What numbers should every solar quote show?

At minimum: cash price, system DC size, panel count and model, inverter model, expected annual production, included work, incentives, and any financing disclosures.

Is the proposal the same as the contract?

Not necessarily. Compare them line by line and treat the signed contract and financing documents as controlling unless qualified legal advice says otherwise.

How do I compare two quotes?

Normalize both to solar-only cash price, price per watt, equipment scope, production assumptions, warranty responsibility, and the same financing horizon.

How to Read a Solar Quote: A Homeowner Checklist

Turn a sales presentation into a small set of numbers, documents, and written responsibilities you can compare.

Published by Solar Quote Checker Editorial Team · Last verified July 23, 2026

Start with the proposal, but expect the contract and financing disclosures to control the transaction. Mark every number that affects cost or savings, then trace it to a definition, source, and responsible party.

Read the price block first

Record the solar-only cash price before incentives, DC system watts, calculated price per watt, financed amount, APR, term, payment schedule, and total of payments. Separate batteries, roofing, panel upgrades, and other work so proposals remain comparable.

Rebuild the production and savings claim

Find expected first-year production, the model used, roof and shading assumptions, degradation, utility price, export value, fixed charges, and escalation. A savings chart without these inputs cannot be independently checked.

Match the proposal to the contract

Confirm exact equipment models, quantities, scope, timeline, permits, interconnection, warranties, payment milestones, cancellation terms, change orders, substitutions, and responsibility for roof or electrical surprises. Put any sales promise that matters into the signed documents.

Primary sources

Federal Trade Commission: Solar Power for Your HomeRetrieved 2026-07-23
U.S. Department of Energy: Homeowner's Guide to Going SolarRetrieved 2026-07-23
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 12 CFR § 1026.18 — Content of disclosuresRetrieved 2026-07-23

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Frequently asked questions

What numbers should every solar quote show?: At minimum: cash price, system DC size, panel count and model, inverter model, expected annual production, included work, incentives, and any financing disclosures.
Is the proposal the same as the contract?: Not necessarily. Compare them line by line and treat the signed contract and financing documents as controlling unless qualified legal advice says otherwise.
How do I compare two quotes?: Normalize both to solar-only cash price, price per watt, equipment scope, production assumptions, warranty responsibility, and the same financing horizon.