Solar Installer Checklist

A practical guide for Filipino homeowners before, during, and after hiring a solar installer. Print this page or keep it on your phone during consultations.

1. Verify the Installer

Before entertaining any quote, confirm the basics.

Registered with SEC (corporation) or DTI (sole proprietor) — ask for the registration number Has a DOE-accredited Qualified Third Party (QTP) or employs licensed electrical engineers (PEE/REE) Can provide at least 3 references from completed residential installations in your area Has a physical office or showroom you can visit — avoid installers with only a Facebook page Check reviews on Google, Facebook, and solar forums (SolarPH, PinoyExchange) Ask how long they have been installing solar — prefer at least 2-3 years of track record

2. The Site Visit

A reputable installer will always do a site visit before quoting. Be suspicious of anyone who quotes without seeing your roof.

Installer physically inspects the roof (not just Google Earth) Checks roof structural integrity — can it support the weight of panels? Measures actual usable roof area and notes obstructions (vents, water tanks, antennas) Assesses shading from nearby trees, buildings, or adjacent structures at different times of day Inspects the main electrical panel — is there space for a solar breaker? Is the panel up to code? Checks your Meralco/utility meter type and location Takes photos and measurements — a professional installer documents everything Asks about your electricity consumption (reviews your bill) before sizing the system

3. Evaluating the Quote

Get at least 2-3 quotes. A good quote is detailed, not just a lump sum.

Quote itemizes: panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, breakers, labor, permits — not just a package price Panel brand, model, and wattage are specified (e.g., "LONGi Hi-MO 6, 580W bifacial" not just "Tier 1 panels") Inverter brand and model specified (e.g., "Growatt MIN 5000TL-X" or "Deye SUN-5K-SG04LP1") Price per watt is reasonable: typically P28-45/watt installed for residential (2026). Below P25 is suspicious. Estimated monthly generation (kWh) is stated — compare with your bill to verify savings claims Savings projections clearly state the grid rate used and whether net metering is assumed Payment terms are clear — avoid paying 100% upfront. Standard: 50% down, 50% on commissioning Timeline is specified — typical residential install is 1-3 days for the panels, but net metering can take 45-75 days

4. Contract Red Flags

Read the contract carefully. Walk away if you see these.

No written warranty terms — verbal promises mean nothing Demands 100% payment before any work starts No mention of net metering application assistance — this is a standard part of the service Vague equipment specs ("premium panels" instead of specific brand/model/wattage) Unrealistic savings claims (e.g., "zero electric bill" when your system only covers 60% of usage) No clause for project delays or penalties Installer refuses to provide a copy of the contract before you sign No mention of who handles permits and inspections

5. What the Contract Should Include

A proper contract protects both parties.

Complete equipment list with brand, model, quantity, and wattage Total price with payment schedule and milestones Installation timeline with start and completion dates Warranty terms: panels (25 years performance), inverter (5-10 years), workmanship (1-5 years) Who handles the net metering application with the utility (Meralco, VECO, etc.) Who handles LGU building permits and electrical permits Scope of after-sales service and maintenance Process for warranty claims — turnaround time, replacement vs. repair System design document showing panel layout, wiring diagram, and inverter specs

6. During Installation

Stay involved during the install.

Confirm the equipment delivered matches what was quoted (check panel labels and inverter model) Panels are mounted with proper racking — not just silicone-glued or wire-tied to the roof Wiring is run through conduit, not loose cables exposed to weather A dedicated solar breaker is installed in your main panel Grounding is properly installed (earthing rod + grounding wire to panels and inverter) Installer does a commissioning test — turns on the system and shows you it is generating No roof leaks after installation — check during the next rain

7. After Installation

The job is not done until net metering is active.

Installer submits the net metering application to your utility Utility installs a bi-directional meter (this can take 45-75 days for Meralco) You receive a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the installer's licensed engineer System monitoring is set up — most inverters have a phone app (e.g., ShinePhone, SolarMAN, SEMS) You have copies of: contract, warranty cards, system design, single-line diagram, COC Installer walks you through the inverter: how to read it, what the lights mean, how to shut down in an emergency First electric bill after net metering activation shows export credits

8. Warranty Quick Reference

Know what is covered and for how long.

Component	Typical Warranty	What It Covers
Solar Panels	12 years product, 25 years performance	Manufacturing defects (product); guaranteed 80%+ output at year 25 (performance)
Inverter	5-10 years (extendable)	Manufacturing defects, component failure. String inverters typically 5yr; hybrid/micro 10yr
Mounting/Racking	10-15 years	Corrosion, structural failure. Ask if it's aluminum (better) or galvanized steel
Workmanship	1-5 years (installer-dependent)	Roof leaks, wiring issues, installation defects. Push for at least 2 years
Battery (if applicable)	10 years or cycle-count	Capacity degradation. LFP batteries typically warrant 6,000+ cycles at 80% capacity

9. Questions to Ask the Installer

Bring these to your consultation. A good installer will answer all of them confidently.

How many residential installations have you completed in my area?
Can I visit or contact a previous customer as a reference?
Who is your licensed electrical engineer and will they sign the COC?
What happens if my roof needs repair during the panel warranty period?
Do you handle the net metering application, or do I have to do it myself?
What is your turnaround time for warranty claims?
Do you offer a maintenance package? What does it include?
What monitoring app will I use, and is there a subscription fee?
If my inverter fails after warranty, what is the replacement cost?
Will my system automatically shut off during a power outage (grid-tied safety)?

Get Your Solar Assessment

Find out if solar is right for your home before talking to installers.