10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar Installer in Jamaica

Choosing a solar installer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home or business. A good installation will save you money for 25 years. A bad one will cost you far more in repairs, underperformance, and frustration. Here are the 10 questions every Jamaican should ask before signing anything.

1. Are You JPS Approved?

Only JPS-approved installers can legally connect grid-tied systems to the JPS network. If a company is not JPS approved, you could end up with a system that cannot be legally connected or that voids your JPS agreement.

2. What Equipment Brands Do You Install?

Ask specifically about the inverter and battery brands. Proven brands in Jamaica include Deye, LuxPower, SRNE, and Schneider for inverters, and reputable LFP battery manufacturers for storage. Be wary of unknown brands with no local track record.

3. Can You Show Me Completed Projects in My Area?

A legitimate solar company will have a portfolio of completed installations. Ask to see projects similar to yours in size and type. Local references are even better — you can visit and speak to satisfied customers directly.

4. What Warranties Come With the System?

You should receive: a 25-year performance warranty on panels, a minimum 5-year warranty on the inverter, a 2–5 year warranty on the battery, and a labour warranty on the installation itself. Get all of this in writing before signing.

5. Is Your Quote All-Inclusive?

Some companies quote a low number and then add costs for transportation, JPS application fees, or “unexpected” materials during installation. Ask directly: is this quote the final price, with everything included?

6. Will You Handle the JPS Application?

For grid-tied systems, the JPS net billing application is technical and can take weeks. A professional installer handles this on your behalf. If a company expects you to manage it yourself, that is a red flag.

7. How Long Have You Been Operating in Jamaica?

Solar companies come and go. A company with 5+ years of operations in Jamaica has a track record, a reputation to protect, and the experience to handle the specific conditions — roofing types, weather, electrical infrastructure — you will encounter on the island.

8. Do You Offer System Monitoring?

Modern hybrid inverters include remote monitoring apps that show your real-time production, consumption and savings. Any good installer will set this up as part of commissioning. If they do not offer monitoring, you have no way to verify your system is performing correctly.

9. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Ask how they handle post-installation issues. Do they have a local team that can respond quickly? What is their process for warranty claims? A company based in Jamaica is far better positioned to support you than one that is hard to reach after the sale.

10. Can I See a Detailed, Itemised Quote?

A professional quote should break down every component — inverter, batteries, panels, mounting hardware, wiring, protection devices, labour, and any other costs. If a company gives you a single lump sum with no breakdown, walk away.