Both national and some local companies are using sub-contractors that do not carry liability insurance, workman’s comp or licenses and typically do not reveal they are subcontractors. Yes Solar has had many installers on our payroll that came from competitors where they were 1099 subcontractors and the customer was unaware. Any installer that touches your array must be working under an electrical license and almost all subcontractors do not. Also, a subcontractor has little to no incentive to do quality work, since they are paid by how many panels they install that day and someone else will have to remedy it if it is not correct or quality.