Where ratings come from
Ratings come from several places: customer review sites, complaint records with agencies like the Better Business Bureau, industry surveys, and third‑party marketplaces that rate installers. Some ratings reflect thousands of customer responses; others are based on a smaller sample or an editor’s assessment. Remember that a high rating often reflects past performance in specific markets and may not translate to consistent results everywhere.
What ratings tell you — and what they don't
Ratings are useful for spotting red flags: frequent installer complaints, poor service response, or recurring system problems. They can also point to companies that handle paperwork and permitting smoothly. However, ratings usually don’t capture the details that matter most to cost and performance for your home: roof condition, shading, local permit processes, which equipment a salesperson recommends, or the exact financing you’ll qualify for. A top rating doesn’t guarantee the best price or the best match for your property.
How ratings affect price and service
Highly rated installers may charge more because of stronger brand recognition or more experienced crews; lower-rated installers may offer aggressive pricing but come with higher risk. Either way, pricing is not fixed by ratings alone. Your total cost and long‑term satisfaction depend on roof size and pitch, how much sun your site gets, local utility rates, available incentives, and installer skill. Ratings help you assign a risk level to a quote, but they don’t replace a site‑specific estimate.
How to use ratings when comparing quotes
1) Use ratings to shortlist companies. Look for consistent praise or common complaints rather than a single star score. 2) Check recent reviews for issues that matter to you—installation delays, cleanup, or post‑install support. 3) Ask shortlisted companies identical questions when you request quotes: expected system size, panel and inverter brands, estimated production, timeline, and who does the installation work. 4) Compare apples to apples: two quotes might use different panels, warranties, or permitting approaches. 5) Don’t rule out local installers with fewer reviews; a regional crew may be better suited to your neighborhood than a national brand like Sunrun, Sunnova, or Palmetto Solar, depending on where you live.