10 questions to ask before signing a solar contract
Buying solar is one of the smartest investments you can make. It's also a decision you live with for 25 years or more.
Asking the right questions now avoids unexpected costs later, and gives you real confidence in what you're buying. Here are ten worth putting to any installer before you sign.
1. Is this system designed for my home?
The answer should reference your actual circumstances: your electricity usage, your roof, shading, and any plans that might change your consumption — an EV, a heat pump, a growing household.
Good installers design solutions. They don't fit one-size-fits-all systems.
2. How much electricity will the system generate?
Ask for estimated annual generation and seasonal performance.
Then ask the more useful follow-up: what assumptions sit behind those numbers? Generation estimates are only as good as the inputs.
3. What equipment is being installed?
Get specifics, not categories:
- Panel brand and model
- Inverter brand and model
- Battery, if one is included
- Monitoring platform, and its expected lifespan
4. Who is actually installing my system?
This one catches people out. Ask directly:
- Who will carry out the installation?
- Are qualified electricians involved?
- Who supervises the work?
- Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
The company you sign with is not always the company on your roof. It's fair to ask.
5. What approvals are required?
Your installer should be able to walk you through:
- Network approval
- Electrical certification
- Independent inspections
- Expected timeframes for each
6. What warranties do I receive?
There are usually three kinds: product, performance and workmanship.
For each, ask how long it lasts, exactly what it covers, and who you contact if you need to claim. A warranty you can't easily action isn't worth much.
7. What happens after the installation?
Ask about ongoing monitoring and system performance support, and what training or customer service you can access.
The relationship shouldn't end when the scaffolding comes down.
8. Is my deposit protected?
Specifically:
- How is your deposit held?
- What happens if there are delays?
- What protections exist if the business runs into financial difficulty?
Solassure accredited providers keep customer deposits separate from normal operating funds. If an installer can't give you a clear answer here, treat that as information.
9. What electricity plan will work best?
Compare buy-back rates and peak/off-peak pricing, and check the plan suits battery and EV use if that applies to you.
The right plan can significantly increase your savings, and it costs nothing to switch to a better one.
10. Why should I choose your company?
An open question, deliberately. Listen for experience and professionalism, genuine commitment to customer care, and how they stand behind their work.
This is about trust and long-term value, not the number at the bottom of the quote.
Before you sign, check you have
- The right system for your home
- Quality equipment and warranties
- Approvals and inspections covered
- Support after installation
- Deposit protected
- A company you can trust
Answering these questions puts you in a position to make an informed solar investment.
Solassure Certified installers are committed to high standards of workmanship, professionalism and customer care — giving New Zealand homeowners peace of mind.
Quality you can trust. Confidence you can count on.