Top 8 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Solar Installer In Maine

The top questions to ask when hiring a solar installer — and the responses to listen for — might not be obvious. Many solar companies operate in Maine, and more open every year.

To help you choose wisely, we’ve gathered the top questions every Mainer should ask a solar installer before signing a solar contract so you can protect your investment and your peace of mind.

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. Choosing wisely ensures your system delivers savings and reliability for decades.

Is the installer licensed and qualified in Maine?

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. Most towns require an electrical permit for solar installations. 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.

The solar company you choose should detail the specifications of their work and the details of their warranty with an installation contract. For 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.

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.  

We recommend you ask:

• Does the installer employ electricians licensed in the state of Maine? 
• Do their solar installers hold a helper electrician’s license?  
• If they subcontract their electricians, is all of the work done by their installers performed under the supervision of and inspected by the subcontracted electricians?
• Ask if they include the cost of permitting and utility interconnection applications in their system price.
• Ask for a copy of their installation contract to review as you assess installers.
• 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.
• You can verify electrical licenses on the State of Maine’s website.
  • Verify an installer’s license here: State of Maine license verification tool

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 you should ask:

• How does Maine’s net metering policy work?
• What size solar system will you need?
• What options are available for solar panels, inverters, and batteries?
• What is the direct purchase price of solar, and what financing options are available?

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, not using sub-contractors. 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.

• Does the installer handle all aspects of the solar project, or do they outsource design and/or installation services?
• Who do you call with questions about the project? 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?

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

A well-designed solar system can’t be priced out and designed solely based on your average monthly electric bill. 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. 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.

• Has your installer considered your property’s unique orientation, roof measurements, roof pitch, and shade readings?
• Does your installer conduct on-site assessments before presenting a solar design?

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. 

• Can the installer show you different solar panels and explain their differences?
• Can the installer tell you 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.   

What warranties do they provide on panels and labor?

Solar companies should also offer an installation warranty covering labor costs to address any workmanship issues. The warranty terms we recommend are a performance warranty of 30+ years and an equipment warranty of 12 to 25 years. 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.

• Can the installer provide details and explain manufacturers’ warranties?
• What are the length and terms of their workmanship warranty?
• Does their warranty include labor for replacing equipment that may fail under the manufacturer’s warranty period (This type of warranty is typically described in an installation contract)?

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. 

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 also 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?

Other questions to ask the installer include:

• Are they a newer company?
• Can they share their professional and technical experience before establishing a solar installation company?

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.