Key Takeaway
Pick an installer who visits your property, sizes the system from your actual electric bill, tells you the exact brands, puts every warranty in writing, handles the permits and net metering, and has a team near you for after-sales support. Then compare quotes line by line, not just by the total price.
What should I check before hiring a solar installer?
Most solar problems we hear about could have been avoided with a few checks before signing. Here's what we'd look for if we were in your shoes.
- They come to your property. A proper quote needs someone to look at your roof (direction, shade, condition) and your electrical panel. A final price over chat, without a visit, is a guess.
- They ask for your electric bill. The system size should come from how much power you actually use, and when you use it. If they don't ask, they're selling a package, not designing a system.
- They explain why grid-tie, hybrid or off-grid. The answer should depend on how often you get brownouts and what you need. More on that in grid-tie vs hybrid vs off-grid.
- They name the brands. You should know the exact panel, inverter and battery models before you pay anything. "High-quality panels" isn't a brand.
- Warranties are written down. Panels come with a product warranty and a performance warranty (usually 25 years or more). The inverter and battery have their own. On top of that, ask for a workmanship warranty that covers the installation itself.
- The quote is itemized. Panels, inverter, battery, accessories, and installation details should each be listed.
- They are a legitimate, registered company. Verify that the installer is a legally registered business with the necessary permits and licenses, and that they operate from a physical office you can visit if needed. This helps protect you from unregistered or illegal installers who may disappear if warranty or service issues arise.
- There's a team near you. If the inverter shows an error, how fast can someone get there? This matters even more outside Metro Manila.
- They can show you real projects. Ask for photos of systems they've installed, ideally in your area, and look up their Google reviews.
- They offer maintenance. Panels need cleaning and the system needs the occasional check. Ask what's included after installation, and for how long.
What should I ask during the site visit?
- How much will my bill go down, and how did you get that number?
- How many years until the system pays for itself?
- What happens during a brownout with this setup?
- What exactly do the warranties cover, and who do I call if something breaks?
- Can I add a battery or more panels later?
- What payment options do you have?
What are the red flags?
- A final price before anyone has seen your roof or your bill.
- A system way bigger than your usage, or so small it barely touches your bill.
- No brand names on the quote.
- Warranties that are only promised verbally.
- Pressure to pay in full right away, or a price far below every other quote.
- No office or local team you can actually visit.
How we do it at Onsolar
We've done 200+ installations since 2021 for homes, resorts and businesses, with branches in Makati, Coron, Siargao, Boracay, Dumaguete and Bantayan. Every project starts with a free site visit, and we size the system to what you actually use. Installations come with a 5-year workmanship warranty, and our local teams handle after-sales support.
Want a plan for your own home or business?
Free site visit and a custom proposal. Branches in Makati, Coron, Siargao, Boracay, Dumaguete and Bantayan.
Get Free Solar QuoteCommon questions
How many solar quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough. Compare them by system size, battery size, brands, warranties and after-sales support, not only the price.
Do I need permits to install solar panels in the Philippines?
It depends on your LGU and your utility. If you want net metering, you need to apply with your utility or electric cooperative and submit electrical plans. Your installer should prepare these.
How long does installation take?
A typical home takes 1 to 4 days once the materials are on site. Bigger commercial and resort projects take longer. Net-metering approval is a separate step and can take a few weeks.