The short answer
- Hire a contractor with an active C-46 (Solar) or C-10 (Electrical) license; a B (General Building) license only covers solar as part of a job with other trades. Check it at the CSLB license lookup.
- A battery-only job (adding a battery to existing solar) needs a C-10; a C-46 may install a battery only with new solar, up to 80 kWh (CSLB, Apr 2024).
- Get three or more quotes and compare them by price per watt.
- Never pay more than $1,000 or 10% down, whichever is less.
Check the license
On the CSLB record, look for:
- Status: active. Expired, inactive or suspended licenses may not contract.
- The right class: C-46 or C-10 for solar. A B license may take a solar job only when it includes at least two unrelated trades, such as a reroof (B&P Code §7057).
- A bond: $25,000 since 2023, for consumers harmed by license-law violations (CSLB).
- Workers' comp on file, or an exemption if they have no employees.
- The salesperson: door-to-door and phone sellers must be registered Home Improvement Salespersons linked to the company; ask for the HIS number (CPUC guide).
Compare quotes the right way
- Price per watt (total price ÷ system watts) is the fairest comparison. Ask for it in writing with every quote.
- Equipment: panel and inverter or battery brand and model, and their warranties.
- Workmanship warranty: how many years, and who honors it if the company closes.
- Savings estimate: it must use your rate plan; the CPUC guide caps the rate increase a savings estimate may assume.
- Who does the work: the company's own crews or subcontractors.
Red flags
- A promise of a federal tax credit to a homeowner buying in 2026 (it ended for systems finished after 2025).
- "Free solar" or "government program" pitches.
- Pressure to sign today, or to sign on a tablet without reading.
- A down payment over $1,000 or 10%.
Complaints about solar contractors run in the thousands a year: CSLB received 2,263 in FY 2022/23, most about workmanship or abandoned jobs (CSLB). Know your rights before you sign.
Checked against official sources on Oct 1, 2026. Sources are linked in the text. Not legal, tax or financial advice.