Path-Q Solar

How can a homeowner compare solar contracts that use different definitions of system completion?

Answer

Rewrite each contract’s completion definition into the same checklist and compare when installation, testing, approvals, utility operation, monitoring, documents, payment, and warranty coverage actually begin.

Key points

  • Distinguish physical installation from inspection, approval, commissioning, and permission to operate.
  • Check whether final payment is due before the system is producing and monitored.
  • Compare remedies for missing equipment, failed tests, delayed approvals, and incomplete documentation.
  • Confirm when performance guarantees, workmanship warranties, and service obligations start.

What it depends on

  • Contract wording and project milestones
  • Required inspections, approvals, and utility processes
  • Payment schedule, financing terms, and installer responsibilities

Risks and trade-offs

  • A broad completion definition may shift delay or approval risk to the homeowner.
  • A later completion milestone may protect the homeowner but affect installer pricing or scheduling.
  • Paying in full before commissioning can reduce leverage if defects remain.

Information you may need

  • Full contract, scope, exclusions, and change-order terms
  • Milestone schedule and payment requirements
  • Inspection, approval, commissioning, and monitoring deliverables
  • Warranty and dispute-resolution provisions

Your next step

What to do next

Create a side-by-side milestone table and ask each installer to revise ambiguous completion and payment language in writing.

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