Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer Before Signing
Choosing a solar installer is one of the most important decisions you will make in the process. The equipment matters, but the quality of the installation and the reliability of the company behind it matter just as much. Here are the questions you should ask any installer before signing a contract, and what good answers look like.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
In Alberta, electrical work must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Your installer should hold a valid electrical contractor licence from the Government of Alberta.
What a good answer looks like: They can provide their electrical contractor licence number, confirm they carry general liability insurance (minimum $2 million) and workers' compensation (WCB) coverage. They should be able to provide proof of these on request.
Red flag: The company cannot provide a licence number, says they use subcontractors for electrical work but cannot name them, or avoids the question.
2. Do You Use Subcontractors?
Some solar companies are sales organizations that subcontract the actual installation to other trades. This is not necessarily a problem, but you should know who is doing the work on your roof.
What a good answer looks like: They either confirm all work is done by their own in-house crews, or they clearly name their subcontractors and confirm those subcontractors carry their own insurance and licensing.
Red flag: Vague answers about subcontracting or an inability to tell you who will actually be on your roof.
3. What Equipment Do You Use?
Ask about specific panel brands and models, inverter brands, and racking systems. Good installers use Tier 1 panels from established manufacturers and reputable inverter brands with strong warranty support.
What a good answer looks like: They specify exact models (e.g., specific panel wattage and brand, specific inverter model), explain why they chose those products, and can discuss the warranty terms for each component.
Red flag: The proposal lists generic descriptions like "premium 400W panels" without specifying the manufacturer or model. This makes it impossible to verify quality or warranty terms.
4. What Warranties Do You Provide?
There are three types of warranties to ask about: panel manufacturer warranty, inverter warranty, and the installer's own workmanship warranty.
What a good answer looks like: They clearly distinguish between manufacturer warranties (which they do not control) and their own workmanship warranty. They offer a workmanship warranty of at least 10 years covering roof penetrations, wiring, and installation quality.
Red flag: They claim a 25-year warranty without distinguishing between manufacturer and workmanship coverage, or they offer no written workmanship warranty.
5. How Do You Handle Monitoring?
Monitoring allows you to track your system's performance in real time. Ask what monitoring platform is included and whether there are ongoing fees.
What a good answer looks like: Monitoring is included at no extra cost through the inverter manufacturer's platform (e.g., Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring). You will have lifetime access to a phone app and web portal.
Red flag: Monitoring requires a monthly subscription, or the installer uses a proprietary platform that you would lose access to if the company closes.
6. Can You Walk Me Through Your System Design?
A good installer should be able to explain why they placed panels where they did, how the inverter was sized, what your expected annual production is, and what assumptions went into their estimate.
What a good answer looks like: They show you a roof layout with panel placement, explain the orientation and tilt reasoning, discuss any shading factors, and share the design software output (PVWatts, Aurora, Helioscope) that supports their production estimate.
Red flag: They cannot explain their design choices or show you the modelling behind their production estimate.
7. What Does Your Pricing Include?
Get a clear breakdown of what is and is not included in the quoted price. A complete quote should include all equipment, labour, permitting, electrical work, utility applications, and monitoring setup.
What a good answer looks like: The proposal has a detailed line-by-line breakdown or clearly states that the price is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. Any potential additional costs (e.g., panel upgrade, tree removal, roof repairs) are identified upfront.
Red flag: The quote is a single lump sum with no detail, or it excludes items like permitting, utility application fees, or electrical upgrades that are discovered later.
8. What Is Your Installation Timeline?
Ask for a realistic timeline from contract signing to system activation, including permitting, installation, inspection, and utility approval.
What a good answer looks like: They provide a specific timeline (e.g., 6 to 10 weeks) and explain each phase. They are upfront about factors that could cause delays, such as permitting backlogs or utility processing times.
Red flag: Promises of unrealistically fast timelines (e.g., "installed next week") without mentioning permitting, or an inability to provide any timeline at all.
9. How Do You Handle Roof Issues?
Solar panels will be on your roof for 25+ years. Ask how the installer assesses roof condition, what happens if issues are found, and how roof penetrations are sealed.
What a good answer looks like: They assess roof age and condition during the site visit, recommend delaying installation if the roof needs replacement soon, and use engineered flashing at every penetration point with a warranty against leaks.
Red flag: They do not assess roof condition or dismiss concerns about installing on an older roof.
10. Can I See References or Reviews?
An established installer should have a track record of satisfied customers. Ask for references from recent installations in your area. For guidance on choosing a Calgary solar company, see our comparison guide.
What a good answer looks like: They can provide references from recent customers, have positive Google or BBB reviews, and are willing to connect you with past customers who had similar installations.
Red flag: No reviews, no references, or the company is brand new with no track record.
Bonus: Watch for Pressure Tactics
Be cautious of any installer who uses high-pressure sales tactics. Legitimate solar companies do not need to pressure you into signing today. Be wary of claims like "this price is only available today," "we only have three spots left this month," or aggressive door-to-door sales pitches. A good installer will give you time to review the proposal, compare quotes, and make a thoughtful decision.
Key Takeaways
- Verify licensing, insurance, and WCB coverage before proceeding
- Know exactly who will be doing the work on your property
- Get specific equipment details, not generic descriptions
- Understand the difference between manufacturer and workmanship warranties
- Ensure monitoring is included with no ongoing fees
- Demand pricing transparency and a realistic timeline
- Walk away from pressure tactics and too-good-to-be-true pricing