Before signing with a solar installation company in Arcadia, ask about their license, the equipment they plan to use, their production estimate, total price, financing options, warranties, roof coverage, permits, utility connection, and service after installation. Make sure you get every answer in writing from each company.

California law gives you certain rights before and after you sign a solar contract. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) explains these rights in its Solar Consumer Protection Guide. Read the guide first, then use the questions below to compare each offer.

Why the Questions You Ask Before Signing Matter

Panel performance warranties usually last 25 years, and residential leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) often last 20 to 25 years. The contract you sign now can affect your energy costs, monthly payments, and even future home sales.

The CPUC recommends that homeowners read its full guide before signing. State law says a salesperson must “show you the contract terms before you sign,” and your utility must collect your signed copy before connecting your new system.

Questions About the Company: License, Experience, and Who Does the Work

Vet the company with questions such as:

License: What is your Contractors State License Board (CSLB) number, and is it active?
Local Experience: Have you installed in Arcadia and worked with Southern California Edison (SCE)?
Crew and Insurance: Do employees or subcontractors install, and are they insured?
Certification: Is the lead installer North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified?

Make sure the company has a valid license and can provide references.

Questions About Equipment and System Design

Review the design by asking:

Equipment: Which panel and inverter models and warranties apply?
Production: Does the estimate include shading and losses?
Battery: Does the quote include a battery sized to my usage?
Roof and Panel: Did you check my roof, and does it include any panel upgrades?

Ask for datasheets and a written estimate.

Questions About Price, Financing and Incentives

Find the full cost by asking:

All-In Price: Does it include permits, upgrades, and roof repairs?
Financing: Is this cash, loan, lease, PPA, or Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), and what are the annual percentage rate (APR) and fees?
Home Sale: What happens to the agreement and warranties if I sell?
Savings: Which SCE rate plan and incentives does your estimate assume?

Request an itemized price and a breakdown of estimated savings.

Questions About the Contract, Warranties and Guarantees

Only written promises protect you. Review terms such as:

Workmanship: Does the warranty cover roof leaks at mounting points and for how long?
Production Guarantee: What happens if the system underperforms?
Substitution: Can equipment or prices change after I sign?
Cancellation: Does the contract state how and when to cancel?

Make sure you have the coverage details and warranty length in writing.

Questions About Permits, Timeline and Interconnection

At Solar Unlimited, we coordinate permits for every installation. Ask any installer:

Local Approvals: Who handles homeowners association (HOA) approval, City of Arcadia permits, and inspections?
Interconnection: Who files the SCE application?
Failed Inspections: Who fixes problems if an inspection fails?
Timeline: When will I receive permission to operate (PTO)?

After installation and inspection, do not turn on your system until SCE gives you written permission to operate (PTO).

Questions About Monitoring, Maintenance and Service

Ask about support, such as:

Monitoring: How do I track production, and can you see it?
Service: How fast do you respond, and who repairs?
Damage: What if storms or roof work damage the system?

Ask for the name of the monitoring app and how quickly the company will respond to service requests.

Red Flags to Watch for Before You Sign

Warning signs include:

No License Number: California requires it on contracts and bids.
Same-Day Pressure: “Today only” pricing rushes your review of the CPUC guide.
Verbal Promises: Unwritten terms are hard to enforce.
Unsupported Savings: “Free solar” claims hide real costs.
Outdated Tax Credit: Confirm any tax credit a quote promises, because federal solar incentives for homeowners have changed.

If you see any of these warning signs, stop before signing and report any unresolved issues to the CSLB.

Printable Checklist: 10 Questions to Bring to Every Arcadia Solar Consultation

Tick each item once answered in writing:

License: CSLB number verified
Crew: Employees or subcontractors
Price: All-in total
Production: Estimate method
Equipment: Models and warranties
Workmanship: Roof-leak coverage
Financing: APR, fees, and sale terms
Timeline: PTO schedule
Service: Response time
Cancellation: Written rights

Store this checklist with your contract for easy reference.

Why Arcadia Homeowners Can Trust This Guide

Solar Unlimited has served Southern California homeowners and businesses since 1980. We are a veteran-owned, family-operated solar company based in Arcadia, California, and our in-house team designs and installs residential solar energy systems across Los Angeles County and Ventura County.

Beyond panel installation, we offer solar pool heating, solar water heating, and repairs for all makes and models. We also maintain systems for years after installation, and homeowners can verify our contractor license number anytime on the official CSLB website.

Ask First, Sign Second

Check out the company’s license, get all answers in writing, and compare quotes using the same template before making a decision. These steps help you spot weak offers, avoid unexpected costs, and pick an installer whose contract matches what was promised. If you want a second opinion on a quote or a design for your home, we offer a free, no-obligation site assessment. You can learn more about working with a solar installation company in Arcadia and schedule a visit at your convenience.