Installers ask almost every customer to sign an assignment form. It is not a trick, but it is a transaction, so it deserves a short moment of thought.
Why assigning is usually the right call
- You get the value immediately. The STC value is already off the price, so you do not wait for a payment.
- No registry work. The installer or agent creates the certificates and carries compliance risk.
- No market risk. If STC prices dip, that is the buyer’s problem. At the time of writing STCs trade at roughly $38 to $40; a zone 3 6.6 kW system earns about 45 in 2026, so $1,710 to $1,800 of value is at stake.
What you should check before you sign
- The number of STCs on the quote. Match it to our STC calculator.
- The dollar value per STC and the total discount. A figure modestly below spot is normal, since the installer carries cash flow and compliance.
- That the form is complete, with the correct address, system size and installation date. Never sign a blank form.
- That the quote total is net of the discount, not a price you pay now and get “refunded” later.
Our guide to the assignment form goes through each field, and what to do when an installer wants you to sign covers the conversation.
What happens if you refuse
Refusing is allowed. Practically:
- The installer will quote the full price without the STC discount, since they will not receive the certificates that fund it.
- You must register, create and sell the STCs yourself, within the time limits set by the regulator; see selling your own STCs.
- You carry the cash-flow gap and the risk of a rejected claim.
- Some installers will decline the job, because their pricing is built around the STC value.
A refusal makes sense only when the installer’s STC value is clearly lower than the market, and they will not explain or adjust it.
What this means for you
Assign when the quote is transparent, the STC number checks out and the installer is reputable. If anything is hazy, ask for the numbers in writing first. You can also assign to a different agent in some cases. See the homeowners pillar. Installers can see STC trading, pricing and how it works.
Common questions
Is a bigger discount always better? Not if the system or installer is poor. Compare equipment, warranty and accreditation along with the STC value. Does assigning affect other incentives? Not the federal STCs; check state schemes separately.