Path-Q Solar
What information should every solar quote include so I can compare it fairly?
Answer
Every quote should clearly identify the complete scope, system design, equipment, expected production, assumptions, price, payment terms, warranties, schedule, exclusions, and responsibilities. Without these details, apparent price or savings differences may simply reflect missing work or inconsistent assumptions.
Key points
- Include system size, layout, orientation, shading assumptions, estimated annual production, degradation, and modeling method.
- List panel, inverter, racking, battery, monitoring, and other major equipment by model or defined specification.
- Itemize design, permits, interconnection, structural and electrical work, roof work, taxes or fees, and change-order rules.
- State cash price, financing terms, incentives as assumptions rather than guarantees, payment milestones, cancellation rights, and warranties.
What it depends on
- Site conditions and requested system objectives
- Equipment and design selected
- Utility and permitting requirements
- Financing or ownership structure
Risks and trade-offs
- Different production estimates may use different weather, shading, degradation, or consumption assumptions.
- A quote that excludes site work or service obligations may appear artificially cheap.
- Promised savings are not comparable unless rate and export assumptions are identical.
Information you may need
- Annual and, if available, interval electricity use
- Roof, electrical, and shading information
- Complete contract and warranty documents
- Financing and incentive assumptions
Your next step
What to do next
Use a written comparison checklist and require each installer to fill every field or mark it explicitly as excluded or unknown.
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