Path-Q Solar

How can I compare solar quotes when the equipment and system sizes are different?

Answer

Normalize the quotes by comparing the same service scope, usable capacity, expected annual production, self-consumption, export, installed cost, financing, warranties, and operating assumptions. Do not compare total price or nominal system size alone.

Key points

  • Record module, inverter, battery, racking, monitoring, and electrical-service specifications.
  • Compare modeled production with the same weather, shading, degradation, and loss assumptions where possible.
  • Calculate price per relevant output measure, but retain total cost and contract scope as primary checks.
  • Identify omitted items such as structural work, permits, interconnection, roofing, monitoring, maintenance, and tax or incentive assumptions.

What it depends on

  • System design and site conditions
  • Equipment ratings and warranties
  • Production model
  • Load profile and export treatment
  • Financing and included scope

Risks and trade-offs

  • A larger system may not provide proportionally greater value if exports are low-value or limited.
  • Higher-efficiency equipment may cost more without improving the site's economic outcome.
  • Production estimates are forecasts, not guarantees, unless specific guarantees are contractually defined.

Information you may need

  • Itemized scope and equipment list
  • Annual production and loss assumptions
  • Utility bill and export terms
  • Gross and financed prices
  • Warranty and service documents

Your next step

What to do next

Ask each installer to complete the same comparison template and review discrepancies in output, scope, price, and assumptions before selecting a proposal.

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SQ00331