Most installers are solid. But I've seen enough bad ones to know the patterns. Bait-and-switch pricing, upselling unnecessary batteries, cutting corners on paperwork—it adds up to thousands in lost money.
A homeowner gets a quote for $40K solar. Excited, they sign. Two weeks later, the installer calls: "We just realized your roof needs reinforcement. That's another $8K. And—this is important—you really should add a battery for $15K to protect your investment."
Roof reinforcement? Maybe legitimate. Maybe not. Battery? Almost never necessary for the BC Hydro rebate. But now the homeowner is $23K over budget and feels trapped.
This is the playbook: low initial quote, surprise add-ons mid-contract, pressure to upsize the system. It works because homeowners have already told their friends they're going solar. They feel committed.
If one installer quotes $35K and everyone else quotes $45K, ask why. Sometimes it's efficiency. Sometimes it's because they're planning to hit you with add-ons later. Get everything in writing upfront: system size, roof work, electrical upgrades, timeline, and the final price. No surprises.
I hear from homeowners all the time: "The installer said I had to get a battery to claim my rebate." False. BC Hydro's solar rebate ($5,000) works without a battery. The battery rebate is separate. If an installer is telling you a battery is mandatory, they're either misinformed or selling commission. Get a second opinion before adding $15K to your bill.
Good installers give you time to review documents. Bad ones say, "Sign today and we can start this week." Why the rush? Because they want you committed before you ask questions. Rebate paperwork is complex. Any installer worth hiring will walk you through it and give you a copy. If they're vague or hurried, that's a sign.
Ask for references. Specifically, ask for photos and performance data from 3–5 systems they've installed in your city in the last two years. A legitimate installer will have this. If they dodge the question or show you generic pictures, move on. You want someone with proven work in BC, not a salesperson who learned to install solar last year.
As of June 1, 2026, BC Hydro requires installers to be HPCN-certified (Home Performance Contractor Network) to process rebates. If an installer doesn't mention this, they're either not certified or they're planning to use someone else's license—both problems.
HPCN certification means they've passed a vetting process. It's not a guarantee they're perfect, but it's a real credibility check.
Most installers ask for a deposit (25-33%) to start, then final payment upon completion. If someone's asking for the full amount before they show up with a truck, that's a major red flag. You don't know if they'll finish, and you have no recourse if they disappear.
You can't fully trust a quote from an installer you just met. They have incentive to maximize their commission. Get 2–3 independent quotes. Compare price and approach: do they listen? Do they push add-ons? Do they have a track record?
Two quotes for the same size solar system can differ a lot, often because one bundles in a battery or upgrades you didn't ask for. Ask every installer to quote the same system size, with extras listed as separate line items, so you can compare fairly.
This is why HomePowerRebate exists. For every city, we list the top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews, so you can compare and choose. It's free for homeowners.
You're not locked into one. You see the options, read their track record, and make a call. No auctions. No pressure. Just honest installers who know we'll replace them if they mistreat you.
Get matched with vetted installers →Related articles and in-depth guides to understand your options better.
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Complete walkthrough of BC rebates, eligibility, installation, and what to expect post-install.
Once a month: new and changing rebate programs across every province and state we cover, plus what's new in heat pumps, solar and batteries. Short, sourced, no marketing.