Solar panel checklist: what to check before you get quotes

Your usage

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Add up the kilowatt-hours (kWh) on your last 12 months of electric bills.
The FTC suggests starting here, and notes you’ll still pay your utility’s fixed charges.
Think about when you use power: panels only produce in daylight.
Power you use as it’s made replaces power you’d buy; the rest goes to the grid on your utility’s terms.
Plan for changes: a heat pump, an electric car or an induction stove will raise your usage.
Think about how long you’ll stay in the home.
The FTC notes a home system is designed to stay put at least 20 years; ask how buying, leasing or a PPA would affect a sale.

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Check your roof’s direction, slope and shade from trees or buildings.
According to the DOE, in the US panels typically do best on south-facing roofs with a 15- to 40-degree slope, though others can work.
Estimate your roof’s yearly output with a free public calculator: PVWatts or PVGIS.
PVWatts is run for the US Department of Energy, PVGIS by the European Commission. Use the result to check installers’ numbers.
If the roof will need replacing within a few years, do it first.
The DOE lists the age of your roof among the things to weigh before going solar.
If you have an HOA, check its approval process.
The DOE notes that many states have solar access laws that stop HOAs from banning or unreasonably restricting panels.
Ask what permits and inspections your city requires, and who handles them.
UK: check with your local planning authority whether you need permission.
Call your utility about net metering, export credits and connecting to the grid.
The DOE says net metering depends on your state and utility. UK: the Smart Export Guarantee pays for exported power; rates vary by supplier.

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US: don’t count on the federal solar tax credit.
The IRS says the Residential Clean Energy Credit isn’t available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Look for state, local and utility incentives.
The DOE says an experienced local installer can help you claim them, but check each one yourself.
UK: check that the quote shows 0% VAT on solar panels and batteries for your home.
The zero rate runs until 31 March 2027, then goes back to 5%.
Decide whether you’d buy, lease or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA).
With a lease or PPA, you don’t own the system, so tax credits and incentives go to the company, the FTC says.
If you borrow, compare the APR, the term and whether a lien goes on your home.
With PACE financing, the FTC says a property tax lien is placed on your home and repaid through your tax bill.

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Get detailed written bids from at least three installers.
Check each installer’s licenses and complaint history.
The FTC suggests checking with your state contractor licensing board and your state and local consumer protection agencies.
Make sure each bid lists system size, expected yearly output, equipment and total installed cost.
The FTC says the cost should include permit fees; ask whether the output is guaranteed.
Compare warranties on the panels, the inverter and the workmanship.
Ask who maintains the system and what it costs.
If you own it, upkeep is on you unless the contract says otherwise.
If a battery is offered, ask how much of your evening use it would cover, in kWh.
The DOE notes that storage lets you use daytime solar power later in the day.
Be wary of savings projections built on big future rate increases.
The FTC notes that future utility rates are hard to predict.
Don’t sign on the spot, and walk away from pushy sales tactics.
In 2024, the FTC, the CFPB and the Treasury issued a joint warning about solar scams.
If you sign at home, note your deadline to cancel.
US: the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule usually gives you three days. UK: usually 14 days for contracts signed away from the trader’s premises.

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Make sure the system passes its inspection and your utility has approved the connection.
The DOE says the system is inspected by a certified electrician as part of the installation.
Sign up for net metering or an export tariff.
UK: Ofgem advises shopping around for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.
Tell your home insurer about the new system.
Check your production every month against the estimate.
A sudden drop can mean a fault, dirt or new shade.
Keep the contract, warranties, permits and inspection papers together.
You’ll need them if you sell the house.