DIY Solar
Installer playbook

Hire your own installer, on your terms

We don't take a referral fee and we don't sell your information. Here's how to find a licensed local crew and pay a fair labor-only price.

Where to look

Four places to source crews

State License Boards

Search your state's contractor board for active electrical (and where required, solar-specific) licenses in your county.

Local Electricians

Many residential electricians install customer-supplied PV. Ask specifically about NEC 690 experience.

Roofing Crews

For mounting and flashing on tile or metal roofs, a roofer plus an electrician often beats a single solar company.

Permit Records

Your building department's public permit log shows who is actually pulling solar permits nearby.

Vetting

The eight-point check

Run every candidate through the same list. A crew that clears all eight is a crew you can hand a $20,000 array to.

  • Active license number you verified yourself
  • General liability plus workers' comp certificates
  • Recent PV permits in your jurisdiction
  • Willing to install homeowner-supplied equipment
  • Written labor-only scope and schedule
  • Manufacturer install requirements acknowledged
  • Named person handling permit and inspection
  • Clear warranty on workmanship (2+ years)
Bids

Compare apples to apples

Ask every installer to price the same six line items. Differences that looked like price usually turn out to be scope.

Mounting & flashing labor
Varies by roof type — tile costs more than comp shingle
DC wiring & module install
Usually quoted per module or per kW
Inverter & AC tie-in
Main panel work may require a load calculation or upgrade
Permit fees & submission
Confirm whether fees are passed through at cost
Inspection & interconnection
Who meets the inspector and files with the utility?
Commissioning & monitoring
System startup, monitoring setup, and homeowner walkthrough
Red flags

Walk away if you see these

  • Refuses to give a license number in writing
  • Demands more than 30% up front
  • Won't touch customer-supplied equipment without explaining why
  • No written scope, only a verbal price
  • Pressure to sign same day for a 'today only' rate
Green lights

Signs of a good crew

  • Asks about your roof age before quoting
  • Wants the module and inverter spec sheets in advance
  • Explains the rapid shutdown and grounding plan
  • Gives you the permit number once submitted
  • Schedules the inspection with you, not around you

Want the bid sheet?

Reach out and we'll send the installer comparison sheet and local labor benchmarks for your area — no purchase required.

Request the Playbook