Not all solar installers are the same — and in Missouri's growing solar market, it's increasingly important to know what separates a quality local installer from a national sales organization. Here's what to look for.

Certifications That Actually Matter

LG Solar, Enphase, and SolarEdge certified installers have undergone manufacturer training and must maintain quality standards to keep their certification. This certification is important because it unlocks enhanced manufacturer warranties — 25-year product/performance warranties that uncertified installers can't offer their customers. NABCEP certification (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is the industry's gold standard for installer competence.

National Sales Company vs. Local Installer

Many 'solar companies' are actually national lead generators that sell your project to local subcontractors. The salesperson who visits you may work for a company headquartered in California, with no permanent local office. When you call for a warranty issue in year 12, that company may not exist. A local installer — headquartered in the St. Louis metro, with a local office and local crew — has community accountability that national companies don't.

Red Flags to Avoid

Verbal-only estimates (demand written itemized proposals)
Pressure to sign same-day
No local office or crew — everything subcontracted
Oversized systems (always verify against your actual utility bills)
Warranty claims that aren't backed by the manufacturer in writing
No clear explanation of the 30