Choosing a solar installer is one of the biggest home decisions you'll make. Solar Energy Nerds independently reviews installers for experience, licensing, insurance, customer reviews, and complaint history — then awards one of three badges. Badges are earned, not purchased, and every installer is re-reviewed every 6 months.
Established Verified Solar Installer
Meets our baseline standards for experience, reputation, licensing, insurance, and business legitimacy.
Experienced Quality-Assured Installer
A more established installer meeting enhanced standards for experience, reputation, and quality assurance.
Top-Tier Trusted Solar Installer
Our highest classification — reserved for highly experienced, NABCEP-certified installers with strong reviews and a proven reputation.
The companies below have earned a Solar Energy Nerds badge. Click through to visit each installer's own website.
Nerd Elite™ Employee-owned solar company founded in Virginia, with a leadership and install team carrying 50+ years of combined solar experience. NABCEP-certified installation crews, BBB Accredited with an A+ rating, and a 4.9-star Google review average. Offers residential and commercial solar, battery backup, and financing across 9 states.
Visit LightSkye Energy →Each badge is based on a combination of installer-submitted documentation and independent Solar Energy Nerds research. We review experience, licensing, insurance, Google reviews, BBB complaint history, NABCEP certification where applicable, and overall public reputation. Here is what each tier requires:
| Badge | Years in Business | Google Rating | Google Reviews | NABCEP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerd Verified™ | 5+ years | 4.5+ | 50+ | Not required |
| Nerd Certified Pro™ | 7+ years | 4.5+ | 50+ | Not required |
| Nerd Elite™ | 10+ years | 4.7+ | 100+ | Required |
We review installer badges every 6 months to help ensure each company still meets the standards of its classification. An installer may be downgraded, suspended, or removed if any of the following occur:
A badge is a useful starting point, but you should still vet any installer yourself before signing. Beyond licensing and reviews, these are the qualities that separate a great solar company from an average one:
Solar equipment comes with its own manufacturer warranties, but the installation work should be covered separately. The best installers back their labor with a workmanship warranty — often 10 to 25 years — and honor it under their own company name. Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts and who is responsible for service calls if something goes wrong years from now.
Going solar is a major home investment, not a same-day decision. Be cautious of "today only" pricing, rushed contracts, or a salesperson who won't give you time to compare quotes. A reputable installer is comfortable letting you think it over and read the fine print.
A good installer takes time to understand your roof, your energy usage, and your goals — then designs a system around them, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all package. You should feel comfortable asking questions at every step, from system size to panel placement to financing.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Installation Professional credential is widely regarded as the gold standard for solar installers. We require NABCEP certification for our highest tier (Nerd Elite™). Some long-established, highly reviewed companies predate these programs, so a missing certification isn't automatically a red flag — but it's a strong signal of technical expertise when present. Learn more about NABCEP certification →
It means the installer has been independently reviewed by Solar Energy Nerds for experience, licensing, insurance, Google reviews, BBB complaint history, and — for the top tier — NABCEP certification. Badges are earned through documentation and research, never purchased.
Nerd Verified™ is our baseline tier (5+ years in business, 4.5+ Google rating, 50+ reviews). Nerd Certified Pro™ raises the experience bar (7+ years). Nerd Elite™ is the highest tier and additionally requires NABCEP certification, a 4.7+ rating, and 100+ Google reviews.
No. Badges are earned, not purchased. Classification is based on installer-submitted documentation plus independent Solar Energy Nerds research.
Every 6 months. Installers can be downgraded, suspended, or removed if they no longer meet the standards for their badge — for example if their rating drops, a license lapses, insurance can't be verified, or BBB shows multiple unresolved complaints.
No. A badge reflects an installer's track record and credentials at the time of review. It does not guarantee future performance, pricing, savings, financing approval, or your individual experience. Always review proposals, warranties, and contracts before deciding.
Disclaimer: Solar Energy Nerds badge classifications are based on available documentation, installer-submitted information, public reputation research, and periodic review. A badge does not guarantee future performance, installation results, pricing, savings, financing approval, or customer experience. Homeowners should still review proposals, warranties, contracts, and installer qualifications before making a final decision.
Incentives now depend on your state, utility, and roof. Get a free, no-obligation estimate.
See My Solar Savings →Solar Energy Nerds provides general information, not tax or financial advice. Incentives and costs vary by state, utility, and household — verify current figures for your address before deciding.