By Solar Expert
February 3, 2026
Buying solar panels is one of the biggest home improvement decisions you will make, and the installer you choose matters just as much as the equipment on your roof. Knowing the right questions to ask a solar installer before you sign a contract is the single best way to protect yourself from overpriced systems, shoddy workmanship, and broken promises. This guide gives New Jersey homeowners a structured framework of 12 essential questions -- plus the red flags that should send you looking elsewhere.
What you'll learn:
A residential solar system is designed to last 25 years or more. That is a long time to live with a decision made in a single afternoon. Yet many homeowners focus almost entirely on panel brands and price per watt while overlooking the installer standing behind the project. The truth is, the technology is remarkably reliable. Panels rarely fail. Inverters come with long manufacturer warranties. The weak link is almost always the installation company.
When problems do arise -- a roof leak around a mounting bolt, a system that underperforms its projections, an incentive application that never gets filed -- they trace back to installer shortcuts, not equipment defects. The questions in this guide are designed to surface those risks before you sign anything.
Think of this as your due diligence checklist. Every reputable installer, including solar installers in New Brunswick, will welcome these questions. If someone gets defensive or evasive, that tells you something important.
Claim: Most solar buyer complaints trace back to installer selection rather than equipment failure.
Evidence: State consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau consistently report that the top solar complaints involve misleading savings estimates, incomplete permit work, and poor communication -- all installer-side issues rather than panel or inverter defects.
Before you discuss panels, pricing, or system size, start with the fundamentals. These three questions establish whether the installer is even legally qualified to do the work in New Jersey.
1. Are you licensed as an electrical contractor in New Jersey?
Solar installation is electrical work. In New Jersey, it must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. Ask for the license number and verify it through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. If the company cannot produce a current license number on the spot, that is an immediate disqualifier.
2. Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Ask for a certificate of insurance. A legitimate installer will have no problem providing one. General liability protects your property if something goes wrong during installation. Workers' compensation protects you from liability if a crew member is injured on your roof. Without both, you could be financially exposed.
3. Are you a Board of Public Utilities registered solar installer?
The NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) maintains a registry of solar installers eligible to submit applications for the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program and other state incentives. If your installer is not registered, you may not be able to access the financial incentives that make solar economically attractive in New Jersey.
Red flag: The installer cannot produce current license numbers, dodges insurance questions, or is unfamiliar with BPU registration requirements.
Claim: A solar installer working in New Jersey must hold a valid NJ electrical contractor license and should be registered with the Board of Public Utilities to qualify homeowners for state incentives.
Evidence: New Jersey requires electrical work to be performed by or supervised by a licensed electrical contractor under N.J.A.C. 13:31. Additionally, the NJ Board of Public Utilities maintains a list of registered solar installers eligible to submit SRECs and Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program applications on behalf of homeowners.
Once you have confirmed credentials, move on to the technical proposal. These questions help you understand what you are actually buying and whether the installer has tailored the system to your home.
4. What panel brand and model are you proposing, and why?
Not all solar panels are equal. Tier 1 manufacturers have a track record of financial stability and product reliability. Ask the installer to explain why they selected a specific panel. A good answer references efficiency, warranty terms, and availability. A bad answer is "it's what we have in stock" with no further explanation.
5. What type of inverter will you use -- string, micro, or optimizers?
The inverter converts DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity your home uses. String inverters are the simplest and least expensive, but they connect all panels in a series -- meaning shade on one panel reduces output for the entire string. Microinverters and DC power optimizers perform conversion at each panel individually, which is better for roofs with shading, multiple orientations, or complex layouts. Your installer should be able to explain why they chose one approach over another for your specific roof.
6. How did you design the system size for my home?
A responsible installer sizes your system based on your actual electricity usage (typically 12 months of utility bills), your roof's available space and orientation, and local shading conditions. Be cautious of any proposal generated without reviewing your electric bills or performing a site assessment.
Red flag: The installer cannot explain why they chose specific equipment, defaults to the cheapest option without discussing trade-offs, or proposes a system size without reviewing your electricity usage.
Claim: The inverter type your installer selects affects long-term performance, especially if your roof has shading or multiple orientations.
Evidence: Microinverters and DC power optimizers perform module-level power conversion, which means shaded or mismatched panels do not drag down the output of the entire string. String inverters are simpler and less expensive but assume relatively uniform conditions across all panels. Manufacturer datasheets from leading microinverter and optimizer companies document these architectural differences.
Permitting and interconnection are where many installations stall or go wrong. These questions clarify who is responsible for what -- and how long the process will take.
7. Will you handle all permits and inspections?
In New Jersey, a residential solar installation requires both a local building permit and an electrical permit. The installer should handle the entire permit application process and schedule all required inspections. You should never be asked to pull your own permits for a solar project. If an installer suggests you handle the permitting yourself, walk away.
8. Who files the utility interconnection application?
Before your solar system can legally export power to the grid, your utility (JCP&L, PSE&G, or Atlantic City Electric) must approve an interconnection application. This involves submitting system specifications, passing a municipal electrical inspection, and having the utility swap or reprogram your meter. Your installer should manage this entire process on your behalf.
9. What is the typical timeline from contract to Permission to Operate?
A realistic timeline in New Jersey is typically two to four months from signed contract to Permission to Operate (PTO). Permit approval timelines vary by municipality, and utility interconnection review adds additional weeks. Ask the installer for a written timeline estimate with key milestones so you know what to expect.
Red flag: The installer expects you to pull your own permits, does not mention utility interconnection, or promises an unrealistically fast timeline without caveats.
Claim: Your solar system cannot legally feed power back to the grid until the utility grants Permission to Operate, even if the panels are physically installed.
Evidence: New Jersey utilities (JCP&L, PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric) require a completed interconnection application, a passed municipal electrical inspection, and a utility meter swap or re-programming before granting PTO. Running a grid-tied system without PTO violates the interconnection agreement and can create safety issues for utility line workers.
Money questions are where red flags appear most often. A transparent installer will walk you through every dollar. A shady one will focus only on the monthly payment.
10. Can I see an itemized breakdown of the total cost?
Your proposal should clearly show equipment costs (panels, inverters, racking, electrical components), labor, permit fees, and any other charges. If the installer provides only a single lump-sum number or a monthly payment without context, ask for the full breakdown. You need this to compare proposals from different companies on equal terms.
11. What financing options do you offer, and what is the true cost of each?
Many solar loans include a dealer fee (sometimes called a bridge fee or origination fee) that gets rolled into the loan principal. This means the financed amount can be significantly higher than the cash price. A system with a $30,000 cash price might carry a financed amount of $35,000 or more after dealer fees. Always ask for the total amount you will pay over the full loan term, not just the monthly payment.
12. Will you help me apply for the federal tax credit and NJ incentives?
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows eligible homeowners to claim a percentage of the total system cost as a credit on their federal income taxes. New Jersey also offers incentives through the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program and net metering. Your installer should provide clear documentation to help you claim these incentives and explain which ones apply to your situation.
The table below compares the three most common ways to go solar so you can evaluate your options side by side.
| Factor | Cash Purchase | Solar Loan | Lease / PPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| You Own the System | Yes | Yes | No |
| Upfront Cost | Full system price | Little to none | None |
| Federal Tax Credit Eligible | Yes | Yes | No (claimed by leasing company) |
| NJ SRECs / SuSI Eligible | Yes | Yes | Depends on contract terms |
| Long-Term Savings Potential | Highest | Moderate (reduced by interest and fees) | Lowest |
| Contract Length | None | 10-25 year loan term | 20-25 year lease term |
Red flag: The installer quotes only a monthly payment without disclosing the total financed cost, dealer fees, or interest rate. They may also downplay the difference between owning your system and leasing it.
Claim: A solar loan with a high dealer fee can cost thousands more than the cash price even though the monthly payment looks affordable.
Evidence: Many solar loan products include a dealer fee that gets rolled into the loan principal. A system with a $30,000 cash price might carry a $35,000-$38,000 financed amount after dealer fees are added. The installer receives the higher amount upfront, and the homeowner pays interest on the inflated balance for the full loan term. Asking for the total financed cost -- not just the monthly payment -- reveals this difference.
Solar is a long-term investment. The questions you ask now about warranties and support will determine how protected you are for the next two decades.
What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
There are two types of warranties in play with any solar installation. The manufacturer warranties cover the panels and inverters against defects and guarantee minimum power output over 25 years. But they do not cover installation quality. If a roof penetration leaks, wiring is improperly routed, or a mounting bracket fails, only the installer's workmanship warranty applies. A strong workmanship warranty is typically 10 to 25 years and explicitly covers roof leak repair, mounting hardware, and electrical connections. Ask for the warranty in writing before you sign.
What monitoring system will I have access to?
Monitoring lets you track your system's energy production in real time. This matters because catching underperformance early -- a failed microinverter, a panel covered by debris, a wiring issue -- saves you money over the life of the system. Most modern inverters include built-in monitoring through a smartphone app. Ask the installer to show you the monitoring platform and confirm that you will have direct access.
If your company closes, who honors the warranty?
This is an uncomfortable but necessary question. Solar companies come and go. Panel and inverter manufacturer warranties remain valid regardless of the installer's status -- you file claims directly with the manufacturer. But the workmanship warranty may become unenforceable if the installer closes. Ask whether the workmanship warranty is backed by a third-party guarantee or insurance policy that survives the company.
Red flag: No written workmanship warranty, vague warranty terms, or the installer deflects questions about business continuity.
Claim: An installer's workmanship warranty covers problems that the panel and inverter manufacturer warranties do not, such as roof leaks caused by the mounting system.
Evidence: Panel manufacturers warrant the product against defects and guarantee a minimum power output over 25 years, but they do not cover installation quality. If a roof penetration leaks or wiring is improperly routed, only the installer's workmanship warranty applies. A strong workmanship warranty is typically 10-25 years and explicitly covers roof leak repair, mounting hardware, and electrical connections.
Throughout this guide, we have highlighted individual red flags in each section. Here they are collected in one place -- a numbered checklist you can reference when evaluating any solar company.
Any single item on this list is cause for concern. If you encounter two or more with the same installer, it is time to move on to another company.
Claim: An installer who pressures you to sign a contract the same day they give you a quote is using a tactic that prevents you from comparing proposals.
Evidence: Reputable solar installers provide written proposals and encourage homeowners to take time comparing options. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to obtain multiple written estimates for major home improvements. Same-day pressure tactics often accompany door-to-door sales, where the goal is to close before the homeowner can research the company or compare pricing.
How many solar quotes should I get before choosing an installer?
Get at least three quotes from different installers. This gives you a realistic range for pricing, equipment options, and projected savings. It also makes it easier to spot outliers -- whether unusually high or suspiciously low.
What licenses does a solar installer need in New Jersey?
A valid New Jersey electrical contractor license is required. The installer should also be registered with the NJ Board of Public Utilities if you want to qualify for state solar incentives like the SuSI program.
Is it better to buy solar panels outright or finance them?
Cash purchases typically deliver the highest long-term savings because you avoid interest and dealer fees. However, a solar loan can still be a good option if you retain eligibility for the federal tax credit and NJ incentives. Leases and PPAs require no upfront cost but usually deliver lower overall savings, and you do not own the system.
What is the biggest red flag when talking to a solar company?
High-pressure, same-day contract signing is the most common red flag. A trustworthy installer gives you a written proposal and time to compare it with other quotes.
How long does it take to get solar installed in New Jersey?
From signed contract to Permission to Operate, typical timelines range from two to four months. Permit approval, equipment availability, and utility interconnection review are the main variables. Ask the installer for a written timeline estimate.
What happens to my solar warranty if the installer goes out of business?
Panel and inverter manufacturer warranties remain valid regardless of the installer's status -- you file claims directly with the manufacturer. However, the installer's workmanship warranty (covering roof penetrations, wiring, and mounting) may become unenforceable. Ask upfront whether the workmanship warranty is backed by a third-party guarantee.
Should I ask for references from a solar installer?
Yes. Ask for at least two to three references from recent installations in your area. Also check online reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. A reputable installer will not hesitate to provide references.
Claim: Asking the right questions before signing a solar contract protects homeowners from overpaying, poor workmanship, and lost incentive eligibility.
Evidence: A structured set of questions covering licensing, equipment selection, financing transparency, and warranty terms forces installers to provide verifiable documentation. Homeowners who compare multiple itemized proposals and verify credentials through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and Board of Public Utilities can identify red flags before committing to a contract.
You now have 12 questions that will tell you more about a solar installer in 30 minutes than most homeowners learn before signing a contract. Use them. Bring this checklist to every meeting and pay attention to how each company responds. The right installer will welcome your questions, provide documentation, and give you the time you need to make a confident decision.
Powerlutions is a licensed New Jersey electrical contractor that handles every step of the solar installation process -- from system design and permitting to utility interconnection and post-installation monitoring. We provide detailed, itemized proposals, a written workmanship warranty, and straightforward answers to every question on this list.
If you are ready to get a no-pressure, fully transparent solar quote, reach out today. Email us at info@powerlutions.com or call 732-987-3939 to start the conversation.
Claim: Working with a local, licensed New Jersey installer gives you direct accountability and faster permit and inspection turnaround compared to a national sales organization that subcontracts the work.
Evidence: Local installers maintain ongoing relationships with municipal building departments and utility interconnection teams, which can streamline scheduling. National solar sales companies often sell the contract and assign installation to a regional subcontractor, adding a layer between the homeowner and the crew doing the work. If a warranty issue arises, the homeowner may need to navigate between the sales company and the subcontractor to get resolution.
Zero $ out
of pocket
Max credits
incentives
Honest &
transparent
14 years of
100% solar
1. Estimate savings on your energy use 2. Leverage the best state incentives
Try our Layout Design Tool!
PowerLutions LLC
NJ Electrical Contractor
Business Permit #17356
216 River Ave Lakewood, NJ 08701
MAIN OFFICE
216 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-987-3939
NEW JERSEY
2 University Plaza #100-1
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-624-9696
NEW YORK
56 South Main St Suite #2
Spring Valley, NY 10977
845-553-7100
NYC
1310 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-502-3200
MIAMI FLORIDA
66 West Flagler Street
Suite 900-3747
Miami, FL 33130
786-732-3306
