When solar affects your roof, electrical system, monthly energy costs, and long-term investment, the installer you choose matters.
Many homeowners and business owners don’t start researching certified solar installers until after they experience:
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Confusing financing offers
• Quotes that vary wildly in price
• Online reviews pulling them in opposite directions
• Concerns about whether the company will still exist years later
That’s usually when the questions change from:
“Should I get solar?”
to:
“How do I know which solar installer I can actually trust?”
This guide will help you understand what solar certifications mean, how to verify them yourself, what red flags to watch for, and how to compare solar installers more confidently before signing a contract.
Most people don’t begin their solar journey knowing what “NABCEP-certified” means.
Usually, the search starts after a confusing, frustrating, or high-pressure experience, such as:
• Getting pressured by aggressive sales tactics
• Hearing horror stories from neighbors or online reviews
• Not understanding financing terms
• Confusion about tax credits and incentives
• Worrying about roof damage or electrical issues
• Concern that the company won’t still exist in a few years
• Wondering if the system will actually save enough money
People want reassurance that they’re making a smart long-term decision instead of getting pushed through a sales process.
That’s where verification of certifications, licensing, and experience becomes important.
Sometimes. But you should still independently verify everything.
Many door-to-door reps are sales contractors, not the actual installation company. Some work for lead-generation companies that pass projects to third-party installers.
That doesn’t automatically mean they’re dishonest. But it does mean you should ask more questions before signing anything.
• Who is performing the installation
• Whether the installer is licensed and certified
• How long the company has been in business
• What warranties are included
• Whether subcontractors are used
• What happens if equipment fails
• Whether maintenance and service are available later
If someone pressures you to sign immediately, discourages comparison shopping, or avoids technical questions, that’s a red flag.
Experienced solar companies typically welcome educated buyers because informed customers are more likely to feel confident in their investment long-term.
People sometimes hear “certified” and assume it’s just marketing language.
In reality, certifications can represent advanced training, testing, field experience, and ongoing education.
One of the most recognized certifications in the solar industry comes from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
NABCEP certifications are widely respected because they require:
• Documented installation experience
• Technical training
• Passing rigorous exams
• Continuing education to maintain certification
An NABCEP certified installer has demonstrated knowledge in:
• System design
• Electrical safety
• Code compliance
• Energy production calculations
• Battery integration
• Installation best practices
• Troubleshooting and maintenance
That’s very different from someone whose experience is primarily sales-focused.
Yes, and that’s one reason solar research can feel overwhelming.
Some states have stricter licensing requirements than others. Depending on where you live, installers may need:
• Electrical contractor licenses
• General contractor licenses
• Specialized solar licenses
• Local permitting approvals
• Utility interconnection approvals
In Utah, solar installers are required to hold appropriate contractor licensing through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). This includes the S202 Solar Photovoltaic Contractor License for dedicated solar installation work. Some solar-related electrical work may also fall under E200 General Electrical Contractor or E201 Residential Electrical Contractor licensing classifications.
Solar projects must also comply with local permitting, electrical code, inspection, and utility interconnection requirements. Certifications like NABCEP are separate from state licensing and can demonstrate additional solar-specific training and expertise.
A simple way to think about it:
• Licensing helps verify legal compliance
• Certification demonstrates additional technical expertise and training
You want to use a solar company that has both.
One of the smartest things you can do before choosing a solar company is verify certifications and licensing yourself, instead of relying only on a sales pitch.
A trustworthy installer should welcome questions and make it easy to confirm their qualifications.
Solar installations involve structural and electrical work, so contractor licensing also matters.
For Utah property owners, contractor licenses and classifications can be verified through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) license lookup tool to confirm whether a contractor’s license is active and in good standing.
You can verify active certifications directly through the NABCEP Certified Professional Directory:
This allows you to search by:
• Company name
• Installer name
• State or location
• Certification type
That extra step can help confirm whether someone is truly certified instead of simply saying they are “trained” or “experienced.”
A reputable solar company should have no issue providing this information.
Not every solar company operates the same way.
Here are a few warning signs worth paying attention to:
• High-pressure “sign today” tactics
• Extremely vague pricing
• Promises that sound unrealistic
• No discussion of roof condition or electrical setup
• No explanation of warranty coverage
• Limited company history
• Poor communication during the quoting process
• No local references or completed projects
Some companies also outsource installations to crews you never originally spoke with, so it helps to ask and verify who will actually perform the work.
The solar industry has seen many companies appear quickly, and disappear just as fast.
That creates a real concern for homeowners asking “What happens if I need support later?”
Solar systems are long-term investments. Years after installation, you may still need:
• Warranty support
• System monitoring
• Repairs
• Maintenance
• Battery upgrades
• Troubleshooting assistance
That’s one reason many people prioritize established companies with a long operating history.
Gardner Energy has been installing solar systems since 2004, serving residential, commercial, industrial, and government clients throughout Utah and surrounding regions.
That kind of longevity can provide confidence that support will be available long after your installation.
Gardner Energy’s project portfolio shows their wide variety of experience including residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal installations.
You can also learn more about the company’s background and experience on the Gardner Energy About page.
The cheapest solar quote is not always the best long-term value.
A stronger comparison looks at:
• Equipment quality
• Warranty support
• Installer experience
• Project history
• Communication quality
• Monitoring systems
• Maintenance availability
• How clearly the company explains your options
That doesn’t mean price doesn’t matter. It means the quote should make sense when compared with the quality of work and support you receive.
As one Gardner Energy customer shared:
“We obtained four different company bids, and Gardner Energy was very competitive. We chose to go with them, and our neighbors love their work as well. Highly recommend Gardner.” — Groundwood Consulting
That kind of feedback is especially helpful because it addresses one of the biggest concerns people have when researching solar installers:
“Am I getting a fair bid from a company I can trust?”
Solar incentives can feel confusing, especially when rules and deadlines change.
An experienced installer should help explain:
• Which incentives may apply
• Estimated payback timelines
• Expected production
• Long-term savings potential
• Battery backup considerations
• Maintenance expectations
A knowledgeable installer should help simplify the process instead of making it harder to understand.
Before signing a solar contract, verify:
• Active state contractor license
• NABCEP certification
• Real project portfolio
• Years in business
• Warranty details
• Who performs the actual installation
• Local reviews and testimonials
• Whether the company provides long-term support and maintenance
Taking extra time to research upfront can help you avoid costly installation issues, poor communication, and disappointing long-term results later.
NABCEP is one of the most respected solar certifications in North America.
Requirements vary by state, but certifications can demonstrate advanced training beyond minimum licensing requirements.
Yes. Improper installation can create issues like leaks, electrical concerns, or structural problems. That’s why experience and proper installation practices are important.
Online estimates can be a starting point, but accurate proposals usually require reviewing your actual property, roof layout, electrical setup, and energy usage.
That depends on your property, goals, location, and energy usage. Incentives can improve ROI, but proper system design and installation quality also play a major role.
Choosing solar should not feel like guessing who to trust. The right installer will answer your questions clearly, explain your options, verify their qualifications, and design a system around your property, energy goals, and long-term savings.
If you are considering solar for your home, business, school, nonprofit, or government property, Gardner Energy is an NABCEP-certified solar company who can help you compare your options with real experience behind the recommendation. Since 2004, Gardner Energy has designed and installed solar solutions across Utah, including residential, commercial, industrial, and government projects.
To get started, fill out the online form or call 801-689-2618 to talk with Gardner Energy’s Pre-Construction team.
Take the first step toward energy savings and sustainability today.
We partnered with Kay’s Creek Elementary School to build a sustainable learning environment for their students. We installed a 275 kW solar system utilizing a ballast roof mount. This complete design-build project leverages existing rooftop space to generate clean energy. The 275 kW system is estimated to offset the carbon emissions equivalent to planting 16,589 trees. This project shows our commitment to providing sustainable solutions for educational institutions.
We partnered with Weber State University to install a new 950 kW parking lot solar canopy on their campus in Ogden, UT. This complete design-build project utilizes existing space to generate clean energy minimizing the university’s carbon footprint. The 950 kW system is estimated to offset the carbon emissions equivalent to planting 57,308 trees, demonstrating a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.
We partnered with Wasatch Commons to install 96 solar panels on an existing carport. This solar system generates 33 kW of renewable energy and is tied into Enphase microinverters. This project was the result of Wasatch Common’s commitment to environmental accountability, and we look forward to future opportunities to help them reach their renewable energy goals.
We partnered with Wadman Corporation to install a grid tied 171 kW solar array at their Ogden, Utah headquarters. This project utilized the space primarily on their unattached garages to create an annual power production of 239,999 kWh. This was such a smooth project with Wadman Corporation that we have worked with them on several solar projects since.
We partnered with Weber State University to install a new 950 kW parking lot solar canopy on their campus in Ogden, UT. This complete design-build project utilizes existing space to generate clean energy minimizing the university’s carbon footprint. The 950 kW system is estimated to offset the carbon emissions equivalent to planting 57,308 trees, demonstrating a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.
Our team installed a new 140 kW for Davis County School district at Bountiful Elementary School in Bountiful, Utah. This ballast roof system utilizes open space on their roof to generate clean energy. It is estimated that because Davis County School District has invested in this 140 kW system, they are offsetting their carbon emissions equivalent to planting 8,446 trees.
We partnered with Salt Lake Community College to design and build them a 143 kW solar system on a parking canopy. This innovative solution leverages existing space to generate clean energy, minimizing the college’s carbon footprint and providing shade and protection for vehicles. This project is estimated to offset emissions equivalent to planting 8,631 trees, contributing greatly to environmental sustainability.
We partnered with Davis County School District to install a new 40 kW ballast roof system at Sunburst Elementary School in Layton, Utah. This project utilizes space on the roof of the elementary school to generate clean energy for the school. In fact, this 40 kW system is estimated to offset the carbon emissions equivalent to planting 2,413 trees. Sunburst Elementary is contributing significantly to both the knowledge and the environmental sustainability for it’s students.
