Put the same details side by side.
Ask each provider for a written proposal. A monthly payment alone does not tell you whether two offers include the same equipment or work. Use this table to organize the information you receive.
| Compare | Look for | Ask the provider |
|---|---|---|
| System | Capacity in kW and the exact panel and inverter models. | Are these quotes for the same amount of solar? |
| Production | Estimated annual output in kWh and the assumptions behind it. | How were shade and roof direction included? |
| Price | Cash price, financed amount, and itemized additional work. | Which charges would change before installation? |
| Payment | Payment schedule, interest, fees, and total payments. | Does the payment change at any point? |
| Responsibility | Installer, warranty provider, and service contact. | Who handles a roof or equipment problem? |
Separate the system from the payment plan.
Request a cash price alongside any financing offer. If one quote includes a battery or electrical work and another does not, ask for those items separately. This gives you a clearer view of what is driving the difference.
For a loan, review the total financed amount and repayment terms. With a lease or power purchase agreement, read who owns the equipment, what you pay, and what happens if you sell your home. The FTC’s consumer guide to home solar explains these payment arrangements.
Use a blank comparison sheet.
Make one column per provider and a row for each item above. Write “not provided” where a detail is missing. That gap becomes a specific question to ask, rather than an assumption you have to make.
Ask what could change.
Before accepting a proposal, ask which details are preliminary and which are confirmed. Keep the response with the quote so you can check the final agreement against it.
- Has someone assessed the roof and electrical system?
- Are permits, inspections, and utility interconnection included?
- What work is excluded, and how would a change be approved?
- Who handles service, and what does each warranty cover?
- What cancellation and home-sale terms apply?
The Department of Energy’s guide to the solar installation process provides additional context for discussing these steps with a provider.
Keep the conversation specific to your home.
A proposal is easier to judge when it explains the roof, electricity use, and utility rules it assumes. If those inputs differ between providers, ask for an explanation before comparing the projected savings.
Continue with our solar cost guide or review what makes a roof suitable for solar.