How to choose a solar installer in Southern California

Updated Oct 14, 2026 · every number on this page comes from public records.

Most problems with home solar start with the installer, not the panels. In California you can check an installer's license, insurance and real work history before you sign anything.

1. Confirm the license — and the right class

Solar can be installed under a C-46 (Solar), C-10 (Electrical) or B (General Building) license. Of the 20,030 active contractors in our directory, 561 hold C-46 — many installers work under C-10. The license must be active: a suspended license means the contractor cannot legally take new work.

2. Look at real installs, not testimonials

Building permits list the contractor's license number. That gives a factual record: how many solar systems they installed, where, when and with which equipment. In San Diego County, 22 active licensed installers have solar permits on the county and Chula Vista portals — see them ranked.

3. Ask about workers' comp

About 42% of active licenses in our directory are exempt from workers' compensation — the contractor declared no employees. If a crew shows up on your roof, that exemption does not fit; ask for the policy.

4. Compare equipment with independent data

Panel, inverter and battery choices last 25 years. Check the CEC listing, independent reliability tests and the warranty terms — see solar panels and home batteries.

5. Get two or three quotes

Ask each installer for system size in kW, panel and inverter model numbers, battery model if any, and who handles the permit and the utility interconnection.

Sources: CSLB license master; San Diego County and Chula Vista building permits; CEC equipment lists.