Due diligence now means peace of mind later. The right installer today prevents legal problems tomorrow.
A good solar installation can lower your bills, increase your property value, and help the planet. But a bad installer? That can lock you into sky‑high payments, damage your credit, or even put a lien on your home.
Every week, homeowners tell us, “I wish I’d known to check this before I signed.” That’s why we created a practical solar company vetting guide you can actually put to use today.
10 Tips to Vet a Solar Panel Company Before You Sign
You are about to see the ten biggest must‑check points every homeowner should insist on before saying yes. If you cannot tick off each one with absolute confidence, you are not ready to sign.
- Research the company’s history and reputation.
- Verify licenses, insurance, and certifications.
- Ask exactly how they find their customers and make sales.
- Compare at least three solid written quotes.
- Learn exactly how solar panel contracts work.
- Read every line of the contract twice.
- Identify common scam red flags before it is too late.
- Confirm whether they will actually support you after installation.
- Understand your cancellation rights from day one.
- Trust your gut when something feels wrong.
Let’s break them down so you know exactly how to protect yourself.
Before You Sign: Make Sure Every Box is Checked
- Research the company’s history and reputation
Look beyond the polished website. Search the business name online with “scam” or “lawsuit” added. Check your state’s business registry for how long they have been operating.
What to look for
- At least 3 to 5 years in consistent operation
- A physical office location you can verify in your state
- BBB rating of A or higher with minimal complaints
What to avoid
- Frequent name changes or new LLCs with the same owners
- Zero traceable reviews outside of the company’s own website
- Verify licenses, insurance, and certifications
A legitimate solar installer can hand over proof of licenses and insurance without hesitation. Cross‑check their license with your state contractor licensing board.
What to look for
- Active, valid solar or electrical contractor license
- NABCEP or other recognized solar certifications
- Proof of liability and worker compensation coverage
What to avoid
- Excuses about why licenses are unavailable or “being renewed”
- Operating under another company’s license
- Ask exactly how they find their customers and make sales
The sales approach tells you a lot about the company’s integrity. Be skeptical of strangers turning up at your door claiming to be part of a “state energy program.”
What to look for
- Transparent explanation of how they got your information
- Willingness to schedule instead of pressuring on the spot
What to avoid
- Door to door solar panel sales scams that push you to sign in one visit
- Claims of “special government funding” without proof
- Compare at least three solid written quotes
You cannot make an informed choice without seeing the market range. Compare price, but also look at panel brand, inverter quality, and service details.
What to look for
- Quotes for systems of similar size and technology so you can compare fairly
- Warranties stated clearly in writing
What to avoid
- Sellers who refuse to leave you a written quote
- Quotes that are abnormally lower than competitors without explanation
- Learn exactly how solar panel contracts work
Read enough about purchase, lease, and Power Purchase Agreements to know the difference before you get pitched. Understand UCC liens, escalation clauses, and buyout terms.
What to look for
- Clear ownership status in the contract
- Full disclosure of any lien that could be placed on your property
- Payment schedule, including increases
What to avoid
- Believing “zero down” means free
- Signing without knowing exactly who owns the system
- Read every line of the contract twice
Use a solar contract checklist. Check for ownership, payments, escalation rates, performance guarantees, transfer terms, and written warranties.
What to look for
- Identical promises in writing and in the sales pitch
- No “to be determined” sections in the agreement
What to avoid
- Salespeople who tell you “do not worry about the fine print”
- Contracts missing essential performance terms
- Identify common scam red flags before it is too late
Scams follow patterns. If you know the patterns, you can stop them before they get you.
What to look for
- Clear, direct answers to your questions
- Solid written documentation for every claim
What to avoid
- Demands to sign immediately to “lock in” a price
- Evasive answers when you ask for contract details
- Confirm whether they will actually support you after installation
Ask for a service and maintenance plan in writing. Pin them down on who handles warranty claims if they are no longer in business.
What to look for
- Manufacturer warranty information separate from installer promises
- Service timelines for repairs
What to avoid
- Lifetime promises with no detail on how to get repairs done
- No clear point of contact for post‑installation issues
- Understand your cancellation rights from day one
Do not sign unless you know exactly how to cancel. In many states you have a cooling off period of three business days for sales made at your home.
What to look for
- Written instructions on how to cancel
- Confirmation of any fee schedule for early termination
What to avoid
- Signing anything without a clear, written cancellation clause
- Reps who tell you verbally that you can cancel without a fee but refuse to write it down
- Trust your gut when something feels wrong
Your instincts pick up on red flags before your mind lists them out. If something feels off, pause and walk away.
What to look for
- A company that welcomes questions and gives you time to decide
- Consistency between all staff when answering questions
What to avoid
- Any deal that makes you feel cornered
- Pressure to sign before you can independently verify the details
Before You Sign: Make Sure Every Box is Checked
Choosing a solar installer is not just a financial decision — it is a legal one. A single signature on the wrong contract can leave you tied to escalating payments, liens on your property, or disputes that follow you for decades. If you are feeling uncertain after reviewing a quote or pressured by an aggressive salesperson, you are not alone. Many homeowners have faced the same confusion and regret.
At Bennett Legal, we help families cut through the noise, spot hidden risks, and make sure solar agreements are safe before they are signed. Our attorneys know how leases, PPAs, and UCC filings are used against homeowners, and we have the legal experience to protect you from those traps.
Whether you are still shopping for installers or already holding a contract you are unsure about, we can review your documents, explain your rights, and give you the clarity you need to make the best choice for your home and your family’s future.
📞 Contact Bennett Legal today for a contract review. With the right guidance now, you can enjoy solar energy without the stress of hidden risks later.
