Compare your solar quotes

How to compare solar quotes correctly

Solar quotes are the hardest to compare in residential construction. System size in kW, panel wattage, inverter type, and whether a battery is included all swing the number dramatically. A $20,000 quote and a $35,000 quote may produce the same kWh — or not.

The single biggest hidden variable is the production guarantee. A contractor who won't guarantee annual kWh production in writing is selling you hardware, not results. Inverter choice (string vs microinverter vs optimizer) also affects long-term output if any panel ever shades.

Compare equipment warranty years, workmanship warranty, roof penetration warranty, and monitoring inclusion. Permits and utility interconnection fees should be itemized, not buried.

Most important fields to compare

• System size (kW DC)
• Panel brand, model & wattage
• Inverter type (string/micro/optimizer)
• Battery included & capacity
• Annual production guarantee (kWh)
• Equipment warranty (years)
• Workmanship warranty (years)
• Roof penetration warranty
• Permits & utility interconnection
• Monitoring system included
• Total net cost after incentives

Helpful Solar Guides

• Solar quote analyzer
• Solar cost guide

Popular metros for solar installation pricing

City pages with metro-specific solar installation cost ranges, contractor signals, and quote benchmarks.

• New York, NY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Phoenix, AZ
• Dallas, TX
• Atlanta, GA
• Denver, CO
• Seattle, WA
• Austin, TX