diff --git a/client/zeth/core/contracts.py b/client/zeth/core/contracts.py
index 85201c57e..b1c4225af 100644
--- a/client/zeth/core/contracts.py
+++ b/client/zeth/core/contracts.py
@@ -117,7 +117,11 @@ def get_block_number(web3: Any) -> int:
 
 
 def install_sol() -> None:
-    solcx.install_solc(SOL_COMPILER_VERSION)
+    try:
+        solcx.install_solc(SOL_COMPILER_VERSION)
+    except solcx.exceptions.SolcInstallationError:
+        from solcx.install import compile_solc  # type: ignore
+        compile_solc(SOL_COMPILER_VERSION)
 
 
 def compile_files(files: List[str], **kwargs: Any) -> Any: