Path-Q Solar
Before signing, how can I confirm who bears the cost if an installer's incentive estimate is wrong because I am ineligible?
Answer
Review the signed contract, proposal, incentive assumptions, disclaimers, change-order terms, financing documents, and any written guarantee to determine whether the installer bears the shortfall or you do. If the documents are unclear, do not rely on the estimate; obtain a written allocation of responsibility before signing.
Key points
- Look for language stating whether incentives are guaranteed, estimated, conditional, or solely the customer's responsibility.
- Check whether an incorrect incentive estimate permits cancellation, price adjustment, or no remedy.
- Confirm whether financing, deposits, cancellation fees, and tax or rebate assumptions remain binding if eligibility fails.
What it depends on
- Contract language and incorporated proposal documents
- Installer representations and written incentive guarantees
- Financing and payment terms
- The specific incentive rules and customer eligibility
- Applicable consumer-protection and contract law
Risks and trade-offs
- A verbal promise may not override a written disclaimer.
- The customer may owe the full contract price even if projected incentives are unavailable.
- A guarantee may have conditions, caps, exclusions, or financial limits.
Information you may need
- Final contract, proposal, addenda, and financing documents
- All incentive worksheets and written communications
- Eligibility evidence and official program rules
- Cancellation, change-order, and dispute provisions
Your next step
What to do next
Ask the installer to state in the contract who pays any incentive shortfall and whether you may cancel without penalty if eligibility is denied; obtain legal review if the amount is material.
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