Questions to Ask a Solar Installer
Worth asking every provider you talk to, so you’re comparing apples to apples.
Credentials
- Are you licensed to do electrical/solar installation work in Ohio? Can I see the license number?
- Is your installation crew NABCEP-certified (or equivalent), and are they employees or subcontractors?
- How long has the company been operating in Ohio specifically?
Pricing and financing
- What’s the total system price, in writing, broken out by equipment and labor?
- What does the price look like with my actual financing option — not a generic “with incentives” number? (See Incentives & Tax Credits — the federal credit rules changed for 2026.)
- Are there any fees not included in the headline price (permitting, interconnection application, etc.)?
Equipment and warranty
- What panel and inverter brands are you using, and are they Tier 1 equipment?
- What’s the warranty on panels, inverter, and workmanship — separately, since they’re often different lengths?
- Who handles a warranty claim if the installer goes out of business?
Process and utility
- Who handles permitting and interconnection with my utility, and what’s the typical timeline?
- How is my system sized relative to my usage, and why?
- What is the current net metering / export credit rate for my specific utility? (See Ohio Net Metering.)
Getting the same answers from more than one provider is the most reliable way to spot inconsistent or inflated claims.
See What Solar Costs at Your Address
Figures on this page are general. The only way to know what solar costs on your roof in Ohio is a quote based on your address, your roof and your actual power use.
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