California residential solar reps are paid almost exclusively as 1099 contractors. Pay is per-install, not hourly, and the structure breaks into four pieces: net commission, performance bonuses, draws, and chargebacks.
The largest piece. The rep's organization collects a redline (the install partner's base price) and a dealer fee on top. Anything sold above redline is split with the rep — usually 60% to 90% to the rep depending on tier. At SolarCEO, the typical net commission on a clean install runs in the low-to-mid five figures per deal for strong reps.
Most organizations stack monthly install bonuses, recruiting bonuses (when the rep brings on another producing rep), and per-install spiffs for clean documentation. SolarCEO pays a $1,000 per-install recruiting override (capped) when a recruited rep installs.
Because install timelines are long (30–60 days from sale to install, plus 60–90 days to commission deposit), some organizations offer a draw — an advance against future commissions. Reps should treat draws as debt, not income.
If a deal cancels after commission is paid, the unearned portion is charged back. Reps protect against this by setting honest expectations on site survey, permitting, and HOA timelines.
Industry standard: 60–90 days after the install completes (not after the sale). Some organizations pay milestone splits — for example 50% at install, 50% at PTO (permission to operate).
On a clean residential install, a strong California rep typically earns between $3,000 and $8,000+ in net commission per deal, depending on system size, financing, and the rep's tier. SolarCEO reps quote real numbers on the Tuesday demo.
Almost always 1099 independent contractors. Reps are responsible for their own taxes, vehicle, phone, and HIS license.
The minimum price the rep's organization will accept on a deal. The rep keeps a share of anything sold above redline; below redline, the deal usually does not pay.
Not as 1099 contractors. Most reps build their own healthcare, retirement, and disability coverage. Some organizations partner with PEOs for optional benefits.
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Updated 2026-05-27. SolarCEO™ is a rep-facing platform; homeowner-facing services are operated under California Energy Advisor Group (CEAG) and gosolar.pro.