How to Vet a Solar Installation Company in 2026

Full transcript

Three tiers of installers

Solar installation companies come in three tiers. National brands operating across many states. Regional installers with in-house crews. And local contractors, often founded by electricians, who frequently price purchases most aggressively.

The DOE baseline

The Department of Energy's advice: solar should be installed by a qualified professional who holds a certification. The industry standard certification is awarded through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or N A B C E P.

Get three real bids

Compare at least three itemized bids for the same system size, with price per watt broken out. Read company reviews before anyone surveys your roof, and never sign under today-only pricing pressure.

The 2026 red flag

The thirty percent federal residential credit, Section twenty five D, expired for homeowner purchased systems installed after December thirty first, twenty twenty five. A quote promising you that credit on a twenty twenty six purchase is a red flag.

The lease asymmetry

Third party owned systems, under a lease or power purchase agreement, may still benefit from the thirty percent commercial credit under Section forty eight E. The installer claims it, and may pass some through in your rate.

Demand a production model

A serious bid includes modeled annual output with a shading analysis, not just a promised savings percentage. No production model, no signature.

Check the paper

Verify the state contractor and electrical licenses, proof of insurance, and a written workmanship warranty. Know exactly who services an inverter fault in year six.

Run both ownership paths

Buying still wins on lifetime cost if you finance it well. But run purchase and lease numbers side by side with your state's incentives. The full seven point checklist is on Dreamy Leads dot com.