Find Solar Installers Near You
Lower your electric bill and increase your home value — find a certified solar installer who designs the right system for your roof and budget. Compare costs across 24 states and 13,630 zip codes.
Avg Bid
$90.89
Bid Range
$36 - $105
Zip Codes
13,630
US Coverage
41%
How Much Do Solar Installers Cost?
Typical cost range: $15,000–$30,000 before tax credits (6–10 kW system). Actual prices vary by location, complexity, and urgency.
When to Hire a Solar Installation
Your monthly electric bill is consistently $150+ and your roof gets good south-facing sun exposure with minimal shading
Your roof is in good condition with at least 15 years of life remaining — you don't want to remove panels for reroofing
You want to lock in the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) while it's still available at the full rate
You're building a new home and can integrate solar at a lower installed cost during construction
You experience frequent power outages and want solar-plus-battery backup for energy independence
Your utility has a favorable net metering policy that credits you at or near retail rates for excess generation
How to Choose a Good Solar Installation
NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification — the gold standard for solar installers
A site-specific design based on your actual roof orientation, pitch, shading analysis (using tools like Aurora or Helioscope), and real energy usage
Experience with your local utility's interconnection process, permitting requirements, and net metering policies
Transparent pricing that separates equipment, labor, permitting, and any financing costs — watch for hidden dealer fees
A 25-year panel production warranty plus a workmanship warranty of at least 10 years on the installation itself
Willingness to explain purchase vs. lease vs. PPA options honestly without pushing one over the others
Common Solar Installation Problems
Oversized or undersized systems because the installer used generic estimates instead of actual utility bills and site-specific production modeling
Roof leaks at panel mounting points from improper flashing — this is the most common installation defect
Inverter failures at 10–15 years requiring $1,000–$3,000 replacement (microinverters last longer but cost more upfront)
Production underperformance from shading that wasn't properly accounted for in the design phase
Utility interconnection delays — some utilities take months to approve and install the net meter
Misleading financing terms that make solar appear free but include escalator clauses or balloon payments
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar Installation
“Can you show me a production model specific to my roof, and what assumptions does it use?”
Reputable installers use satellite imagery and tools like Aurora Solar or Helioscope to model your specific roof, orientation, and shading. If they're quoting from generic averages or square footage alone, the estimate is unreliable.
“What's my all-in cost after the federal tax credit, and what's my expected payback period?”
The 30% federal ITC makes solar economics work for most homeowners. But you need to qualify (have enough tax liability). Ask for the total cost, net cost after credits, and a realistic payback calculation based on your actual rates and usage.
“What happens if I need to reroof in 10–15 years?”
Removing and reinstalling solar panels costs $1,500–$3,000. If your roof is older than 10 years, replacing it before solar installation saves money long-term. An honest installer will tell you this even though it delays their sale.
Red Flags to Watch For
Pressures you to sign today with 'limited-time' discounts or claims the tax credit is expiring soon — the 30% ITC is locked through 2032
Cannot provide a site-specific production estimate using satellite imagery and shading analysis tools
Pushes a lease or PPA without clearly explaining purchase as an option — leases often have less favorable economics for the homeowner
No NABCEP certification and cannot show a portfolio of local installations with references
Quotes seem too good to be true — check for hidden dealer fees, escalator clauses in financing, or omitted costs like permit fees and interconnection
Safety Considerations
Solar panels produce electricity whenever the sun is shining and cannot be turned off — working on a solar array without proper training creates electrocution risk
Rooftop work without proper fall protection is dangerous — ensure your installer uses harnesses and anchor points per OSHA standards
Battery storage systems (lithium-ion) require proper ventilation and fire suppression considerations — they should be installed in compliance with local fire codes
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
DIY solar is technically possible but inadvisable for most homeowners. Grid-tied solar requires electrical permits, interconnection agreements with your utility, structural engineering review, and compliance with NEC rapid-shutdown requirements. Incorrect installation can void panel warranties, cause roof leaks, create fire hazards from improper wiring, and may not qualify for the federal tax credit if not installed by a licensed contractor. The labor portion of solar installation is only about 10% of total cost — the savings from DIY don't justify the risks, complexity, and potential loss of the 30% federal tax credit.
Licensing & Guarantees
Solar installers need an electrical contractor's license in most states, with some states requiring additional solar-specific certifications. Many jurisdictions require separate permits for electrical, structural, and utility interconnection. NABCEP certification is voluntary but highly recommended as a quality indicator. Verify your installer carries liability insurance, workers' compensation, and is registered with your state's contractor licensing board.
What to expect: Expect a 25-year panel manufacturer warranty covering at least 80% production at year 25. Inverter warranties should be 12–25 years (microinverters) or 10–15 years (string inverters). The installer should provide a separate workmanship warranty of at least 10 years covering roof penetrations, wiring, and mounting hardware. Battery storage typically carries a 10-year warranty. All warranties should be in writing and clearly specify who is responsible for labor costs if a warranty claim arises.
Seasonal Tip
Solar installation can happen year-round in most climates, but late summer and fall are often the best times to sign contracts — you'll be installed before winter utility bills peak and positioned for maximum spring/summer production. The solar industry is busiest in spring and early summer, which means longer wait times and less scheduling flexibility. Winter installations work fine in most states but may take longer due to shorter daylight hours. If you're planning a roof replacement, do that first — removing and reinstalling panels costs $1,500–$3,000.
Cost Distribution
Most Expensive Cities
- 1. Abell, MD$105
- 2. Aberdeen, MD$105
- 3. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD$105
- 4. Abingdon, MD$105
- 5. Accokeek, MD$105
- 6. Adamstown, MD$105
- 7. Aldie, VA$105
- 8. Algonquin, IL$105
- 9. Allentown, NJ$105
- 10. Alva, FL$105
Least Expensive Cities
- 1. Alton, MO$44.4
- 2. Ava, MO$44.4
- 3. Bakersfield, MO$44.4
- 4. Beulah, MO$44.4
- 5. Birch Tree, MO$44.4
- 6. Boss, MO$44.4
- 7. Bradleyville, MO$44.4
- 8. Brixey, MO$44.4
- 9. Bruner, MO$44.4
- 10. Bucyrus, MO$44.4
Coverage by State
$105.00 avg
$105.00 avg
$105.00 avg
$100.98 avg
$98.91 avg
$94.36 avg
$91.73 avg
$91.29 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$90.00 avg
$89.98 avg
$89.45 avg
$87.50 avg
$86.68 avg
$44.40 avg
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Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installation
- What is the average cost for Solar Installation?
- The national average bid for Solar Installation is $90.89 per call, with prices ranging from $36 to $105 depending on location and market competition.
- How many zip codes have Solar Installation coverage?
- Solar Installation has active provider coverage across 13,630 zip codes in 24 states, representing approximately 41% of US zip codes.
- Which state has the highest Solar Installation costs?
- Arizona has the highest average Solar Installation bid at $105.00 per call across 16 zip codes.
- Which state has the lowest Solar Installation costs?
- Missouri has the lowest average Solar Installation bid at $44.40 per call across 109 zip codes.
- How often is Solar Installation pricing data updated?
- Our Solar Installation market data is refreshed every 12 hours from the eLocal marketplace, ensuring you see current bid prices and coverage information.