Solar panels are installed by a solar installation company, usually through a team of solar photovoltaic installers, electricians and, when needed, roofers. A complete rooftop project can involve four main trade roles: the solar company, PV installer, electrician and roofer. This article was updated on.
The solar company usually manages system design, permits, installation, inspection and utility connection.
Do not hire a general handyman to install a complete solar system. The work can involve roofing, structural mounting, high-voltage electrical work, building codes and utility requirements.
Which Professionals Install Solar Panels?
| Professional | Main responsibility |
|---|---|
| Solar installation company | Designs the system, supplies equipment, manages permits and coordinates the project |
| Solar photovoltaic installer | Mounts the racking, installs panels, runs wiring and tests the system |
| Licensed electrician | Connects the inverter, electrical panel, batteries and utility grid where required |
| Roofer | Repairs or reinforces the roof and handles roofing work around mounting points |
| Building or electrical inspector | Checks whether the completed installation meets local codes |
| Electric utility | Approves grid interconnection and installs or configures the meter |
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble and maintain rooftop systems, install support structures, connect panels to electrical equipment and test completed systems. Depending on the state and the work involved, an electrician may handle the grid connection.
What Does a Solar Installation Company Do?
A solar installation company usually coordinates the project from the initial site visit through utility approval.
Site assessment The contractor checks the roof condition, shading, roof orientation, available space and electrical service panel.
System design The company selects the panel layout, inverter, racking system, wiring and optional battery storage.
Permits and paperwork The installer typically submits building and electrical permit applications and prepares utility interconnection documents. Permit requirements and fees vary by location.
Roof and mounting work Installers attach the racking system to the roof or another approved structure. A roofer may be needed if the roof needs repairs, replacement or specialized flashing.
Electrical installation The team connects the panels to an inverter and then to the property's electrical system. A licensed electrician may be required for the service-panel connection, battery installation or final grid connection.
Inspection and activation The local authority usually inspects the system before it operates on the grid. The utility then approves the interconnection and allows the system to begin exporting electricity.
Can an Electrician Install Solar Panels?
An electrician can install solar panels if the electrician has solar PV experience and the required state or local license. Electricians are especially important for connecting the inverter, electrical panel, batteries and utility supply.
An electrician may not install the panels or roof racking. Many projects use PV installers for the mechanical work and an electrician for the electrical work. The division depends on local licensing rules and the contractor's business model.
When requesting quotes, ask:
- Who will install the roof racking and panels?
- Who will perform the electrical connection?
- Does the project include a licensed electrician?
- Who will obtain the permits?
- Who will arrange the inspection and utility approval?
Can a Roofer Install Solar Panels?
A roofer can repair, reinforce or replace the roof, but roofing experience alone does not qualify someone to install a complete solar electric system.
A roofer may help with:
- Roof repairs before installation
- Structural reinforcement
- Waterproof flashing
- Shingle or tile replacement
- Removing and reinstalling panels during a roof replacement
A roofer generally should not design the electrical system, install the inverter or connect the system to the utility grid unless the roofer also operates as a qualified solar contractor.
Should You Hire a Solar Company or Separate Contractors?
For most homeowners, a full-service solar installation company is the easier option. The company can use qualified employees or subcontractors for roofing and electrical work while managing the project as a whole.
A full-service installer can take responsibility for:
- System design
- Equipment selection
- Workmanship
- Permits
- Inspections
- Utility interconnection
- Manufacturer warranties
- Installation warranties
Separate contractors may make sense when the roof needs replacement, the electrical panel needs an upgrade or the project requires unusual structural work. If you use more than one contractor, put the division of work and scheduling responsibilities in writing.
What Qualifications Should a Solar Installer Have?
A solar installer should have the licenses, insurance and solar experience required for the work and location. In the United States, licensing requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Some states license photovoltaic installers, while other projects require a licensed electrical or general contractor.
Useful qualifications include:
- State or local contractor license
- Electrical license where required
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation coverage
- Roofing experience for rooftop projects
- Experience with battery storage, if applicable
- NABCEP certification or other recognized solar training
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP, offers the PV Installation Professional certification. The credential covers solar PV design, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance. Certification does not replace a license required by local law.
Who Installs Solar Water-Heating Panels?
Solar water-heating systems are installed by solar thermal installers, plumbers and HVAC contractors, rather than the same team that installs every solar electric system.
- Solar photovoltaic installers and electricians install panels that generate electricity.
- Solar thermal installers, plumbers and HVAC contractors may install systems that heat water using solar energy.
Confirm which type of system you are buying before choosing a contractor. A company that installs solar electric systems may not specialize in solar water heating.
How to Choose the Right Solar Installer
Before signing a contract, verify that the installer:
- Holds the licenses required in your city and state.
- Carries liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
- Uses a qualified electrician for electrical work.
- Can provide recent local references.
- Includes permits, inspections and utility interconnection in the contract.
- Explains who is responsible for roof damage or leaks.
- Provides separate equipment and workmanship warranty terms.
- Has experience with your roof type and any planned battery system.
Ask the installer to identify each person or company responsible for the roof work, panel installation, electrical connections, permits, inspection and utility approval before you sign.