Shortlist Solar FAQ — asked already, answered here.

Shortlist Solar is free for homeowners and routes every inquiry to a maximum of three vetted installers. The questions below cover matching, incentives, installer vetting, and what happens after the quote.

How it works

Is the service free for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners pay nothing, and we limit each inquiry to a maximum of three installers. We're built for quality, not volume.
How are installers vetted?
Every installer we onboard is vetted — a current state contractor license, typically 2+ years in business with a track record of decent reviews, and manufacturer certification (Tesla, FranklinWH, Enphase, SolarEdge, Sigenergy) where the job calls for it. All applications are reviewed manually.
Will I be spammed by 20 different installers?
No. We route each inquiry to a maximum of three installers. After that, no further installers receive your details. This is a structural rule, not a marketing promise.
How are installers matched to me?
Based on your ZIP code, the type of system you want (solar, battery, or both), and which installers actively service your area. You only see installers who can genuinely quote your job.
How many quotes will I get?
Up to three. Each matched installer contacts you directly to arrange a site check and quote; you compare them side by side and choose, or walk away.
Are the quotes obligation-free?
Yes. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. Compare them, ask questions, walk away if you want. You're in control.
What if I'm not happy with the installers I'm matched with?
Let us know. We track installer quality and can re-route your inquiry if there's a genuine issue with the match.

Incentives

Is there still a federal tax credit for a home battery?
Not for systems placed in service from January 1, 2026. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRC §25D) ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025 under Public Law 119-21. A quote for a 2026 install that still shows a 30% federal credit needs re-pricing.
Are there state or utility battery incentives?
Some states and utilities run their own programs. This site lists a program only once it has been checked against the program’s own page — if your state has no incentive page here, no program has been verified for it yet. Ask each installer what your utility offers and to show you the program page.
Does an incentive change which installer I should choose?
No. Incentives are the same whoever installs the system; the design, the panel work and the commissioning are what differ between installers, and they are what we vet for.

Installer quality and vetting

How are installers vetted?
Every installer we onboard is vetted — a current state contractor license, typically 2+ years in business with a track record of decent reviews, plus manufacturer certification (Tesla, FranklinWH, Enphase, SolarEdge, Sigenergy) where the job calls for it. All applications are reviewed manually.
What happens if I’m unhappy with my matched installers?
Tell us. We track installer quality. If there’s a genuine issue with the match — they didn’t call, they quoted off-scope, or the workmanship was substandard — we can re-route your inquiry and the installer accountability is recorded.
How does the service make money if homeowners pay nothing?
Installers may be charged per qualified inquiry once the network is established; homeowners never pay. Either way, a lead that was genuinely uncontactable is never counted against an installer, so nobody has an incentive to chase a bad match.
Why max 3 installers and not more?
When 10+ installers chase one inquiry, the cheapest quote wins almost every time. That selects for the cheapest installer, not the best installer. Capping at 3 lets quality installers compete on design, warranty, and service — and stops you getting spam-called for weeks.

Quotes and what happens next

How many quotes will I get?
Up to 3. Each matched installer contacts you directly to arrange a site check and quote; you compare them side by side.
Are the quotes obligation-free?
Yes. Compare them, ask questions, walk away if you want. You’re in control. We don’t take a cut of the system you buy.
What if the installer doesn’t turn up or follow through?
Tell us — we track installer quality history. Repeated no-shows or substandard workmanship gets installers removed from the network.
Can I see who’s in the installer network?
We don’t publish public installer leaderboards (other directories do — we don’t play that game because public rankings get gamed). You see your matched installers after you submit your inquiry, before any contact happens.

ZIP code in, up to 3 vetted installers out. Free for homeowners, no obligation. How it works · FAQ · Federal incentives · Battery brands