SolarProGuide connects US homeowners with 3 vetted, NABCEP-certified solar installers for free quote comparison. Call (844) 210-9286 for 3 free quotes in 60 seconds — no obligation, no fees. Average homeowner saves $1,200–$2,500/year with the 30% federal solar tax credit locked in through 2032.
The 6-Point Installer Screen
Every solar installer in the SolarProGuide network passes six checks before we send them a single homeowner lead. This is the same screen we'd want if it were our own family calling. Installers that fail any check are removed from the network within 30 days.
1. Current State Contractor License
Every state that regulates solar installation requires a specific contractor license — usually electrical (C-10 in California, LEC in Illinois, etc.) plus a state solar certification where required. We verify license number, expiration date, and status directly with the state contractor board. Suspended or expired licenses = out of network.
2. NABCEP Certification
NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is the industry gold standard. At least one NABCEP-certified installer must be on-staff and involved in the customer's project. NABCEP certification is voluntary — installers that maintain it show sustained commitment to standards.
3. Liability Insurance ($1M+)
We verify commercial general liability + workers compensation insurance directly with the installer's insurance provider. Minimum $1M CGL. Installers must maintain insurance for the duration of any active homeowner relationship — we spot-check quarterly.
4. Google/BBB Rating 4.5★+ with 50+ Reviews
Reviews are the fastest way to catch installers with hidden issues. We require 50+ reviews across Google + Better Business Bureau + Trustpilot, weighted average 4.5★ minimum. Installers with any pattern of unresolved BBB complaints in the last 12 months are excluded.
5. 25-Year Workmanship Warranty
Any legitimate installer stands behind their labor and roof penetrations for 25 years — same duration as the panel manufacturer warranty. Installers offering shorter workmanship warranties (10 or 12 years) are not included, because those are typically the ones with the highest post-install callback rates.
6. Manufacturer-Approved Installer Status
Premium panel brands (SunPower, REC, Panasonic, Q Cells) certify specific installers as "master" or "elite" partners. That status requires the installer to meet training, sales, and post-install audit standards. We prefer manufacturer-approved installers — they carry the strongest panel warranties for the homeowner.
Post-Install Monitoring
Even after a homeowner signs, we don't stop watching. We survey homeowners 30 and 90 days after system turn-on. Persistent complaints trigger a network review. Installers whose 30-day satisfaction drops below 4.5★ get one warning; a second miss removes them from the network.
Why This Matters
Roughly 40% of solar installers in the U.S. would pass 3-4 of these checks. We take the ~60% that pass all six. That's a smaller network, but every homeowner we send a lead to is talking to an installer that's already been vetted more thoroughly than they could reasonably vet on their own.