Path-Q Solar

Should I avoid signing a solar contract before the final site survey?

Answer

Avoid signing an unconditional final contract before the site survey if important design, roof, electrical, structural, or price assumptions remain unverified. If signing earlier is necessary, make it conditional on a satisfactory survey, clearly defined scope and price changes, financing and cancellation rights, and your approval of the final design.

Key points

  • A preliminary quote may not reveal panel-space limits, roof repairs, electrical upgrades, difficult access, or shading.
  • The contract should state what happens if the survey changes system size, equipment, schedule, or price.
  • Do not rely on verbal assurances about allowances, cancellation, or included work.
  • The final design should identify equipment, layout, expected production assumptions, electrical work, and responsibilities.

What it depends on

  • Whether the site survey has been completed
  • Contract cancellation and change-order terms
  • Materiality of roof and electrical uncertainties
  • Financing, deposit, and price-lock terms
  • Consumer and contract protections that apply

Risks and trade-offs

  • Signing early may reserve pricing or scheduling but can reduce leverage when unknown work appears.
  • Refusing to sign until every detail is known may delay the project or expire a quote.
  • A vague survey contingency may not protect the homeowner unless approval and exit rights are explicit.

Information you may need

  • Preliminary quote and proposed contract
  • Site-survey scope and timing
  • List of unresolved roof, electrical, and structural assumptions
  • Cancellation, deposit, financing, and change-order provisions

Your next step

What to do next

Ask for a conditional agreement or written survey contingency that lets you approve the final design and price before work or financing becomes binding.

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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