The short answer
- Compare price per watt, not just total price.
- Check that production estimates and savings assumptions match NEM 3.0.
- Walk away from pressure, vague warranties and anyone promising the expired 30% credit on a purchase.
Getting two or three quotes is the single best thing you can do before going solar. Here's how to read them side by side.
1. Price per watt
Divide the total price (before incentives) by the system size in watts. A 7 kW system at $21,700 is $3.10/W. This lets you compare systems of different sizes fairly. Ask for battery cost separately.
2. Equipment
The quote should name the exact panel model, inverter or microinverter model, battery model and racking. "Tier 1 panels" without a brand is not enough.
3. Production estimate
Look for estimated annual kWh and how it was calculated (roof direction, tilt, shading). If one quote claims far more production from the same roof, ask why.
4. Savings assumptions
Ask what export rate and utility rate growth they assumed. Savings models built on NEM 2.0 export credits, or 6–8% annual rate hikes, will look great on paper and disappoint in real life.
5. Warranties
- Panel product and performance (typically 25 years)
- Inverter (10–25 years depending on type)
- Battery (typically 10 years)
- Installer workmanship and roof penetrations, in writing
6. Financing details
For loans, compare the cash price to the financed price to spot dealer fees. For leases and PPAs, find the escalator and the total cost over the full term.
Red flags
- "This price is only good today."
- Claims that you'll have a $0 bill (the fixed Base Services Charge makes that unlikely).
- Promising the 30% federal tax credit on a system you buy in 2026.
- Saying it's a "free government program."
- No license number, or a license you can't find on the CSLB website.
Paperwork California requires
California requires solar sellers to give you the Solar Energy System Disclosure Document, which summarizes costs, financing and savings estimates in a standard format. Ask for it, and compare it across quotes.
Want a second opinion on a quote you already have? Send it to us. We'll review it for free, even if you don't choose us.