Path-Q Solar

How should I compare solar payback when one quote includes roof work and another does not?

Answer

Normalize both quotes to the same project scope before comparing payback. Add the expected cost of required roof work to the quote that excludes it, while distinguishing roof work caused by solar from roof work you would undertake independently.

Key points

  • Compare total installed project cost, not just the solar contract price.
  • Separate necessary roof repair or replacement from optional upgrades and unrelated maintenance.
  • Check whether removal, storage, and reinstallation of panels are included in future roof work assumptions.
  • Use the same production, degradation, utility-price, financing, and incentive assumptions for both quotes.

What it depends on

  • Whether roof work is required before installation
  • Scope, quality, warranty, and timing of the roof work
  • Whether the roof work would occur without solar
  • System size, production, financing, and other quote inclusions

Risks and trade-offs

  • A low solar quote may become more expensive after required roof work is added.
  • Deferring necessary roof work can create removal, damage, and warranty risks.
  • Including unrelated roof improvements in solar payback can make the solar investment appear worse than it is.

Information you may need

  • Itemized scopes and exclusions from both quotes
  • Independent assessment of roof condition and remaining life
  • Expected roof-work cost and whether it is required now
  • Common financial assumptions used in each quote

Your next step

What to do next

Create a normalized comparison showing solar-only cost, required roof cost, optional roof cost, and combined payback under identical assumptions.

Path-Q

Find the right next step

Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.

Loading…

SQ00745