Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Solar Company

Because solar is an investment — not just an installation.

In an era of rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, solar power has emerged as more than just a trend — it’s a long-term solution. But as demand grows, so does the number of companies claiming to be your perfect partner in solar. So, how do you distinguish the genuine professionals from the over-promising sales outfits?

The answer lies in the questions you ask. Before signing a contract or committing to a quote, equip yourself with these essential, thought-provoking questions — each designed to illuminate the integrity, experience, and commitment of the solar company you’re about to entrust with your home or business.

1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and BC Hydro Net Metering Approved?

This may seem obvious, but many overlook it. A reputable solar provider should be fully licensed to operate in British Columbia, carry liability insurance, and be listed as a BC Hydro Net Metering eligible contractor. These are non-negotiables — and any hesitation here is a red flag.

2. Do You Offer Custom System Design or Just Package Deals?

Solar is not one-size-fits-all. Your energy consumption, roof orientation, available rebates, and location all affect the system design. If a company offers a cookie-cutter solution without assessing your unique circumstances, they’re more focused on convenience than long-term performance.

3. What Brand of Equipment Do You Use — and Why?

Panels, inverters, optimizers, racking systems — they’re not all created equal. Ask which brands they work with and why they’ve chosen them. A transparent company will not only share this openly but will explain the long-term durability, efficiency, and warranty terms of each component.

4. Who Will Actually Install My System?

This is where many companies falter. Will the installation be completed by their own team or subcontracted out to a third-party crew you've never met? Skilled, in-house installers — or trusted long-term partners — ensure accountability, quality, and consistency.

5. Can You Show Me Real Projects You’ve Completed in BC?

Nothing speaks louder than a track record. Ask to see photos, testimonials, or addresses of projects they’ve completed in your region. Bonus points if they’ve worked in similar climates or on properties similar to yours.

6. What Support Do You Provide After Installation?

Does their commitment end once the panels are bolted to your roof? It shouldn’t. Reliable solar companies offer post-installation monitoring, assistance with BC Hydro paperwork, warranty support, and performance check-ins. Solar should feel like a relationship, not a transaction.

7. Will You Help Me Navigate Rebates and Financing?

BC's rebate landscape changes rapidly. A well-informed solar partner should guide you through available incentives (like the Canada Greener Homes Loan or municipal rebates) and help connect you with solar-specific financing options, if needed.

8. What’s the Payback Period, and What Assumptions Are You Using?

A confident company will walk you through ROI projections based on real data — not marketing fluff. Ask what they’re assuming for future hydro rate increases, your consumption habits, and system degradation. Vague answers = questionable math.

9. What Happens If I Sell My Home?

Solar adds value to your property — typically increasing home resale prices by 3–5%. But how transferable are the warranties, and how easy is it to transfer the net metering agreement to the new owner? A thoughtful company anticipates these questions.

10. What Makes You Different from Every Other Solar Provider?

This is the clincher. You're not just buying panels — you're investing in a partner. Their answer should reflect purpose, experience, values, and vision. If all you hear is “great prices” or “we do it fast,” you may want to keep looking.

At True Value Energy, We Welcome These Questions.

In fact, we encourage them.

Because we’ve built our name — and our reputation — by going beyond sales talk. We show up. We educate. We design systems with surgical precision, and we travel across all of British Columbia to serve homeowners and businesses with clarity, integrity, and care.

We’re not here to pitch. We’re here to earn your trust.

Thinking about solar? Let’s talk — no pressure, no hard sell. Just honest answers.