Path-Q Solar
How can I tell whether a solar quote is complete enough to compare?
Answer
A quote is comparable only when it clearly identifies the proposed system, scope of work, assumptions, expected production, price, exclusions, and customer responsibilities. If important items are missing or expressed differently between quotes, request clarification before comparing totals.
Key points
- Check panel, inverter, racking, monitoring, storage, and other included equipment.
- Confirm system size, estimated production, shading assumptions, degradation assumptions, and the period modeled.
- Look for labor, permits, interconnection, roof or electrical work, warranties, taxes, and removal or repair exclusions.
- Separate guaranteed terms from estimates and marketing projections.
What it depends on
- Whether proposals use the same usage data and design assumptions
- Roof and electrical scope
- Whether batteries or backup functions are included
- Payment, warranty, maintenance, and change-order terms
Risks and trade-offs
- A lower headline price may exclude necessary work or equipment.
- Production estimates are not the same as savings guarantees.
- Unclear exclusions can create later change orders.
Information you may need
- Full written proposal and contract
- Equipment model numbers and quantities
- Production model and assumptions
- Itemized price, exclusions, warranties, and customer obligations
Your next step
What to do next
Put every proposal into the same comparison checklist and ask each provider to fill in missing scope, assumptions, and exclusions in writing.
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