New Customer Onboarding Checklist for Solar Installers

Solar shoppers call 2–4 companies. The first clear callback usually wins, especially near tax-credit deadlines and summer bill spikes.

Customers rarely say “kWh production is down.” You need their language to triage correctly (sales vs emergency service).

Permits and utility rules vary by area. You can’t quote timelines or schedule site surveys without knowing where the job sits.

This affects attachment method, safety setup, and whether a reroof is needed before panels go on.

You need usage history to size the system and to avoid overselling/underselling production expectations.

These can stop a project early. Catch them before you burn time on a full proposal.

If you don’t book the next step, the lead cools off and calls a faster competitor.

You can’t answer at height. This keeps you from losing $15k–$35k residential deals (or $50k–$200k commercial) to the first company that picks up.

You’ll need signed docs and permit info. Having clean contact data prevents delays later.

Interconnection and accurate savings estimates depend on real usage and account details.

Utilities and permitting often require proof the signer has authority to approve construction and interconnection.

These photos help you plan conduit runs, breaker space, and equipment placement before the site visit.

Some panels are known problems and may need replacement. Main service size affects backfeed limits and design.

Homeowners often care about appearance and where the inverter/battery sits. Commercial cares about downtime and access.

Commercial projects live or die on coordination, structural sign-off, and no-surprise shutdown windows.

Customers compare apples-to-apples. Clear numbers reduce confusion and “sticker shock.”

This prevents “you promised my bill would be $0” arguments later.

Most solar disputes are scope disputes. Put it in writing before deposit.

Customers think solar is a 1-day job. PTO can take weeks depending on the utility.

Solar contracts often tie payment to inspection/PTO. Clear milestones protect your cash flow.

Permitting and utility interconnection can’t start without signatures.

Your schedule fills fast during rate-hike news and tax-credit rushes. Lock the job in.

You need access to the panel, meter, and often attic/garage. Day-of blockers cause reschedules.

Missing a $20 breaker can delay a $35,000 job. Solar requires specific code labels and safety gear.

AHJs (inspectors) can fail you on labeling and setbacks even if the system works perfectly.

You’re working at height with electrical hazards. A written plan reduces injuries and job stoppages.

If the main panel can’t accept solar backfeed, you must solve it before install day.

This prevents frustration when they call during drilling and you don’t pick up.

Solar installs are disruptive. Clear timing reduces complaints and bad reviews.

One wrong conduit run can create costly patchwork and customer distrust.

Solar surprises happen inside walls/attics and under tiles. Documenting protects you and the homeowner.

It’s unsafe to answer calls at height. A single communicator keeps the customer informed without risking safety.

A surprise shutdown can damage trust, especially for home offices and commercial tenants.

Photos speed inspections, support warranties, and help if a callback happens months later.

If the customer knows what normal looks like, they’re less likely to panic-call about a blinking light.

You protect safety and still capture new $15k–$35k leads while drills are running.

Many customers think the system is live immediately. Clear guidance prevents angry calls.

Inspectors won’t wait. A missed inspection can add weeks to PTO.

Customers need one clear path for support, not a stack of manufacturer PDFs.

Most emergencies are “not producing” due to inverter faults, tripped breakers, or comms issues. Catch it early.

This reduces unnecessary service calls and helps real problems get reported fast.

Solar is a trust purchase. Reviews drive the next $50k–$200k commercial job and neighborhood referrals.

Recurring service keeps you top-of-mind and builds predictable revenue beyond new installs.