Three-Quote Solar Comparison
Solar salespeople count on you comparing monthly payments instead of the whole deal. This worksheet puts three quotes side by side on the things that actually matter: production, price per watt, financing, and contract terms: so you can see the real differences. Fill it in, then print or save it before you talk to anyone.
Tip: use your real 12-month usage from your utility bill, not an estimate a salesperson gives you. Our Solar Watch tool can size a system from these numbers.
The three quotes, side by side
Get at least three. Insist each one quotes the same job (same offset goal, battery or no battery) so it's apples-to-apples.
| Line item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installer / company | |||
| SYSTEM & PRODUCTION | |||
| System size (DC kW) | |||
| First-year production estimate (kWh) | |||
| Production guarantee? (Y/N + terms) | |||
| Annual degradation assumed (%) | |||
| Panel make / model | |||
| Inverter make / model | |||
| Shading assumption | |||
| Battery: usable kWh (not advertised) | |||
| PRICE & FINANCING | |||
| Cash price | |||
| Financed price (total) | |||
| Price per watt (price 梅 watts) | |||
| Dealer / finance fee | |||
| APR | |||
| Loan term (years) | |||
| Total of all payments | |||
| Prepayment terms | |||
| Estimated annual utility savings | |||
| Simple payback (years) | |||
| CONTRACT & PROVIDER | |||
| Installer license # / state | |||
| Who actually installs (in-house/sub)? | |||
| Workmanship warranty (years) | |||
| Roof-penetration warranty | |||
| Removal/reinstall cost (for roof work) | |||
| Lease/PPA escalator (% per year) | |||
| Transfer terms (if you sell/PCS) | |||
| Cancellation deadline | |||
| Who services it if installer closes? | |||
Before you sign: red-flag checklist
Check each box once you've confirmed it. Empty boxes are your to-do list.
- I got at least three quotes for the same scope.
- I ran my own PVWatts estimate and the installer's number is in range.
- I know the cash price AND the financed price, and calculated the gap.
- I verified the installer's license and that they're authorized for these panels.
- I know my roof's remaining life (and whether to re-roof first).
- I confirmed my utility's net-metering rules (it changes the payback).
- I checked DSIRE (dsireusa.org) for my state/utility incentives.
- I understand that a homeowner-owned system placed in service in 2026 does not qualify for the federal Section 25D residential credit; a qualifying third-party owner may have separate business-credit eligibility, which does not guarantee an equivalent discount to me.
- I asked about a veteran/military discount.
- If I might PCS or sell, I understand the transfer terms.
- I will notify my homeowner's insurer.
- There is NO "today only" pressure: I'm taking the time I need.
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