too.  

For real?

Be aware of installers who promise the work will be done in a few weeks or make exaggerated claims about electricity savings.

On average, it will take a minimum of 35 days from the moment you sign a contract until the day the utility allows the solar installation to be turned on. It is a lengthy process. 

Similarly, the installation of solar panels on your roof doesn’t mean you will no longer have an electricity payment. You will still be tied to the electric grid because your domestic solar power system only generates power during the day, not at night. You will still have to pay connection and maintenance fees, as well as for the electricity you use when your solar panels aren’t working. 

Is that guaranteed?

The home solar energy system is expected to keep generating power for more than 25 years, with minimal maintenance, but if a problem should arise, you want to make sure your investment is covered and any defects will be fixed, free of charge.   

The contractor should provide the following three warranties:

Solar panel warranties that last 25 years, the expected lifespan of PV modules. This doesn’t mean they stop working at the end of this period, just that their efficiency will be lower. 

Solar workmanship warranty specifies that your solar array has been installed correctly and will continue to generate electricity for at least 10 years. 

Solar performance warranty makes sure that if your domestic solar power system does not produce the estimated power, the installer will correct the problem and compensate you for any losses.

In general, you should look for an installer who provides a free quote that includes complete costs, savings, and warranties, who designs your solar array and handles all paperwork with the city and utility. 

If you want to simplify this process, you can start by accessing the Hahasmart price checker. Just provide your address and your average monthly utility bill and you’ll get the actual price of solar panels and inverters - which are the most critical parts of a solar powered system - as well as provide you with an estimated cost of installation based on thousands of completed solar projects in your area. 

They’ll even explain the estimated buyback period, the point where the electricity savings achieved with your solar array cover the purchase of your residential solar panels and your system becomes free.

In addition, they’ll connect you with their installer network to get your residence equipped with solar power as quickly as possible.  

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