Path-Q Solar

Should I request quotes for identical system sizes when comparing installers?

Answer

Requesting comparable system sizes is useful, but identical nameplate capacity alone is not enough. Compare designs using the same stated goals and assumptions while evaluating production estimates, equipment, layout, warranties, exclusions, financing, expected degradation, and total installed cost.

Key points

  • Different roof layouts, equipment ratings, shading assumptions, and setbacks can make equal capacity produce different results.
  • Ask each installer to state annual production, modeling assumptions, system losses, and any required electrical or roof work.
  • Compare cash price separately from financing cost and from optional storage or service packages.

What it depends on

  • Roof and shade constraints
  • Equipment and system architecture
  • Consumption and design objective
  • Contract and financing structure

Risks and trade-offs

  • Forcing every proposal to the same size can favor a design that fits poorly or ignores site constraints.
  • The lowest price per watt may not be the lowest total cost or best support arrangement.

Information you may need

  • Utility bills and design objective
  • Complete equipment lists
  • Production assumptions and warranties
  • Cash and financed pricing with exclusions

Your next step

What to do next

Give each installer the same information and request a standardized comparison table, while allowing them to explain any justified capacity difference.

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