Your No-Stress Homeowner Checklist for Hiring a Local Solar Company

Thinking about installing solar panels? Great call!

Switching to solar in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, or anywhere in sunny Sonoma County is one of the smartest ways to save money, boost your home’s value, and help the planet at the same time.

But hiring the right solar company is key.

The truth is, not all installers are created equal. Some are fantastic. Some... not so much. If you’re hoping to work with the best solar company Petaluma has to offer (and we know you are), you’ll want to go in with a plan.

Here’s your friendly, stress-free checklist to finding the right team for your solar installation Sonoma County project.

Double-Check Those Licenses and Certifications

First things first, before you even think about signing anything, make sure the company is legit.

Qualified Solar Installers Should Have

●      A current California contractor’s license (check the CSLB website to verify)

●      Insurance that covers workers and liability

●      No problem with you asking for proof of all three of the items above

Trust us, this tiny bit of homework can save you a whole lot of stress later.

Make Sure They're Local (Seriously)

When it comes to solar, working with a local company is a huge advantage.

A Real Local Team Will

●      Understand local permitting (every city is a little different)

●      Know what rebates or incentives you might qualify for

●      Be there fast if you need service down the road

●      Have accountability to you because they live/ work in your community.

Look for a company that’s not just working in the area, but actually rooted here. It's the best way to guarantee your solar installation goes smoothly.

Read Real Reviews (And Talk to Past Customers!)

Online reviews are your best friend here.

Check Google Reviews, Yelp, Facebook wherever locals leave honest feedback.

Some Questions to Ask

●      Did the system perform as promised?

●      Was the team professional and respectful?

●      Any issues with installation or follow-up service?

Dig Into the Warranties and Maintenance

Solar panels are a long-term investment, and your warranties should reflect that. California has a mandatory 10 year workmanship warranty for contractors.  If anyone tries to “sell” you that as a unique offering, they are using a sales tactic.

Get Clear Answers About

●      Equipment warranties (panels and inverters)

●      Labor and workmanship guarantees

●      What happens if you need repairs down the line

A good installer will explain all of this without confusing jargon or fine print. (If they don’t? That’s your cue to move on!)

Get the Full Scoop on Financing Options

Solar is more affordable than ever, thanks to flexible financing.

Learn About Options Like

●      Cash purchase (hello, instant savings!)

●      Low-interest solar loans

●      Leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)- Be careful of these.

Each has pros and cons, so be sure to ask lots of questions. A good company will explain the real costs, not just the sales pitch.

Look for a Custom Plan (Not a Cookie-Cutter One)

Every home, and every homeowner, is different.

Your Solar Solution Should Take Into Account

●      Your current and future energy needs

●      Your roof's size, shape, and shade

●      Your budget and financing goals

If a company gives you a "one-size-fits-all" quote without asking a million questions about your home? 🚩 Red flag.

Understand your Solar Proposal

Before you say “yes,” make sure you get everything in writing. A real proposal should lay out:

●      System size (in kilowatts)

●      Estimated energy production

●      Equipment brands (quality matters!)

●      Total cost (no hidden fees)

●      Expected savings

●      Timeline from start to finish

You deserve to see the whole picture before making a decision.

Test Their Customer Service Vibes

Here’s a little secret: how a company treats you before the sale tells you

everything about how they’ll treat you afterward.

●      Are they easy to reach?

●      Do they actually listen when you talk?

●      Do they answer your emails and calls quickly and honestly?

Another important thing to note: Sometimes big companies have very slick sales processes and the Sales people don’t always have your best interest in mind. Don’t rush this decision because you are afraid you’ll lose some “deal”.  The price should be about $3.5/Watt (Definitely no more than $5/W).  Be sure to get more than one quote and don’t give your business to people you don’t trust.  Smaller, local companies will care more about you because their reputation is their best marketing strategy. They will also be more available if you need any service on your system later.

Ask About Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

There’s free money out there to help pay for your system, and your solar company should be excited to help you find it!

Ask About

●      The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

●      Sonoma County’s Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)

●      California SGIP rebates for solar and energy storage systems

A company that’s truly the best will know this stuff inside and out, and help you snag every penny you’re eligible for.

Go With Your Gut

Last but definitely not least: trust your instincts.

If something feels shady or rushed, you’re probably right.

A trustworthy solar installer will respect your pace, answer all your questions, and genuinely want what’s best for your home, not just their bottom line.

You should feel excited and empowered about going solar, not pressured.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Solar Partner?

At Amy’s Roofing & Solar, we’re proud to be one of the best solar companies in Petaluma and throughout Sonoma County. We’re local, we’re passionate about sustainability, and we believe every homeowner deserves an honest and knowledgeable company with fair prices, expert service, and no gimmicks.

Ready to chat? Contact us now or reach out today at (707) 981-9801 for a free, no-pressure solar consultation. We’re here to help you make the switch to solar, the easy way!