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Questions for your installer (printable)
Choosing a solar or battery installer can feel like a lot, especially if you are comparing different equipment, prices, and promises. This free printable gives you a clear list of questions to ask so you can slow down, take notes, and compare bids in plain language.
What’s in the printable
This download is a simple homeowner worksheet you can bring to calls, home visits, or bid reviews. It is made to help you ask better questions before you agree to anything in writing.
Inside, you will find organized question prompts about the parts of a solar-plus-storage project that usually matter most: system size in kW, battery capacity in kWh, expected backup for essential loads, roof condition, permits, timeline, warranties, monitoring, and total project scope. It also includes space to write down each installer’s answers so you can compare them side by side later.
The checklist is not a sales pitch and it is not technical homework. It is a plain-language tool for homeowners who want to understand what is being proposed, what is included, and what still needs clarification.
It is also available in 10 languages, which can help if you want to review the questions with family members or feel more comfortable discussing the project in another language.
How to use it when you compare bids
The easiest way to use the worksheet is to print one copy for each installer you speak with. Ask the same core questions every time. That makes it easier to compare what each company is actually offering, instead of trying to sort through different presentations from memory.
Use the printable before you sign anything, not after. Good times to use it include your first consultation, a site visit, a proposal review, or a follow-up call after you receive a quote. If an answer is vague, write that down too. A clear proposal should explain the equipment, scope, assumptions, and next steps in writing.
Helpful areas to compare include:
- Proposed solar size in kW
- Battery capacity in kWh
- Which circuits or appliances would have backup power
- Rough backup duration for essential loads, if the battery is charged
- Whether roof work is needed before installation
- What is included in the quoted price and what is not
- Warranty coverage for equipment and workmanship
- Permits, inspections, and utility interconnection steps
- Estimated timeline ranges, knowing timing can vary by city, utility, and project details
If you want to speak with local installers, Voltariva can help through its free matching service at get matched. Voltariva is not an installer and does not design, finance, sell, or install systems. Homeowners compare options and choose what fits their home.
Questions this worksheet helps you ask
A lot of homeowners are told broad things like “this should cover your usage” or “the battery will keep you running,” but those phrases are not enough on their own. The printable helps you turn general claims into specific questions you can understand.
For solar, it prompts you to ask how many kW are being proposed, why that size was chosen, what roof areas will be used, and whether shade, roof age, or panel layout could affect performance. For batteries, it prompts you to ask how many kWh of storage are included, what loads are planned for backup, and how long those essentials may run under normal conditions.
It also covers practical homeowner questions that often get skipped:
- Is my roof in good enough shape for this project?
- If roof work is recommended, should that happen before solar?
- Who handles permits, inspections, and utility paperwork?
- What monitoring app or portal will I use?
- What happens if equipment is delayed or changed?
- What maintenance is expected from me?
- What warranties apply, and who stands behind them?
That matters because proposals can look similar at first glance while including very different equipment, installation details, and warranty support. The worksheet helps you slow the process down and ask for written clarity where needed. For more beginner-friendly reading, you can also visit our guides or browse other homeowner resources in tools.
Who this is for and what to do next
This resource is for homeowners who are just starting to learn, people comparing multiple bids, and families trying to decide whether solar, a battery, or both make sense for their home. It is especially useful if you want a calmer, more organized way to talk through the project without feeling rushed.
It can also help if your home may need roof work first. A solar project depends on the roof being ready for the equipment it will carry for years. If an installer says your roof condition affects the project, use the worksheet to ask what they observed, what they recommend, and whether that recommendation is required before installation.
A few good habits as you use the checklist:
- Ask whether the installer is licensed and insured in your area
- Verify license, insurance, and warranty details yourself
- Ask for final scope, equipment, and pricing in writing before work starts
- Review any assumptions about roof condition, electrical work, and backup loads
- Keep copies of proposals, notes, and any revisions
If you choose to request help through Voltariva’s free matching service, you will be asked for contact information and project details, and by submitting a request you agree to be contacted about your inquiry. From there, you can compare local licensed installers, ask your questions, and decide what, if anything, you want to move forward with.
In plain English
This printable helps you ask clear questions, take better notes, and compare installer bids without pressure.
Always hire licensed, insured installers — and verify the license, insurance, and warranties yourself.
Common questions
Is this checklist really free?
Yes. It is a free homeowner resource from Voltariva.
Does the printable tell me which installer to choose?
No. It helps you ask better questions and compare answers, but the decision is yours.
Will it tell me my exact system size, price, or savings?
No. Real project details depend on your roof, energy use, equipment, battery setup, local rates, and available incentives. Confirm all numbers in writing with the installer.
Does Voltariva install solar or batteries?
No. Voltariva is a free matching service that helps homeowners understand their options and connect with local licensed installers.