Path-Q Solar

What should I check if a solar quote promises savings without showing expected production?

Answer

Treat the savings claim as unsubstantiated until the quote shows expected production, the assumptions used, and how production is translated into bill savings.

Key points

  • Request annual and monthly production estimates, system size, shading assumptions, losses, and degradation assumptions.
  • Check the electricity-use baseline, rate structure, export treatment, escalation assumptions, and any financing or operating costs.
  • Ask for a production model and compare it with an independent estimate or a second proposal using the same assumptions.

What it depends on

  • The site's orientation, shading, roof condition, and system design
  • Historical electricity use and future load changes
  • Applicable utility billing and export rules

Risks and trade-offs

  • Savings can be overstated by assuming higher production, higher future rates, or favorable export treatment.
  • A production guarantee may differ from a savings guarantee.
  • A low savings estimate may reflect conservative assumptions rather than poor equipment.

Information you may need

  • Production estimate and modeling assumptions
  • Recent utility bills and the rate structure used
  • System price, financing terms, operating costs, and degradation assumptions
  • Treatment of excess generation

Your next step

What to do next

Ask the seller for a written production-and-savings calculation with every input disclosed before relying on the savings claim.

Path-Q

Find the right next step

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

Loading…

SQ02105