1. Are you HPCN-certified?
Non-negotiable. As of June 2026, you need HPCN certification to process BC rebates. If they say "no" or "not yet," end the call.
Their answer:
☑ Yes ☐ No ☐ "Soon" (Red flag)
2. Can you show me 3 recent installations in my area (with photos)?
You want proof of local work. Photos should be before/after, with customer permission. Avoid generic stock images or installations from 2 years ago.
What they showed you:
☑ Real local projects ☐ Generic photos ☐ "We don't share customer photos"
3. What's your installation timeline? (Actual dates, not "next month")
Good installers book 4–8 weeks out. If they say "we can start next week," they're either lying or overbooked (both are red flags). Get specific dates.
Their timeline:
☑ 4–8 weeks specific dates ☐ "ASAP" or vague ☐ Next week (Red flag)
4. Who handles rebate applications? Can I keep copies?
Good installers submit BC rebates on your behalf AND give you copies for your records. If they say "we'll handle it" and disappear, you're vulnerable.
Their answer:
☑ "Yes, we submit + you get copies" ☐ "We submit, you don't need copies" ☐ "You handle it"
5. What happens if something breaks post-install?
Ask about warranty, service response time, and what's covered. 10-year compressor + 5-year parts is standard. Get it in writing.
Their warranty:
☑ Written 10-yr compressor + 5-yr parts ☐ Verbal promise ☐ "Not sure, the manufacturer handles it"
6. Is there an electrical panel upgrade needed? (Ask upfront, not day 1)
Good installers do an electrical assessment upfront and tell you if you need a panel upgrade ($1K–$3K extra). Bad installers surprise you during installation.
Their assessment:
☑ "We did an assessment. No/yes, here's the cost." ☐ "We'll know when we get there" (Red flag)
7. Can you provide a detailed, all-in written quote?
Should include: system cost, electrical work, permits, removal, rebate assumptions. Not just "solar system $12K."
Quote quality:
☑ Detailed itemized quote ☐ Vague "solar package $X" ☐ Refuses to quote in writing