Choosing a Roof-Mount Solar Installer - A Plain-English Guide
Last verified: September 2026
The installer you choose shapes every other outcome of a roof-mounted solar project. Here's what to look for, what to ask, and what to avoid. Rather have a second opinion on a quote? My number is (330) 200-8042.
Choosing a Roof-Mount Solar Installer, at a Glance
Choosing who drills into and wires your roof may be the single most important decision in a solar project. This guide covers what to look for — licensing, insurance, bonding, NABCEP certification, a written proposal, and a workmanship warranty in writing — and the sales tactics worth treating as red flags. There's a printable page-by-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 What should I look for first in a solar installer?
Confirm they're licensed, insured, and bonded, and ask whether anyone on the crew holds a NABCEP certification — the recognized credential for solar installers.
2 What is NABCEP?
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners — the widely recognized certification for solar installers. It's a genuine point in an installer's favor, though not the only one.
3 Why does a written proposal matter so much?
It's your record of what was actually promised — scope, permits, and warranty terms — rather than a verbal reassurance that's hard to hold anyone to later.
4 What sales tactics should worry me?
High-pressure, door-to-door pitches and 'today-only' pricing designed to rush your decision. A trustworthy installer never needs you to decide on the spot.
5 How many quotes should I get?
More than one. Comparing multiple written quotes, apples-to-apples, is one of the most effective things a homeowner can do before choosing.
6 Does subcontracting mean I should avoid a company?
Not automatically — but ask plainly who will actually be on your roof and who's accountable, and weigh the answer in your decision.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
Vetting an installer, reading a proposal, or comparing quotes shouldn't feel like a guessing game. I'm glad to be your patient, no-stake second opinion through the whole process. $99 flat for a visit, 30-day come-back-free.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).