Choosing to go solar is a major decision—and selecting the right solar energy contractor is just as important as choosing the panels themselves. The contractor you hire will directly impact your system’s performance, your long-term savings, and your overall experience.
To ensure you’re making the best choice for your home or business in New Hampshire, here are the top questions you should ask any solar energy contractor before signing a contract.
Why It’s Important to Ask the Right Questions?
Not all solar contractors are created equal. Some offer cookie-cutter solutions, while others provide custom, locally-informed service. By asking the right questions up front, you can protect your investment, avoid delays, and ensure your solar project is in expert hands.
Key Questions to Ask Your Solar Energy Contractor
How Many Solar Installations Have You Completed in New Hampshire?
A contractor with a strong track record in New Hampshire will be familiar with:
- State and local permitting requirements
- Utility interconnection policies
- Winter performance and snow management for rooftop systems
A local solar energy contractor brings insights that out-of-state or national companies often lack.
Do You Handle Permitting and Inspections?
Solar projects require multiple permits and inspections, which vary from town to town. Ask if your contractor:
- Handles all permitting with your municipality
- Schedules and oversees utility inspections
- Manages interconnection agreements with your electric company
A reputable solar energy contractor will handle all the red tape so you don’t have to.
Who Will Be Performing the Installation—Your Crew or Subcontractors?
Some companies sell solar but subcontract the installation to third parties. This can lead to miscommunication or uneven quality.
Ask your solar contractor:
- Will your in-house team be handling the install?
- Are all crew members licensed and trained?
- Do you supervise subcontractors if they are used?
Working with a contractor who uses trained, local crews gives you better quality control and accountability.
What Kind of Post-Installation Support Do You Provide?
Even the best solar systems may need support over time—whether for monitoring, inverter replacement, or performance optimization.
Ask:
- Do you offer system monitoring?
- What happens if my system underperforms?
- How do I request service if needed?
A good solar energy contractor won’t disappear after the panels are installed.
What Equipment Do You Use and Why?
Not all solar panels, inverters, or racking systems are created equal. A trusted contractor should explain:
- What brands they use
- Why they’ve chosen them
- The warranty terms for each component
*Bonus: Ask if the contractor is brand-agnostic or tied to a particular manufacturer.
What Warranties Are Included?
Solar warranties typically fall into three categories:
- Product warranty (usually 25 years on panels)
- Workmanship warranty (5–10 years from the contractor)
- Performance guarantee (ensuring your system meets energy output targets)
Be sure to get all warranty terms in writing.
What Is the Total Cost and What Incentives Apply?
A trustworthy solar energy contractor will break down:
- Equipment costs
- Labor and installation
- Permitting fees
- Available tax credits and rebates (such as the federal ITC and NH state incentives)
Ask for a detailed proposal that clearly shows your total cost and ROI.
Go Solar with Confidence
Working with a knowledgeable, transparent, and responsive solar energy contractor is the key to a successful solar experience. The questions above are designed to help you evaluate contractors with confidence—and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Homeowners Across New Hampshire Trust 603 Solar
At 603 Solar, we believe in educating our customers, not pressuring them. Our experienced team has completed hundreds of installations across New Hampshire, and we handle every aspect of your project—from design and permitting to installation, monitoring, and post-installation support.
We use top-tier equipment, offer industry-leading warranties, and never subcontract our work.
Ready to Ask Us These Questions? We’d Love to Answer
If you’re considering solar, we’d be happy to answer all your questions—no obligation, no pressure. Reach out to 603 Solar, your trusted solar energy contractor in New Hampshire, and discover how simple and rewarding it can be to go solar with the right team on your side.
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