Making the decision to go solar is one of the most empowering steps a Filipino homeowner or business can take. It’s a definitive move toward freedom from the Philippines' notoriously high electricity rates and a tangible investment in a more sustainable future. The solar boom has flooded the market with installers, all promising energy independence and significant savings. But this crowded landscape presents a new challenge: how do you distinguish a professional, long-term partner from a "fly-by-night" operator?
The answer lies in asking the right questions. Your solar power system is a major 25-year investment. The quality of its installation, the reliability of its components, and the support you receive will determine whether it becomes a valuable asset or a costly liability. A prepared customer is an empowered customer.
This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of 20 essential questions designed to help you vet potential solar installers in the Philippines. Treat your initial consultations like an interview—because that’s exactly what they are. You are hiring a company for one of the most important jobs your property will ever need. Asking these questions will pierce through the sales pitches and reveal an installer's true competence, experience, and commitment to quality.
Questions About the Company & Their Experience
This first set of questions aims to establish the installer's legitimacy, stability, and track record. A company's history and credentials are the foundation upon which everything else is built.
1. Are you accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE)?
This should be your first question. DOE accreditation is the Philippine government's primary seal of approval for renewable energy contractors. It signifies the company is a legitimate, registered business that has submitted to government oversight. It's your best defense against "ghost" companies that operate solely through a Facebook page.
2. What is your PCAB license number?
A solar installation is a construction project. The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license is a legal requirement for any company undertaking construction. This ensures they have the financial stability and technical capacity to perform the work and are accountable under Philippine construction law.
3. How long have you been in business, and how many systems have you installed?
Experience matters immensely. An installer who has been in business for five years or more has likely navigated a wide range of challenges and has stable operational processes. The number of installations gives you a sense of their experience level. Look for companies with hundreds of successful projects under their belt.
4. Can you provide references from at least three past clients?
Online reviews can be manipulated, but a conversation with a real customer cannot. Ask for references for projects completed at least a year ago. This allows you to inquire about not just the installation, but the system's performance and the company's after-sales responsiveness.
5. Who is on your team? Do you have licensed Professional Electrical Engineers (PEE) and TESDA-certified technicians?
This question reveals the professional depth of their team. A PEE is legally required to sign and seal the electrical plans for your system, a non-negotiable for a compliant installation and a smooth Meralco net-metering application. Technicians with a TESDA NC II in PV Systems Installation have proven, standardized skills for safe and quality workmanship. A company that invests in certified solar pros is investing in quality.
6. Do you use subcontractors for any part of the installation?
Some companies subcontract electrical or roofing work. It's crucial to know who will actually be working on your property and how the primary company ensures the quality and accountability of their subcontractors. Ideally, you want a company with a fully in-house team.
Questions About the Equipment & System Design
These questions focus on the hardware that will become your personal power plant. A good installer should be able to justify every component they recommend.
7. What specific brands of solar panels and inverters do you propose, and why did you choose them for my project?
Avoid installers who give vague answers. They should be able to explain why they chose a particular brand of panel (e.g., Tier-1 rating, efficiency, durability in tropical climates) and inverter (e.g., string vs. microinverter, warranty, monitoring features). Their answer demonstrates their technical knowledge.
8. How did you determine the right size for my solar system?
A professional installer will conduct a thorough analysis of your past electricity bills (ideally for the last 12 months) and discuss your future energy needs. They should be able to walk you through their calculations. Be wary of anyone who suggests a system size without this detailed assessment.
9. Have you performed a shading analysis on my roof?
Even a small amount of shade from a tree, a neighboring building, or a vent pipe can significantly reduce a solar panel's output. A thorough installer will use specialized software to perform a detailed shading analysis and design the panel layout to minimize its impact.
10. How will you mount the system on my roof, and can you guarantee it will be typhoon-proof and leak-proof?
In the Philippines, this is a critical question. The installer should be able to describe their mounting system and explain how it's designed to withstand typhoon-force winds. They should also detail their waterproofing methods for every roof penetration.
Questions About the Cost, Savings & Financing
This section covers the financial aspects of your investment. Transparency is key. A reputable installer will be upfront about all costs and realistic about savings.
11. Can you provide a detailed, itemized quote with no hidden costs?
A quote should not be a single number. It should break down the costs of all major components (panels, inverter, mounting), labor, permits, and any other fees. This transparency is essential when you compare solar quotes from different providers.
12. What are the total estimated savings, and what assumptions did you use to calculate them?
The installer should provide a clear projection of your savings over 25 years. Ask what electricity price inflation rate they used in their calculation. A conservative rate (e.g., 3-5% annually) is more realistic than an overly optimistic one.
13. What payment schedules do you offer?
Understand the payment milestones. A common structure is a down payment upon contract signing, a second payment upon equipment delivery, and a final payment upon system commissioning. Be very cautious of any installer demanding a large upfront payment (more than 50%) before any work begins.
14. What financing options do you offer or recommend?
Many installers have partnerships with banks for solar loans, or they may offer in-house financing. Inquire about interest rates, loan tenure, and the application process. Understanding these options can make the investment more accessible.
Questions About the Installation Process & Timeline
These questions set expectations for the project execution, from signing the contract to flicking the switch.
15. Can you walk me through the entire installation process, from permit application to commissioning?
A professional installer will have a clear, step-by-step plan. They should be able to explain each phase, including the site survey, design approval, LGU permit applications, Meralco net-metering paperwork, installation, and final testing. A clear outline of the solar install process shows they are organized and experienced.
16. What is the estimated timeline for the entire project?
They should provide a realistic timeline, breaking down how long each phase will take. While some delays (like LGU or Meralco processing) may be out of their control, they should be able to give you a confident estimate for the parts they manage directly.
17. Who will be my single point of contact throughout the project?
Having a dedicated project manager or point of contact is crucial for clear communication. You need to know exactly who to call if you have questions or concerns during the installation.
Questions About Warranties & After-Sales Support
Your solar journey doesn't end when the installation is complete. These questions ensure you'll be supported for the entire 25-year lifespan of the system.
18. What warranties are included with the system?
There should be three main solar warranties:
- Product Warranty: For the panels and inverter, covering defects (typically 10-12 years for panels, 5-10 for inverters).
- Performance Warranty: Guarantees the panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original power after 25 years.
- Workmanship Warranty: This is the installer's own warranty on their labor, covering issues like roof leaks or faulty wiring (should be at least 5-10 years).
19. What does your after-sales support include?
Do they offer proactive system monitoring? What is their procedure if you see an error code on your inverter? How quickly do they respond to service calls? A company's commitment to after-sales support is a true test of its professionalism. A good follow-up is to ask specific after-sales support questions to gauge their preparedness.
20. If you go out of business, who will service my warranties?
This is the tough question that reveals a company's long-term planning. While no one can predict the future, a responsible installer will use equipment from reputable manufacturers with a strong presence in the Philippines. This ensures that even if the installer is gone, the manufacturer can honor the product warranties.
By arming yourself with these 20 questions, you transform from a passive buyer into a proactive, informed investor. You empower yourself to look past the marketing and truly verify an installer’s credentials, ensuring that the company you choose is not just a vendor, but a trusted partner in your 25-year journey toward energy independence.