10 Questions You Must Ask Your Solar Installer (From Someone Living Off-Grid)

If you’re planning to live off-grid—or you already are—your solar system isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s your lifeline.

Your water pump, fridge, internet, lighting, work setup, and sometimes even heating depend on it. Which means choosing the right installer matters far more than flashy marketing or the cheapest quote.

After living off-grid and navigating the reality of solar systems that actually have to perform day in, day out, I can tell you this: most people don’t know what questions to ask—and that’s where expensive mistakes happen.

So here are the 10 questions I believe every off-grid or semi-off-grid household should ask before committing to a solar installer.

1. Do you use an in-house installation team?

This matters more than people realise. When a company uses its own installers, there’s accountability. The same people designing your system are responsible for installing it properly.

With subcontractors, things can get messy—miscommunication, rushed installs, and no one wanting to take responsibility if something goes wrong later. For an off-grid setup, that risk just isn’t worth it.

2. What qualifications do your installers actually have?

Solar isn’t just panels on a roof—it’s a full electrical system powering your entire life.

You want to know that a fully qualified electrician is involved, not just someone trained to bolt panels down. Poor wiring and incorrect installations are a genuine fire risk, especially when you’re running batteries and inverters 24/7.

If they can’t clearly explain their electrical certifications, that’s a red flag.

3. How much insurance cover do you have?

Accidents happen. Roof damage happens. Electrical faults happen.

Ask specifically about civil liability insurance and how much they’re covered for. Off-grid homes are often harder to access, more bespoke, and more expensive to repair—adequate insurance is non-negotiable.

4. Can I see real-life case studies?

Not stock photos. Not generic testimonials.

Ask for real installs: photos, videos, system specs, and ideally the chance to speak to a past client. Bonus points if they’ve worked with off-grid or rural properties before.

Experience matters when every kilowatt counts.

5. What warranties do you provide—not just the manufacturers?

Panels and batteries come with manufacturer warranties, but what about the install itself?

A workmanship warranty tells you whether the company is confident in their work and planning to be around long-term. Without it, good luck getting support when something fails three years down the line.

6. What happens after the system is installed?

This is huge for off-grid living.

Ask about:

• Ongoing support

• Fault troubleshooting

• Performance monitoring

• Who you contact when something stops working

Solar systems aren’t set-and-forget—especially off-grid ones. Support after installation can make the difference between stress and peace of mind.

7. Will you handle system legalisation and paperwork?

Even off-grid systems often need to meet regulations—especially if there’s any grid connection, feed-in, or future resale involved.

Make sure legalisation is included and handled by them, not passed off to a third party you’ll have to chase.

8. Will you do a proper site visit?

If someone quotes your system without stepping foot on your land, walk away.

An off-grid system must consider:

• Roof orientation

• Shading throughout the year

• Distance from panels to batteries

• Your lifestyle and usage patterns

No site visit = guesswork. Guesswork = disappointment.

9. How do you design the system specifically for my life?

If the only thing they look at is an electricity bill, that’s not enough.

Off-grid living is about how and when you use power. A good installer will ask about your daily routine, work setup, appliances, seasonal changes, and future plans—then design around that.

10. What savings—and limitations—should I realistically expect?

Be wary of vague promises.

A good installer should explain:

• Expected production across the year

• Battery limitations

• Seasonal dips

• When you may need to adapt usage

Honesty here is far more valuable than inflated savings claims.

Final Thoughts

Living off-grid is empowering—but only if your systems are designed properly.

Solar is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and asking the right questions upfront can save you years of frustration, wasted money, and system failures.

If an installer welcomes these questions and answers them clearly, you’re likely in safe hands. If they don’t? Trust your instincts and keep looking.

Your freedom depends on it.