To choose a good renewable energy contractor, check that they hold the right licences and insurance for your province, get at least three detailed written quotes, ask for local references, and read the warranty and contract terms before signing. The equipment matters, but the quality of the design and installation usually determines whether a solar array, heat pump or battery performs as promised for the next 20 years.
Key takeaways
- Installation quality drives long-term performance more than brand names do.
- Verify licences, permits, insurance and workers' compensation coverage yourself — don't take them on faith.
- Compare at least three itemized quotes built on the same assumptions.
- A trustworthy contractor sizes the system to your home with real calculations, not rules of thumb.
- Never sign on the spot, and be wary of large upfront deposits.
Start with the right kind of contractor
"Renewable energy contractor" covers very different trades. Make sure the company specializes in what you're buying:
| Project | Who typically does it | Credentials to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Rooftop or ground-mount solar | Solar installer working with a licensed electrician | Electrical licence, permits, solar-specific training or certification |
| Air-source heat pump | HVAC/refrigeration contractor | Refrigeration and gas/HVAC trade licences, manufacturer training |
| Geothermal (ground-source) heat pump | Geothermal-specialized HVAC firm plus a driller | Ground-loop design experience, drilling licence where required |
| Home battery | Electrician or solar installer | Electrical licence, battery manufacturer certification |
| Small wind turbine | Specialist installer | Tower and electrical experience, local zoning familiarity |
Trade licensing rules differ by province, so check with your provincial licensing body or electrical safety authority if you're unsure what's required.
Check the basics before you book a site visit
A few minutes of homework weeds out most problem companies:
- Business registration and history. How long have they operated under this name? Frequent rebranding can be a warning sign.
- Licences. Ask for licence numbers and look them up.
- Insurance. Request proof of liability insurance and confirm workers' compensation coverage (WSIB, WCB or the equivalent in your province). If an uninsured worker is hurt on your roof, you could be exposed.
- Reviews and complaints. Read reviews across several platforms and look for patterns, not one-off complaints. Check whether your provincial consumer protection office has records.
- Local presence. A company with a local office and service crew is easier to reach when something needs fixing years from now.
In some provinces, contractors who take deposits before work starts must hold a specific licence — Alberta's prepaid contractor licence is one example. Your provincial consumer protection office can tell you what applies.
What a good quote looks like
It's based on your home, not a template
A solar quote should reference your roof's orientation, pitch, shading and your past 12 months of electricity use. A heat pump quote should be based on a room-by-room heat loss calculation, not just the size of your old furnace. If a contractor sizes a system without asking about your usage, insulation or windows, keep looking. Pairing upgrades with an energy assessment can help — our whole-home upgrade sequence explains why efficiency improvements often come first.
It's itemized
Look for:
- Make, model and quantity of major equipment (panels, inverters, heat pump units, batteries)
- Estimated annual production (solar) or seasonal efficiency ratings (heat pumps)
- Labour, permits, electrical upgrades and any removal of old equipment
- Project timeline and who handles utility connection paperwork
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
Warranties are spelled out
There are usually three layers: the manufacturer's equipment warranty, the installer's workmanship warranty, and sometimes a performance guarantee. Ask how long each lasts, what they cover (parts, labour or both), and what happens if the installer goes out of business. Equipment warranties of 10–25 years are common; workmanship warranties vary widely, often from a couple of years to a decade.
Comparing quotes fairly
Prices for the same project can vary a lot, so compare apples to apples. Approximate Canadian ranges, for context only:
| Project | Typical installed cost (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Residential solar, 6–10 kW | roughly $15,000–$35,000 |
| Ducted cold-climate air-source heat pump | roughly $10,000–$25,000 |
| Ground-source heat pump | roughly $30,000–$60,000+ |
| Home battery (one unit) | roughly $12,000–$20,000 |
Costs depend on your home, region and equipment, and change over time. When comparing, convert solar quotes to cost per watt and check that production estimates use similar assumptions. For heat pumps, confirm each quote covers your full heating load at your local design temperature, and what backup heat is included.
The cheapest quote isn't always the worst, and the most expensive isn't always the best. Ask each contractor to explain the differences — a good one will happily walk you through it.
Questions to ask in person
- Who will actually do the installation — your employees or subcontractors?
- Who pulls the permits and arranges inspections?
- How will the system be monitored, and who do I call if production or heating performance drops?
- Will roof penetrations be sealed, and who is responsible if there's a leak?
- What maintenance does the system need, and do you offer it?
- Can you help me identify current rebates or financing? (Then verify independently with our rebate finder.)
Red flags to walk away from
- Pressure to sign today to "lock in" a rebate or price
- Claims that a system will eliminate your bill entirely
- Reluctance to give a written, itemized quote
- Requests for most of the payment upfront
- Vague answers about licences or insurance
- Financing paperwork you're not given time to read
Our guide to avoiding solar and heat pump scams covers these in more depth, including door-to-door sales.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good minimum for most projects. It gives you a sense of fair pricing and lets you compare how different contractors approach your home's design.
Should I choose a contractor recommended by my utility or a rebate program?
Program contractor lists can be a helpful starting point because participants usually meet some requirements. They aren't a guarantee of quality, so still check references, licences and quotes.
Is it OK to pay a deposit?
A modest deposit to order equipment is normal. Be cautious about paying most of the cost before work begins, and make sure payments are tied to clear milestones in the contract.
The bottom line
A renewable energy system is a long-term relationship with whoever installs it. Take your time, verify credentials yourself, insist on written itemized quotes based on your actual home, and walk away from pressure tactics. Learn the basic terms in our glossary before your first site visit, and you'll be in a much stronger position to choose well.
Sundamentals is an independent, non-profit education platform. Program details and prices change often — check current programs for your address in our rebate finder.