Choosing the right solar company for your home is a significant decision and a long-term investment. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which installer will provide quality workmanship, reliable service, and peace of mind. To help you navigate this process with confidence, here are ten essential questions you should ask any prospective solar installer before signing a contract. These questions are designed to uncover the true value behind the company, their expertise, and their commitment to supporting you throughout your solar journey.

Top 10 Questions Before You Choose a Solar Company

This guide is inspired by insights from Forme Solar Electric, a reputable Southern California solar company that has installed thousands of systems annually while maintaining high customer satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting your solar research or ready to take the next step, these questions will empower you to select a solar partner that stands behind their work and will be there for you in the long run.

1. Tell Me About Your Company

The first and most fundamental question you should ask is: “Tell me about your company.” It may sound simple, but understanding who you’re working with is crucial. You want to know how big the company is, how long they have been in business, and how many employees they have. This information can indicate the company’s stability and experience in the solar industry.

A reputable installer will be transparent about these details. They should be able to tell you how many solar systems they have installed to date and whether they do the work themselves or outsource to subcontractors. Local presence is a significant advantage — if the company has a physical office near you, it shows commitment to the community and provides you with a place to visit if needed.

For example, Forme Solar Electric operates a local office in Southern California and installs around a thousand systems annually. This level of volume combined with local accessibility offers customers both expertise and peace of mind.

2. What Are Their Customers Saying About Them?

Before entrusting your home and investment to a solar installer, it’s essential to check their reputation through customer reviews. Ask the company to share real-world testimonials, but also do your own research by looking up their reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms.

Reviews provide invaluable insights into the customer experience, quality of installation, and after-sales service. A company that maintains high ratings across multiple platforms is more likely to deliver on their promises. Conversely, if you find a pattern of complaints about delays, poor communication, or shoddy workmanship, that’s a red flag.

Forme Solar emphasizes their strong ratings on Google and Yelp, which reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction. They encourage prospective customers to read these reviews and even offer free solar quotes online for residents in Southern California.

3. What Is Your Core Competency?

Solar companies operate in different ways, so it’s important to clarify their core competency. Some companies focus solely on sales and subcontract the installation work. Others specialize only in installation and do not handle sales. Then there are companies, like Forme Solar, that do both sales and installation in-house.

Why does this matter? When a company manages both sales and installation, they maintain control over the entire process and are accountable for the quality and service you receive. However, this dual role is challenging to execute well, as it requires expertise in two distinct areas.

On the other hand, companies that subcontract installations might not provide consistent service after the job is done because the subcontractors don’t have a direct relationship with you. This can lead to communication breakdowns and delays in resolving issues.

For instance, Tesla is known for excellent equipment and installation teams, but many customers report that their service and maintenance experience can be lacking. It’s a reminder that a company’s core strengths should align with your priorities, whether that’s installation quality, customer service, or both.

4. What Brands Do You Work With?

Solar panel brands vary widely in quality, efficiency, and warranty support. When choosing a solar installer, ask what brands they offer and why. Most reputable companies work with what’s called tier one brands. These brands typically have:

• Solar panel efficiency of 18% or higher
• A market share of at least 5-10%
• Strong manufacturer warranties and proven reliability

Choosing tier one brands is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring that the manufacturer will be around for the long haul to honor warranties and provide support if needed. This is crucial for your peace of mind and the longevity of your solar system.

Forme Solar, for example, partners with well-known tier one brands to guarantee that customers receive high-quality equipment backed by solid warranties. This also means when repairs or replacements are necessary, the process is smoother and more reliable.

5. Are You Offering Any Promotions or Incentives?

Solar projects can be a significant investment, so it’s always worth asking if the company offers any promotions or incentives. Some companies provide discounts for specific groups, such as veterans or active military personnel. These offers can help reduce the overall cost of your solar system.

Additionally, experienced solar companies often have seasonal promotions or special financing options that can make your project more affordable. Don’t hesitate to ask about these — even a small discount can add up to substantial savings.

At Forme Solar, for example, they offer discounts for veterans as part of their commitment to supporting those who serve. Asking about available promotions is a simple way to maximize your solar investment.

6. Do You Use Your Own In-House Install Crews?

This question might seem technical, but it has a big impact on the quality and accountability of your solar installation. When a company uses in-house crews, those workers are directly employed and trained by that company, and they are expected to adhere to the company’s standards and reputation.

In contrast, if the installation is subcontracted, the subcontractors might complete the job and then move on, with little ongoing responsibility for customer service or quality assurance. This can leave you caught in the middle if issues arise after installation.

Having an in-house crew means the company is more likely to stand behind their workmanship and quickly address any problems because their reputation is directly tied to the quality of the installation.

Forme Solar prides itself on using its own in-house installation teams. This approach ensures consistent quality control and better communication with customers throughout the project.

7. Can You Show Me Some Recent Examples of Your Work?

While many solar company websites showcase galleries of solar panel installations, it’s important to ask for examples that are relevant to your specific situation. Ideally, you want to see recent photos of installations on homes similar to yours. Whether that means a similar roof type, size, or story count.

This helps you assess the company’s experience with projects like yours and gives you confidence that they can handle your installation smoothly. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions about the challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

Forme Solar often shares photos of recent projects tailored to the customer’s home type, helping potential clients visualize the outcome and make informed decisions.

8. What Is Your Project Management Process?

One of the most critical aspects of a smooth solar installation is effective project management. You want to understand how the company manages your project from the initial sale through to the final installation and beyond.

Some companies sell you the system and then hand off the project to a customer service representative who might not have deep knowledge of the technical details. This can cause delays and frustration when you have questions or concerns.

Other companies specialize only in sales and rely on subcontractors for installation. This division often leads to communication gaps, as the sales team may not have direct access to the installation crew to provide timely updates.

The ideal scenario is a company that handles both sales and installation internally, with a project management process that keeps you informed every step of the way. Even better, some companies assign your salesperson as your project manager, so the same knowledgeable person who sold you the system also oversees the installation.

Forme Solar follows this model, ensuring customers have a direct line to someone intimately familiar with every detail of their project. This approach reduces confusion, accelerates issue resolution, and enhances customer satisfaction.

9. What Happens After the Installation?

Your solar journey doesn’t end when the panels are installed. It’s vital to know what kind of post-installation support the company offers. Ask who will monitor the system’s performance and who you should contact if something goes wrong.

Companies that separate sales, installation, and service into different entities often struggle to provide seamless aftercare. You might find yourself passed between departments or subcontractors, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Conversely, companies that manage sales, installation, and service in-house can provide clear, direct answers and take responsibility for maintaining your system’s performance. They can monitor your system remotely, quickly identify issues, and dispatch technicians to fix problems promptly.

Forme Solar commits to supporting customers long after installation, offering monitoring and maintenance services that ensure your system operates efficiently for years to come.

10. What Are the Warranties?

Warranties are a key factor in your solar decision. Ask about both the workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s product warranty. The product warranty is provided by the solar panel or equipment manufacturer and usually covers defects or failures for 10 to 25 years.

However, the workmanship warranty is just as important. This warranty covers the quality of the installation itself — how well the panels were mounted, wiring was done, and other installation details. A trustworthy installer should offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty.

This warranty protects you during the system’s early years when problems are most likely to occur. A reputable company will stand behind their work and fix any issues promptly without making you jump through hoops.

Another warranty to inquire about is the production warranty or guarantee. When your system is designed, it’s expected to generate a certain amount of energy (kilowatt-hours). A production warranty guarantees that your system will meet or exceed that energy production target within a certain tolerance, often accounting for minor annual degradation of 0.5% to 1% per year.

Forme Solar ensures all these warranties are clearly explained and documented, giving customers confidence that their investment is protected.

Bonus Question: What Is Your Company Mission?

Finally, ask about the company’s mission. Understanding their core values can give you insight into what your experience as a customer might be like. Some companies prioritize sustainability, community service, or environmental impact, while others focus on business growth or technology innovation.

Forme Solar’s mission is to be as close to your local solar installer as possible. They want to be seen as dependable as a plumber or gardener — a trusted service provider who supports their installations and customers year after year. This local, service-oriented mindset translates into long-term dedication and quality support.

If a company’s mission aligns with your values, it’s a good sign that you will have a positive, supportive relationship throughout your solar ownership.

Conclusion: Choose the Solar Company That Will Be There for You

When it comes to selecting a solar installer, don’t just chase the biggest brand name or the cheapest quote. By asking these ten questions, you can quickly distinguish between fly-by-night companies and reputable installers who will support your solar system for years to come.

1. Ask about the company’s history and size.
2. Check customer reviews and testimonials.
3. Understand their core competencies in sales and installation.
4. Verify the brands they work with and their quality.
5. Inquire about promotions and discounts.
6. Find out if they use in-house installation crews.
7. Request recent examples of their work relevant to your home.
8. Learn about their project management process.
9. Clarify post-installation support and monitoring.
10. Confirm the warranties they provide.

By doing your due diligence and selecting a company that values transparency, quality, and customer service, you’ll enjoy the benefits of solar energy with confidence and peace of mind.

If you’re in Southern California and want to explore your solar options, consider reaching out to Forme Solar Electric for a free custom quote. Their local expertise, commitment to quality, and comprehensive service make them a standout choice for homeowners looking to go solar.

Remember: solar is a long-term investment, so choose a company that will be there for you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about solar installation or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted installer or drop your questions in forums and community groups. Educating yourself is the first step toward a successful solar experience!