Solar Quote FAQ: How to Evaluate a Solar Quote

A complete quote should list the system size in kilowatts (kW), the exact panel, inverter and any battery make and model, the estimated annual production in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the total price and price per watt, every warranty (product, performance and workmanship), who handles permits and utility interconnection, the payment schedule, and an expected timeline. If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing.

Put them side by side on the same basis: price per watt, estimated production per dollar, equipment quality, warranty length and who services it, and the assumptions behind the savings estimate (your usage, utility rates, shading and roof orientation). The cheapest quote is not always the best value, and the highest production estimate is not always the most realistic.

Ask how it was calculated, for example with a modeling tool such as NREL’s PVWatts and a shading analysis of your roof or site. Compare the estimate with the last 12 months of your utility bills. Be cautious of estimates that assume no shading, unusual panel output, or utility rate increases that are not explained.

It depends on your utility’s rate structure (for example time-of-use pricing and how exported power is credited), how often you lose power, and what you need to keep running in an outage. Ask the installer which circuits the battery will back up and for roughly how long.

With cash or a loan, you own the system. With a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), a third party owns it and you pay for the equipment or the energy it produces. Read the term, any annual price escalator, who maintains the system, and what happens if you sell the property. This page is general information, not financial advice.

Are you licensed and insured in my state? Will your own crew do the installation, or a subcontractor? How long have you been in business, and can I speak with nearby customers? Who handles warranty claims and monitoring after installation? What happens if the roof needs work during the life of the system?

Pressure to sign the same day, vague equipment descriptions, savings promises without stated assumptions, offers of ‘free solar’, and large upfront deposits before permits are approved are all reasons to slow down and get a second quote.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar products built into the building itself, such as roofing or canopy materials, instead of panels mounted on top. American-made BIPV is the standard offering in the GoBien solar provider network.

GoBien offers a free energy analysis for homes and businesses, and is building a directory of GoBien licensed, locally owned solar businesses you can contact.