Trust is the number one hesitation we hear from BC homeowners considering solar — not "does it work," but "will I get taken advantage of." Fair worry. Here are the patterns worth watching for before you sign anything.
1. Pressure to sign today
"This price is only good if you sign right now" is a sales tactic, not a real constraint. Legitimate installers can hold a quote for a reasonable period. If someone's pushing same-day signatures, slow down.
2. Vague or shifting rebate promises
An installer should be able to tell you exactly which BC Hydro rebate categories your specific system qualifies for — solar amount, battery amount, whether it's HPCN-certified work — not a rounded-up "up to $10,000, probably" without specifics tied to your equipment.
3. No mention of the approved equipment list
If a battery brand isn't on BC Hydro's approved list, your rebate on that component is zero. An installer who doesn't proactively confirm this — especially if they're recommending a well-known brand like Tesla — is either uninformed or hoping you won't check.
4. No HPCN certification, or certification they can't show you
As of June 1, 2026, HPCN certification is mandatory for the rebate to apply. Ask directly, and ask for proof if you're not sure.
5. A single quote with no comparison basis
You don't need five competing bids, but you should understand what a reasonable price range looks like for your system size before signing. If a quote is dramatically higher or lower than what similar homes in your area are paying, ask why specifically.
6. Reluctance to explain sizing
Your installer should be able to explain, in plain terms, why they're proposing a system of a specific size — based on your roof, your usage, and your goals. "This is what everyone gets" is not an answer.
Why we only work with one vetted installer per city: instead of asking you to screen five companies yourself, we do that vetting up front — HPCN certification, approved equipment, transparent pricing — so you're not the one running background checks on a $30,000 decision.
Skip the guesswork
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