Path-Q Solar

How should I review a solar contract's production estimate?

Answer

Check that the contracted production estimate identifies the system design, measurement period, assumptions, exclusions, and consequences if output is lower. Compare it with the proposal model and ensure the contract does not silently change the layout, equipment, shading assumptions, or customer obligations.

Key points

  • Confirm system size, equipment, layout, orientation, shading, losses, degradation, and expected annual and monthly output.
  • Determine whether the estimate is informational or a performance obligation.
  • Review how outages, weather, soiling, shading changes, equipment failure, and grid restrictions are treated.
  • Check any customer duties involving access, maintenance, consumption, monitoring, or notification of faults.

What it depends on

  • The final system design
  • The production model and data sources
  • The contract’s guarantee and exclusions
  • Monitoring and performance measurement rules

Risks and trade-offs

  • A contract may preserve a sales estimate without guaranteeing the result.
  • Broad exclusions can remove practical protection for underperformance.
  • Changes in design or equipment can make the signed estimate inconsistent with the installed system.

Information you may need

  • Final proposal and production report
  • Contract performance language
  • Equipment and layout schedule
  • Monitoring, maintenance, and remedy provisions

Your next step

What to do next

Ask the installer to attach the final design and production assumptions to the contract and explain the remedy for material underproduction.

Path-Q

Find the right next step

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

Loading…

SQ00777