Many solar companies operate in Maine — and more join every year. If you’re considering solar, knowing what questions to ask a solar installer in Maine can protect your investment. The right installer influences your system’s performance, long-term savings, and overall experience.

To help you choose wisely, we’ve gathered the top questions every Mainer should ask before signing a solar contract.

Why Asking Questions Matters When Hiring a Solar Installer in Maine

Searching for “best solar companies near me” is common, but understanding what makes an installer great to work with takes more than a quick search. A solar electric system is a long-term investment that impacts your budget, your home, and your peace of mind.

The right installer will guide you through every step — site assessment, system design, permitting, installation, and post-installation support. Choosing wisely ensures your system delivers savings and reliability for decades.

#1. Is the installer licensed and qualified in Maine?

Licensing:

Solar electric installations are required to meet the standards and requirements detailed in the National Electric Code. In Maine, solar electric systems are required to be installed by licensed electricians. Members of a solar installation crew need to hold a helper electrician’s license and work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.

• Ask the companies if they employ electricians licensed in the state of Maine. 
• Ask if their solar installers hold a helper electrician’s license.  
• If they subcontract their electricians, ask if all of the work done by their installers is performed under the supervision of and inspected by the subcontracted electricians.
• You can verify electrical licenses on the State of Maine’s website: https://www.pfr.maine.gov/almsonline/almsquery/SearchIndividual.aspx

Permitting & Inspections:

Most towns require an electrical permit for solar installations. Some towns also require a building permit. A competent installer will include the cost of permitting in their proposal and have staff capable of applying for all permits required by your jurisdiction.

• Ask if they include the cost of permitting and utility interconnection applications in their system price

An Installation Contract: 

The solar company you choose should detail the specifications of their work and the details of their installation warranty with an installation contract. For home construction and home improvement projects over $3,000, Maine law requires a written contract with a specific provision that prohibits payment up front of more than one-third of the contract price. 

• Ask for a copy of their installation contract to review as you assess installers.

Insurance: 

The State of Maine requires that employers have workers’ compensation coverage. It is recommended (and standard practice) that contractors also carry general liability coverage in the event of property and personal damage to your home.  

• Ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance (COI). If they use subcontractors to perform any portion of their work, they should be able to provide their COIs as well.

#2. Does the installer explain your solar options clearly?

An experienced solar consultant won’t just present numbers — they’ll walk you through your options and make sure you have the knowledge to make the best decision for your home. Here are some key questions they should cover (or you can ask):

• How does Maine’s net metering policy work?
  If you are considering installing solar on your home, it is critical that you have a thorough understanding of Maine’s net-metering solar policy and how it offsets your electric bill.

• What size solar system will you need?
  System size is based on your electricity consumption and on the specifics of your roof. Roof pitch, orientation, and shade information gathered during an on-site visit to your home will inform the system design.

• What options are available for solar panels, inverters, and batteries?
  There are many different types of solar panels, inverters, and battery systems. A qualified solar installation company will employ solar consultants who will explain available equipment and show you multiple design options.

• What is the direct purchase price of solar, and what financing options are available?
  Most solar customers choose between a direct purchase (cash) or a financed price. Insist on seeing both options. If you are considering financing, ask about the interest rate, loan term, early payment options.

Information should be presented clearly, and your solar consultant should take the time to ensure that your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

#3. Does the solar installer use subcontractors, or do all work in-house?

Most established solar installers in Maine perform all the major work in-house. They manage every stage of your project: from initial contact to system design, permitting, interconnection, installation, and long-term service. This approach ensures clear accountability and better customer outcomes.

However, some companies outsource certain tasks. For example, they may handle sales in-house but contract out design, permitting, or installation. If your installer does this, make sure you get clear documentation of who does what — and who handles warranties and support.

Ask your prospective installer:

• Do they handle all aspects of the solar project, or do they outsource design and/or installation services?
  If they use subcontractors, they should be able to document the scope of work of each party, as well as what each party is liable for in terms of warranty and service. Ask them to provide license and insurance information for each contractor.  

• Ask the solar company to clarify how progress and feedback will be communicated between the three parties (you, the solar designer, and the third-party installer).  Who do you call with questions?
  
  It should be clear and well-documented who is responsible for each aspect of the solar installation:
  • Who will pull permits? 
  • Who will prepare and submit utility interconnection applications? 
  • Who will you call if you have performance or service questions? 
  • Who will handle installation and equipment warranty claims?

A solar system is a long-term investment. Ensure that your solar company is available to support your system.

#4. Does the solar installer provide an on-site assessment & custom design?

With solar, one size does not fit all, and a solar system can’t be priced out and designed based on your average monthly electric bill. Every home is different, and each home’s electricity consumption is different. An on-site assessment of your home allows a solar installer to gather accurate information that will inform system design.

Critical information they should take into account when designing your system includes:

• The home’s orientation to the south
• Precise roof measurements
• The roof pitch or steepness
• Shade readings that account for trees and obstructions

Although Google Maps or satellite data may help provide a preliminary estimate for a solar system, they should not be used as the basis for a finalized installation contract.

Be wary of solar contractors or sales organizations that offer a price quickly, then ask for a commitment based on remote data and your average monthly electricity cost. Insist on an on-site assessment of your home to avoid last-minute price increases and change orders. 

A solar installation company that follows a clear and thorough process of assessing your home, designing your system, explaining your options, and presenting a finalized proposal will ensure that you know the actual system cost and won’t face any unnecessary last-minute changes.

#5. What types of solar panels does the installer use?

Not all solar panels are alike, and one may be a better fit for your home than another. Be cautious of companies that only offer one type of solar panel or claim all solar panels are the same. 

A professional solar installation company will present you with systems designed with a variety of different solar panels. 

• Ask the installer to show you different solar panels and to explain their differences. 
• Ask about the panels: 
  • Wattage
  • Warranty
  • Appearance 
  • Degradation rate
  • Efficiency

The aesthetics of your home may be a factor as you consider solar panel options. Solar panels come in different sizes and appearances. You may choose an all-black or a standard format panel to match your roof. You may prefer panels manufactured in one country over another. And, of course, different panels will have different price points.   

#6. What warranties do they provide on panels and labor?

When choosing a solar panel installation company, you should consider both the solar company’s workmanship warranty and the warranty of the solar electric components that they specify. 

A solar electric system is a long-term investment, and you should expect an installer to specify quality components that will provide decades of worry-free performance. In the event of a component failure, ensuring that the equipment and installation come with a long-term warranty is vital. Solar panels typically include workmanship and power output warranties. These vary by manufacturer, and your solar installer should review each with you. The warranty terms we recommend are a performance warranty of 30+ years and an equipment warranty of 12 to 25 years.

Solar companies should also offer an installation warranty covering labor costs to address any workmanship issues. At Maine Solar Solutions, we proudly offer an industry-leading 30-year warranty on solar panels, inverters, labor, and rooftop electronics. This warranty, the longest available in Maine, reflects our confidence in the durability and performance of our solar systems.

• Ask installers to provide details and explain manufacturers’ warranties.
• Ask installers for the length and terms of their workmanship warranty. 
• Ask if their warranty includes labor for replacing equipment that may fail under the manufacturer’s warranty period. This type of warranty is typically described in an installation contract.

#7. Can the installer provide a portfolio and customer testimonials?

Nothing beats a track record of success. Solar customers are sure to share their positive and negative experiences, so it’s essential to research the company’s online reviews. 

• Reviews: An established solar installer should have reviews available online. Websites such as Google Businesses, SolarReviews, and EnergySage are trusted sources for verified customer reviews.
  
• Referrals: Referrals provide great insight into how a company treats its customers. Ask your solar installer for customer referrals that you can contact. 
  
  Ask their customers:  
  • Did you have any issues with the installation process, and how were they resolved?
  • Have you had any issues with the equipment, and how did the installer resolve those issues?
  • When you had questions or needed support, were they responsive and timely?
  • Was it easy to reach them during the project’s sales, pre-installation, and post-installation phases?
    
• Are they a newer company? All companies start somewhere, and experienced installers may start a new solar company, or an existing contractor may add solar systems to their offerings.
  
• Ask your prospective installer how long they have been in business.
  
• Ask about their professional and technical experience before establishing a solar installation company. 

Installers with a longer track record should be able to demonstrate that they have designed and installed numerous systems similar to the ones you want. A solar provider should be able to explain options, discuss details, and show you a variety of systems installed for previous customers.

#8. Are they a local Maine solar company?

Hiring a local solar installer does more than support Maine’s economy — it helps ensure your project runs smoothly. Local companies live and work here too, so their reputation depends on high-quality installations, ethical business practices, and long-term customer satisfaction.

A Maine-based solar installer is also familiar with state policies, building codes, and electrical requirements. With many towns adopting unique solar standards, having a local expert on your side helps avoid delays and costly mistakes. Plus, established relationships with utilities mean paperwork, permitting, and inspections are handled correctly and on time.

Finally, Maine solar companies are invested in the future of renewable energy here. They actively collaborate with lawmakers and regulators to keep solar policy strong and to create local jobs. Choosing a local installer means you’re not just buying panels — you’re supporting a cleaner, more resilient Maine.

Choose a Trusted, Local Maine Solar Installer for Your Home

The right installer makes all the difference — from designing a system that fits your home to ensuring it performs for decades. By asking the right questions, you’ll feel confident that your solar investment is in good hands.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s start with a conversation. Contact us through our website form or call (207) 871-7191 today to schedule your free solar site assessment and consultation.