How to Get Solar Quotes and Avoid Solar Scams
Solar is a big purchase sold by many companies, some of them with aggressive sales tactics. Here's how to get quotes you can compare, what to look for in an installer, the warning signs of a solar scam, and what to do if you've already signed something you regret.
By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
- Get at least three written quotes and compare the price per watt, equipment, warranties and expected yearly production.
- Choose a licensed, insured installer with local experience and reviews you can check.
- Be wary of "free solar," "government program" claims, pressure to sign the same day and promises to wipe out your bill.
- For many sales made at your home, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel.
- Never sign on a tablet you haven't read in full, and get every promise in writing.
Most solar companies are honest, but the industry also attracts high-pressure sellers and outright scams, often going door to door. A careful approach protects you from overpaying and from contracts that are hard to get out of.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Get quotes you can compare
- Gather your last 12 months of electric bills.
- Contact at least three installers, including one or two you find yourself through local recommendations, not just companies that contact you.
- Ask for written quotes showing the system size, panel and inverter models, total price, expected yearly production, warranties and financing options.
- Compare the price per watt: total price ÷ system size in watts.
- Compare production, not just size. Shade and roof direction can mean two similar systems produce very different amounts.
What to look for in an installer
- Licensed and insured in your state, with an electrician on the job.
- Experience locally, with the permits and utility rules in your area.
- Certification, such as from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
- A workmanship warranty of 10 years or more, plus manufacturer warranties on equipment.
- Reviews and references you can check.
See how to check a contractor.
Warning signs of a solar scam
- "Free solar" or "no cost" claims for what's really a 20-year contract.
- "Government program" claims suggesting the government is paying for panels.
- Out-of-date tax credit claims, like a 30% federal credit for buying solar, which ended after 2025.
- Promises to eliminate your electric bill. Most homes still pay utility connection fees.
- Pressure to sign today to get a "special price."
- Asking for your utility account details before you've agreed to anything.
- Signing on a tablet without seeing the full contract.
If you've already signed
- Check the Cooling-Off Rule. For many sales made at your home, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel. Some states give longer.
- Cancel in writing, keep a copy and send it by a method you can track.
- Report problems to your state attorney general and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Common questions
Not usually. "Free solar" pitches are almost always leases or power purchase agreements with no upfront cost, where you pay monthly for 20 years or more. Some are fair deals, but the word "free" is a red flag to read the contract carefully.
Divide each system's total price by its size in watts to get the price per watt, then compare equipment, warranties and estimated yearly production in kilowatt-hours. A cheaper quote that produces much less power may not be the better deal.
It's safer not to decide on the spot. Take their quote, then compare it with at least two other installers you found yourself. Legitimate companies will give you time.