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What to look for on a solar quote
Solar quotes are dense with numbers that often confuse more than clarify. The metric that matters is dollars per watt — everything else (panels, inverter, tax credit estimates) should map back to that. Quotes ranging from $2.50/W to $5.00/W for similar systems are common.
DC watts of panel capacity. A typical residential system is 6–10 kW.
Gross cost / system size. Fair market: $2.50–$3.50/W in 2026. Above $4/W is a premium or padded quote; below $2.25/W warrants scrutiny.
e.g., 24 x REC Alpha Pure 400W = 9.6 kW. Premium: REC, SunPower, Q Cells. Mid: LG, Panasonic, Hanwha. Budget: ZNSHINE, Trina.
Microinverters (Enphase IQ8): more expensive but panel-level optimization. String inverter + optimizers (SolarEdge): mid-tier. String only: cheapest but shade-sensitive.
Flush-mount (asphalt/shingle), tile hooks, ground-mount. Brand matters: IronRidge, Unirac are quality.
Based on roof orientation, pitch, shading, and local solar irradiance. Should be tied to a shading analysis tool (Helioscope, Aurora).
How much of your current electric usage the system will cover. 100% offset is the common target; above 110% is wasted for net-metered customers.
30% of gross system cost through 2032. Should be clearly shown as a separate line, not bundled into net price.
Vary by state. Should be itemized if applicable.
Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring, etc. Should be included free or itemized.
Panels: 25-year production + 25-year product (premium) vs 12-year product (budget). Inverter: 12–25 yrs. Workmanship: 10–25 yrs. Roof penetration: 10 yrs minimum.
Red flags in a solar quote
A $199/month solar lease or loan can mean $80,000 total cost over 25 years. Always ask for the gross cash price and $/watt first.
Some sales tactics bundle the 30% federal tax credit into the price as if the contractor is giving a discount. The credit is YOUR credit (requires filing IRS Form 5695) — you get it whether you buy from this contractor or another.
Leases transfer the tax credit to the leasing company, tie up your roof for 20–25 years, and often make homes harder to sell. Cash purchase or loan almost always wins financially.
A real quote includes a shading report (pylon/trees/other roofs). If the production estimate is "based on your roof size" with no site analysis, it's guess-work — expect 15–30% lower actual production.
In partial-shade sites, a string inverter without optimizers can lose 20–40% of production when one panel is shaded. Enphase microinverters or SolarEdge DC optimizers are worth the premium on shaded roofs.
Net-metering rules in most states don't credit for over-production. Any system sized above 110% of current usage is wasted money unless you have a specific near-term EV/pool/HVAC addition.
Solar installers drill into your roof. A legitimate quote inspects roof age and structure, offers a 10-year minimum roof penetration warranty, and flags re-roofing if the existing roof is 15+ years old.
Solar incentives don't disappear overnight. Federal tax credit is in place through 2032. Any "price good today only" tactic is sales pressure, not market reality.
Common hidden costs and change orders
These items are often missing from the initial solar quote and show up later as change orders or surprise fees. Ask about each before signing.
- Electrical panel upgrade if main panel is undersized ($2,000–$5,000)
- Main service upgrade (meter / drop) for larger systems ($1,500–$3,000)
- Tree trimming / removal for shade ($500–$3,000)
- Roof replacement before install if roof is old ($8,000–$20,000)
- Battery storage (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery): $12,000–$25,000 per battery
- HOA application and permits in some neighborhoods
- Interconnection and meter swap fees from utility