Most homeowners spend weeks comparing panel brands and almost no time comparing the companies that install them. That is backwards. Your panels will sit on your roof for 25 years or more, and the installer is the one you will call when something needs fixing. A strong installer makes good equipment perform, and a weak one can turn premium panels into years of headaches.
Here is the short version:
- Start with a pass or fail check: an active California contractor license with insurance and a bond.
- Then compare the rest: track record, who does the work, warranties, the proposal, and after-sale support.
- Use a scorecard: scoring each company the same way keeps price and sales charm from deciding for you.
- Get 2 to 3 comparable quotes: the same system size and equipment make the numbers easy to compare.
How to Choose a Solar Company in 7 Steps
Work through these steps in order. Each one filters out more companies, and the last step is a set of red flags that should end a conversation fast.
Step 1: Verify the License and Insurance
In California, solar installers must hold an active contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Look for a C-46 (solar) or C-10 (electrical) classification, then check the license number on the CSLB website. Confirm that it is active and that the company carries workers’ compensation insurance and a bond. If a salesperson cannot give you a license number, stop there.
Licensing rules differ across states, which is covered in our guide to licensed solar contractors by state.
Step 2: Check Track Record and Reviews
- Time in business: Look for a company that has operated under the same legal name for years. Some industry guides suggest at least five years as a starting benchmark.
- Local experience: Ask how many systems they have installed near you, since local crews know your utility and permit office.
- Reviews: Read reviews on several independent platforms, such as Google, Yelp, the BBB, and SolarReviews, not just the testimonials on the company website.
- What to look for: Weight reviews that describe what happened after installation, such as warranty claims and service calls handled well.
- References: Ask for former customers you can contact. Hesitation is a signal.
Step 3: Find Out Who Actually Does the Work
The name on the proposal is not always the crew on your roof. Some companies employ their own installers, and others sell the job and hand it to subcontractors. In-house crews usually mean more consistent quality and one point of accountability if something needs fixing.
- Ask whether installers are employees or subcontractors.
- Ask whether the crew includes NABCEP-certified professionals, the recognized solar industry credential.
- Ask for manufacturer certifications, since some brands only honor full warranties for certified installers.
A factory-direct model such as factory-direct solar pricing from Axia can reduce the number of middlemen, which makes accountability easier to trace.
Step 4: Compare Warranties and the Company Behind Them
A complete offer includes several warranties. Compare each one across your quotes.
| Warranty | Who Provides It | Common Benchmark to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Panel product warranty | Manufacturer | Often 12 to 25 years, depending on the brand |
| Panel performance warranty | Manufacturer | Typically 25 years of guaranteed output |
| Workmanship warranty | Installer | At least 10 years is a common benchmark |
| Inverter warranty | Manufacturer | String inverters often 10 years or more; microinverters often up to 25 years |
| Battery warranty (if included) | Manufacturer | Often 10 years with a minimum capacity guarantee |
The workmanship warranty is only as strong as the company behind it. If the installer closes, that coverage can disappear with it. For a full breakdown, read what a solar warranty covers.
Step 5: Read the Proposal and the Price Per Watt
A real proposal comes from an assessment of your actual roof, shading, and usage. It should list system size, panel and inverter models, expected production, and an itemized price. A generic one-page pitch is a warning sign. If you are still confirming your roof and usage, start with whether your home is a good fit for solar.
Price per watt is the easiest way to compare quotes of different sizes. These published benchmarks are national figures, so use them only as a sanity check.
| Source | Published Benchmark | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SolarReviews (older data) | About $3.00 per watt for a typical cash price | Below about $2.60 per watt deserves questions, and above about $3.50 per watt is steep |
| SolarReviews (older data) | Financed systems closer to $4 per watt | Higher because of dealer fees built into some loans |
| PowerOutage.us (2025) | About $3.56 per watt before incentives | National market average |
- Ask each company for both a cash price and a financed price, so you can see what financing adds.
- Be skeptical of savings estimates that ignore how NEM 3.0 reduced export credits. See net metering explained under NEM 3.0.
- Cross-check any projection against California solar system costs in 2026 and the return you can realistically expect.
- Compare how each company presents solar financing options in California, since a low monthly payment can hide a high total cost.
Step 6: Confirm Permitting, Support, and Training
Good companies handle more than the install. Before you sign, ask who is responsible for each of these:
- Pulling permits and passing inspections
- Utility interconnection approval
- Setting up and teaching you to read your monitoring app
- Service calls after installation, including how to reach someone
To see what the full timeline looks like, read the solar installation process and what to expect.
Step 7: Walk Away From Red Flags
- Pressure to sign today or lose a price
- No written, itemized quote
- A large deposit before permits are pulled
- Savings claims based on expired incentives or that ignore NEM 3.0
- A license number that cannot be verified
For a deeper look at sales tactics and company stability, see how to vet solar installers near you. Before you sign, review solar contract questions for California homeowners. If you are worried about scams, read common fears about going solar.
Solar Company Comparison Scorecard
Scoring every company the same way keeps the decision about substance, not personality. Treat the license check as a pass-or-fail gate, then score the rest out of 100.
Weighted Scoring Table
| Criteria | What to Verify | Suggested Points |
|---|---|---|
| License and insurance (pass or fail) | Active CSLB license, workers’ compensation, bond | Must pass to continue |
| Track record and reviews | Years in business, local installs, multiple review sites | 20 |
| Crew and certifications | In-house crew or subcontractors, NABCEP, manufacturer certifications | 15 |
| Warranties | Workmanship length, equipment coverage, company stability | 20 |
| Proposal and pricing | Itemized price, price per watt, realistic NEM 3.0 numbers | 20 |
| Permitting and support | Who handles permits, utility approval, service, training | 15 |
| Financing transparency | Cash vs financed price, fees, ownership of incentives | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
The point values are a suggested starting point. Adjust them to match what matters most to you.
Side-by-Side Template for Three Companies
| Item | Company A | Company B | Company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSLB license number and status | |||
| Years in business | |||
| In-house crew or subcontractors | |||
| System size (kW) and panel model | |||
| Total cash price and price per watt | |||
| Workmanship warranty length | |||
| Who handles permits and utility approval? | |||
| Scorecard total (out of 100) |
Local, National, or Marketplace: Which Type of Solar Company Fits You?
Each type has trade-offs. The real test is the same for all of them: a verifiable track record, financial durability, clear ownership of the workmanship warranty, and honest pricing.
| Company Type | Possible Advantages | Possible Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Local installer | Neighborhood reputation, faster service, local permit knowledge | A very small shop carries more continuity risk |
| National brand | Brand recognition, financing programs, polished tools | Service may route through call centers, and crews are sometimes subcontracted |
| Lead marketplace or aggregator | Fast way to see several offers | Your contact details may be shared with multiple sales teams |
How Many Solar Quotes Should You Compare?
Two or three quotes from separately vetted companies is enough. More than that tends to add sales calls without adding insight. To compare fairly, ask every company to quote the same basics.
- System size: The same kW, based on your actual usage
- Equipment: Named panel and inverter models
- Battery: Included or excluded, the same way for each
- Price: Total price and price per watt
- Warranties: Written terms for each type
- Financing: The same payment method for each quote
When you are ready, you can request a solar quote in California and measure it against your scorecard.
Questions to Ask Every Solar Company
- What is your California contractor license number?
- Do your own employees install the system, or do you use subcontractors?
- Who handles permits, inspections, and utility approval?
- What workmanship warranty do you provide, and in writing for how many years?
- What is the total installed price and the price per watt?
- Who do I call for service in year five or year ten?
For a longer list, see questions to ask before getting a solar quote. California also publishes a Solar Consumer Protection Guide through the California Public Utilities Commission, which installers are expected to provide before you sign. You can read the official California Solar Consumer Protection Guide and confirm current requirements there.
Should You Pick the Cheapest or the Top-Rated Company?
- Lowest price: A very low bid can mean thin margins, subcontracted labor, or a company that may not survive long enough to honor a 25-year warranty.
- Highest rating: Ratings help, but read the actual reviews and check how recent they are.
- Best choice: Usually the company that scores well across your whole scorecard, not just one column.
To see whether a higher rating usually comes with a higher price, read: Does a top-rated solar company cost more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a solar company?
Start by verifying an active California contractor license, insurance, and bond. Then compare track record, who does the installation, warranties, the itemized proposal, and after-sale support. Scoring each company with the same scorecard makes the choice clearer.
How do I choose a solar panel company?
Separate two decisions: the panel manufacturer and the installer. The installer usually has a bigger effect on how your system performs over time, so choose a licensed, well-reviewed installer first. Then confirm they use panels with strong warranties from a stable manufacturer.
How do I compare solar companies?
Ask each company for a written, itemized quote with the same system size, equipment, and financing method. Compare total price, price per watt, warranty terms, and who handles permits and service. A side-by-side table or scorecard keeps the comparison fair.
How many solar quotes should I get?
Two or three quotes from separately vetted companies is usually enough. Make sure each is based on a real assessment of your roof and usage, so you are comparing like for like rather than templates.
What license does a solar company need in California?
Installers must hold an active contractor license from the CSLB, typically in the C-46 (solar) or C-10 (electrical) classification. You can verify the license number, status, bond, and workers’ compensation coverage on the CSLB website.
Is it better to choose a local or national solar company?
Neither is automatically better. Local installers often have strong reputational incentives, and national brands may offer financing programs and scale. Judge both on track record, financial durability, warranty ownership, and honest pricing.
Does the lowest solar quote mean the best deal?
Not always. A cut-rate quote can signal cut corners, subcontracted labor, or a company that may not be around to honor your warranty. Weigh price alongside licensing, reviews, warranties, and proposal quality.
What are the biggest red flags when choosing a solar company?
High-pressure sign-today tactics, no written quote, a large deposit before permits, an unverifiable license, and savings claims that ignore NEM 3.0 or rely on expired incentives. Any one of these is a reason to slow down.
How long should a solar company have been in business?
There is no legal rule, but a multi-year history under the same legal name is a good sign, and some industry guides suggest at least five years. A longer record makes it more likely the company will still be around to honor a long warranty.
Compare Solar Companies on Your Own Roof and Usage
The best way to compare companies is side by side, using your actual home and electricity use. When you are ready, you can start your free solar quote and measure each proposal against the checklist and scorecard in this guide.