How to Choose the Best Solar Installer in Canada
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Quick Answer Here's what matters most when choosing a solar installer:
Company stability matters more than price. Your warranties are only as good as the company behind them.
Installation quality varies dramatically. Look for clean aesthetics: no visible cables, recessed conduits, proper setbacks.
In-house service is a major advantage. Companies with their own service teams respond faster.
Get 2-3 quotes, not 5-10. A few detailed proposals gives you enough to decide.
Watch for red flags. High-pressure tactics and prices too good to be true are warning signs.
Why Your Choice of Installer Matters
Solar panels are a 25-30 year investment. The company you choose matters as much as the equipment they install.
The solar industry has seen significant consolidation. Many companies that seemed stable have closed, leaving homeowners with voided warranties and no support. When evaluating installers, you're betting on which company will still be around to honour their promises in year 15 or year 25.
What to Look for in a Solar Installer
Company Scale and Stability
Years in business: Longer track records suggest stability.
Number of installations: Companies with thousands of installations have proven processes.
Employee count: Larger teams suggest financial health.
Geographic presence: Companies in multiple regions often have more stable business models.
Installation Quality and Aesthetics
Cable management: Are cables hidden or running visibly across your roof?
Panel alignment: Are panels neatly aligned with roof edges?
Setbacks: Quality installers maintain proper distances from roof edges.
Rodent guards: Are they included, or an expensive add-on?
Service and Support
In-house vs. outsourced service: Companies with their own service teams respond faster.
System monitoring: Does the company actively monitor your system?
Response times: Ask what their typical response time is for service calls.
Warranties
Panel production warranty: Look for 25-30 years.
Inverter warranty: Look for 12-25 years.
Workmanship warranty: Look for at least 5 years, ideally 10+.
Key question: Who backs the warranty if the installer closes?
Red Flags to Watch For
Prices that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices often mean corners cut.
Reluctance to provide references. Good companies connect you with past customers.
Vague or confusing contracts. If you can't understand it, that's a problem.
Unwillingness to show installation photos. Quality installers are proud of their work.
Green Flags: Signs of a Good Installer
Clear, detailed proposals. You should understand exactly what you're getting.
Transparent about what's included. Are rodent guards standard or extra?
Happy to answer questions. Good salespeople educate rather than pressure.
Strong online reviews. Check Google reviews and look for patterns.
Local partnerships and presence. Community involvement suggests commitment.
Why Homeowners Choose Firefly Solar
We encourage you to compare us against any installer:
Scale and stability. 8,000+ customers nationally, 750+ employees.
Best installation aesthetics. Zero cable runs, 100% recessed conduits, mandatory setbacks.
Free rodent guards on every installation. Most charge $500-$1,500 extra.
Dedicated in-house service. No outsourcing, no weeks of waiting.
Industry-leading warranties. 30-year panel, 25-year inverter, 5-year workmanship.
Most 5-star Google reviews in Canada. See what our customers say.
0% financing available. Even after federal programs ended.
National Home Depot partnership. Home Depot's trusted local pro solar installer.
Ready to Get Started?
At Firefly Solar, we provide detailed, transparent proposals and encourage you to compare us with any competitor. No pressure, no obligation.
FAQ: Choosing a Solar Installer
How many solar quotes should I get?
We recommend 2-3 detailed quotes from reputable, established companies. This gives you enough perspective without creating decision fatigue. Focus on comparing value, not just price.
What's more important: price or quality?
Quality and company stability matter more for a 25-30 year investment. The cheapest quote often means corners cut on equipment or installation.
What if my installer goes out of business?
Manufacturer warranties typically transfer even if your installer closes. However, workmanship warranties and service support would be lost. This is why company stability matters.
Should I choose a local or national installer?
The best installers combine national scale with local presence. Look for companies large enough to be stable but with local teams who know your area's climate, permitting, and utilities.
